Function with Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD can wreak havoc in your life if left uncontrolled. Following a few steps can allow you to live the life you want to lead.

Steps

 * 1) Get an accurate diagnosis. You can't self diagnose ADHD, nor can it be diagnosed over the Internet.  In fact research has shown than adults with true ADHD tend to underreport their symptoms because they seem normal to them, while those without tend to over report them.  Only a qualified medical practitioner can diagnose you.
 * 2) Learn as much as you can about ADHD. Ask your doctor questions, buy books or borrow them from the library, attend seminars.  The more you know about it the better you will be able to treat it.  Don't trust magazine and newspaper articles, they are often printed for the sensationalism and avoid Internet research.  Anyone can put anything on the Internet and a lot of ADHD Info on the net is false.
 * 3) Tell people. Talk to your family, partner, boss and friends about it.  The more people you have who can support you the better.
 * 4) Join a support group. Your doctor may know of one or perhaps find an online group.
 * 5) Consider medication. It is a medical condition and can't be treated with self control.
 * 6) Be prepared to try a number of different medications and doses. It takes an average of a year to find the right medication and dosage.  But once you do it will mean a lot of positive experiences for years to come.
 * 7) Avoid junk food. Candy, chocolate, soda's, take away and fast foods.  All make your condition worse.
 * 8) Exercise regularly. Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day and join a sporting group at least 3 times per week.
 * 9) Find a job that works for you. Look for a job where you high activity level is an advantage not a disadvantage.
 * 10) Embrace it. There are many good things about having ADHD!

Tips

 * Find a life coach or good friend to help you with tough problems.
 * Write lists, cross things off as you complete them.
 * give yourself as much structure as possible. Set up a clear home routine.

Warnings

 * ADHD is seriously over diagnosed in the US, often meaning the real cause of the problem is left. If your doctor diagnoses you in one visit, find another doctor.