Understanding ADHD in Children and Adults

Difficulties in organizing tasks and activities.

Forgetfulness in completing daily responsibilities.

Poor time management and procrastination.

Academic struggles, including difficulty focusing on tasks, completing assignments, and following instructions.

Challenges in workplace environments, such as time management and maintaining attention during meetings or tasks.

Acting without thinking, resulting in accidents or unintended consequences.

Difficulty waiting for one’s turn, interrupting conversations, or impulsively making decisions.

Excessive fidgeting or restlessness, particularly in situations requiring stillness.

Difficulty remaining seated in situations where it is expected.

Intrusive and excessive talking and impulsive actions.

Difficulty sustaining attention in non-urgent tasks or play activities.

Frequent careless mistakes due to lack of attention to detail.

Forgetfulness in daily activities and frequently losing necessary items.

Heightened Emotional Reactivity: Individuals with RSD may experience extreme emotional reactions to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. These reactions can include intense feelings of sadness, anger, shame, or humiliation, often disproportionate to the situation.

Avoidance Behaviors: To cope with the distress associated with rejection, individuals with RSD may engage in avoidance behaviors, such as procrastination, withdrawal, or self-sabotage, which can impair functioning in various domains, including work, school, and personal relationships.

Interpersonal Challenges: RSD can strain relationships, as individuals may react defensively or aggressively to perceived slights or criticism from others. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and social isolation.

Impaired Self-Esteem: Chronic experiences of rejection or criticism can significantly impact self-esteem and self-worth, leading to feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, or self-loathing.

Fear of Rejection: There is a pervasive fear of rejection or abandonment, leading individuals to avoid social interactions or situations where they anticipate criticism or disapproval.

Issues with impulsive displays of frustration when interrupted.

Difficulty in managing frustration, leading to intensive temper outbursts well into adulthood.

Methylphenidate and Amphetamine Derivatives:  Commonly prescribed stimulant medications can enhance neurotransmitter activity in the brain, improving attention and focus; helping particularly with the task-oriented symptoms of ADHD.

Parent Training Programs:  Assist parents in developing strategies to support and manage children with ADHD.

Educational Accommodations:  Individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans can provide classroom accommodations, such as extended time on tests or preferential seating.

Creating structured and organized environments can help individuals with ADHD manage daily tasks more effectively.

Non-stimulant options often help considerably with attention in addition to the emotional and other more subtle aspects of ADHD.

Examples: Atomoxetine, Guanfacine, Qelbree

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):  Helps individuals manage impulsivity, improve organizational skills, and address emotional regulation.

Regular physical activity has been shown to have positive effects on attention and executive functioning.

Often, a combination of medications, therapies, and environmental modifications provides the most comprehensive and effective approach to managing ADHD symptoms.