ADHD Symptoms | Untapped Brilliance

Can you have ADD and ADHD?

Posted on April 27, 2012 Written by Jacqueline Sinfield Leave a Comment

Great question. However, it isn’t possible to have ADD and ADHD as both terms describe the same condition. It is a little confusing because over the years the official name for ADD and ADHD has changed (ADHD is currently the official and most up to date title). Here is the time line of how it happened:

In 1980, ADD described a person who had Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was the phrase used to describe someone who also experienced hyperactivity.

In 1987, the official term changed, now the term ADHD is used for anyone who was diagnosed with what was previously ADD and ADHD.

In 1994, ADHD was divided into 3 subtypes:

ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive Type: characterized by mainly inattention; people have problems focusing, completing tasks, are easily distracted and seem forgetful, disorganized, and careless.

ADHD-Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: characterized mainly by hyperactivity and impulsivity. Paying attention is not a major problem; however, you might seem to act and speak before thinking, have lots of energy and always on the go.

ADHD-Combined Type: Characteristics of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsivity are present.

Even though ADHD is the official title, ADD and ADHD are the same thing, confusion continues because many people use ADD and ADHD interchangeably (including me). Medical journals regularly still use ADD and people who were diagnosed in the early to mind 1980′s with ADD, identify strongly with that term not ADHD, since in their mind it would mean they had hyperactivity.

If ever you find yourself a little confused in how the person you are talking to is using ADD and ADHD it’s fine to ask them to clarify how they use the terminology. That way there is no confusion.

When talking about ADHD do you use ADD, ADHD or a mixture of both?

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6 Tips to Navigate ADHD Support Groups

Posted on September 2, 2011 Written by Jacqueline Sinfield 4 Comments

Attending an ADHD support group can be a wonderful experience. You meet people who know what it’s like to live with ADHD without you needing to say a word. You feel understood and more comfortable with the members than even people in your family.

Unfortunately, not all ADHD support groups are like this, in fact some can be very depressing. People (usually one or two members dominate the meeting) talk about how awful there life is with ADHD. How they have no money, a bad job, a string of failed marriages etc, all because of ADHD. You’ll leave the meeting feeling unsettled and low.

However, it’s not just ADHD support groups that can be depressing, there are 1000’s of problems people encounter and a support group for every one of them. There seem to be 2 types of support groups, ones that provide a supportive healing environment and offer solutions to challenges. Then ones where people have a good moan, week after week, and enjoy being defined by their problems.

If you are reading this then you are almost certainly a proactive person and would enjoy the first option! Below are 6 tips to navigating ADHD support groups.

6 tips to navigate ADHD support groups:

1) Monitor how you are feeling during and after the meeting. If you are feeling sad or uneasy that is a sign the group doesn’t match your approach to life.

2) If you have a bad experience at one group, search for another one. Great groups do exist!

3) Don’t feel you have to attend every meeting. If the group meets every week, yet that feels too much for you make a personal commitment to attend once a month instead.

4) Attending a support group doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment. If you have attended for a while, but are no longer getting value, it’s fine to stop going.

5) If you meet one or two special people at a group you can keep in touch with those people independently of the group. Having friends who understand you is always a good thing.

6) If you are craving a group of supportive ADHD people, but can’t find a group in your area..start your own. It’s not as hard as you might think.

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Filed Under: ADHD Symptoms, ADHD Treatment, Adult ADHD, Untapped Brilliance Blog Tagged: add, adhd, adult add, depressing, proactive, support group

ADHD and Learning differences

Posted on June 25, 2011 Written by Jacqueline Sinfield 2 Comments

About 40 percent of people with ADHD also have a learning disability or the term I prefer is ‘learning differences’. Approximately 20 percent have Dyslexia and some ADHD adults have more than one learning disability.

Learning differences cause difficulties when reading, writing, performing calculations, as well as, visual or auditory perception. Learning disabilities have an effect on how the brain receives, processes, analyzes and stores information. Some learning disabilities affect concentration and focus (which of course is already a problem when you have ADHD).

These difficulties are present for the person when they are using their native language and there are no physical problems receiving information, such as, hearing and visual problems.

People with a learning disability tend to learn at a slower speed than their peers. This, in turn, can have effect on university grades and job performance. The result being a direct knock to one’s self-esteem.

Treating ADHD doesn’t help the learning disability directly, but it does indirectly. For example, if a person’s attention increases then they will be able to focus.

If you have ADHD and a learning disability here is what to do:

1. Get a diagnosis:

a. When you have an official diagnosis you will know exactly what you are dealing with.

b. If you are still in school you will get special accommodations to allow for your learning differences. For example, extra time in exams (you will also get accommodation for your ADHD).

c. After a diagnosis, you will be given a report outlining how you best learn. For example, when I was diagnosed with severe dyslexia (but don’t have ADHD), I found out I learnt best when listening to information. As I am writing this it sounds like common sense, but that was new information at the time.

2. Hire a tutor:

a. Find a tutor that specializes in your learning difference. Make sure they are both good at their job and have a personality that suits yours. My tutor was practical, kind and encouraging which, was the perfect combination for me.

3. Treat your ADHD:

a. Either with medication, or the non pharmaceutical steps I talk about or both. They will definitely help you cope and excel with your learning differences.

4. Do activities that you are good at:

Your self esteem takes a beating in learning situations so balance that out with activities that you excel at. It could be sports or creative activities, but make time every week for these activities. It is a vital to your emotional well being.

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Filed Under: ADHD Symptoms

ADHD Comorbidity

Posted on April 29, 2011 Written by Jacqueline Sinfield Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but I find the term ‘Comorbid’ a grim term. I am sure it would have been possible to come up with a more cheery description of an ‘individual that has more than one medical condition that exists both independently and at the same time.

However, regardless of the term, if you have Adult ADHD there is a 75% chance that you have another condition and that condition could also affect your attention.

Below is a list of the most common conditions that exist with ADD.

Here are the other conditions:

1) Depression
Struggling with unmanaged ADD is difficult so it’s not surprising as many as 16-30% of adults with ADD experience a major depression and 20-37% mild depression.

2) Anxiety
Statics show that 50 percent of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder could be Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder, Social phobia or specific phobias, such as fear of flying or fear of spiders etc.

3) Bipolar Disorder
Around 20% of adults with ADD also have Bipolar disorder. It can mimic symptoms of ADD and like ADD, it is heredity.

4) Sleep difficulties
People with ADD find it hard to fall asleep because their mind is working +++. They also find it hard to wake up in the morning and it takes them a while to ‘get going’.

5)Learning Disabilities
People with ADHD have an increased likelihood of also having a learning disability.

6) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Dr Hallowell believes most people with ADD have a mild form of PTSD because if left unmanaged ADHD can mean repeated traumas, humiliation, rejection and failures.

Remember if you do have one or more of these conditions along with ADHD, there is good news. When you start to treat and manage ADHD, issues with these conditions very often improve greatly too.

Don’t forget to read more about each condition that interests you.

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Filed Under: ADHD Symptoms

ADHD and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

Posted on March 24, 2011 Written by Jacqueline Sinfield 3 Comments

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a form of anxiety that occurs after a traumatic event. The severity of PTSD depends not on the event but on the individual’s perception of the event. Traumatic events vary from losing a job, being involved in an accident, sexual abuse, or natural disasters, such as, earthquakes or witnessing war. PTSD is a condition that frequently co-exists with ADD. In fact, Dr Hallowell believes most ADHD adults have a mild form of PTSD because if left unmanaged ADD can mean repeated traumas, humiliation, rejection and failures.

Having ADD can also increase the likelihood of developing PTSD, as an ADHDer can put themselves in situations that can cause trauma. For example, the Hyperactive and impulsive ADHDers are looking for stimulus and excitement without thinking of possible negative consequences. While the inattentive ADHDer might not notice the early warning signs that would have alerted them to get out of a particular situation.

If you have ADHD and suspect you also have PTSD here is what to do:

1) If your PTSD is server, get professional help straight away. Therapy will help you process the event. Remember there is no shame in seeking help.

2) If you feel that your PTSD is because of your life with ADHD, then you might decide to treat your ADD first. By managing your ADD, your chances of experiencing traumatic events will be reduced (if in doubt speak to your doctor).

How to manage your ADD is a big topic, but you will find lots of great articles here on this blog.

Here are a few article suggestions to get you started.

You will also find my ADHD book ‘Untapped Brilliance, How to Reach your Full Potential as an Adult with ADHD’ a great resource to learn what you can do to manage the negative aspects of ADD so your gifts can shine bright,

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Filed Under: ADHD Symptoms Tagged: adhd, adhd PTSS, adult add, post traumatic stress syndrome

Anxiety and ADHD

Posted on February 25, 2011 Written by Jacqueline Sinfield 2 Comments

Statics show that 50 percent of ADHD adults also have an anxiety disorder, for example Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social phobia or specific phobias, such as fear of flying or fear of spiders etc.

Not all anxiousness is bad. It can be a sign to get out of danger, that action is needed or it can help you to prepare for a big event. However, if you experience constant anxiety that feels overpowering and you fear everyday situations it a hindrance, not a help.
When you have ADHD and anxiety it intensifies low self-esteem, increases stress and problems with cognition, such as memory.

My favourite book about anxieties is ‘from panic to power’ by Lucinda Bassett. Lucinda has a positive outlook on anxiety. For example, she states that if you have increased anxiousness, you will also have above average intelligence, are highly creative, have a great imagination, detail-oriented and analytic. These characteristics give you the potential to achieve wonderful things. Yet, when you are suffering with anxieties you can scare yourself, imagine worse case scenarios, etc. and make yourself sick with anxiousness. Remember, no matter how severe your anxieties are they are treatable.

Anxiety and ADHD is a big topic, and over the next few weeks, I am going to be talking more about it. However, there are things you can do right now to start helping your anxiety:

1) Get diagnosed! A diagnosis is always a great starting point, as you then know exactly what you are dealing with.

2) Exercise every day. I talk about exercising a lot in terms of helping your ADHD. If you have anxiety as well, there is double the reason to get your body moving. Cardio exercise helps disperse your anxieties.

3) Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake. Both exacerbate anxious feelings.

4) Take deep breaths. Breath in through your nose as deeply as possible. Feel your chest expand as your lungs fill with air. Then very slowly breathe out. Do this 10 times and notice how much calmer you feel.

5) Get a copy of ‘From Panic to Power’ by Lucinda Bassett

6) Know there is hope. No matter how anxious you are now, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

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Filed Under: ADHD Symptoms Tagged: ADHD Anxiety, ADHD Behaviour, Adult ADHD

Depression and ADHD

Posted on May 18, 2009 Written by Jacqueline Sinfield Leave a Comment

Did you know that one out of four ADHD adults suffer with depression? Adults with ADHD experience depression at a higher rate than the rest of the population. If you have ever experienced depression you know the feelings of sadness, hopeless, and worthless.

Depression is categorized into two types: “Primary Depression” and “Secondary Depression”

“Primary Depression” is hereditary (genetic) and you feel depressed without there being a trigger or reason why.

“Secondary Depression” is the result of a trigger, (environmental), for example, the loss of a loved one or because of your ADHD struggles.

When you depressed, your normal habits are affected. Your activities and interests lose their appeal. Sleeping seems like the most enticing activity or a battlefield in the form of insomnia. Exercise gets pushed aside and healthy meals are replaced with comfort food. Social interaction reduces or stops. Your home becomes cluttered and messy as even taking the garbage out is a huge task. Before you know it, your life has become work, TV, and sleep.
If this describes you and it’s been over two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor and explain how you are feeling. If you are on anti-depressants and you have taken a downward turn, it’s time to revisit your doctor. In addition to seeing a medical doctor, consider visiting a psychologist. Talk therapy is a very powerful tool.

In addition to visiting medical staff, here are 8 things to help you get back on track. Bear in mind, you won’t ‘feel’ like doing these things a first, but start anyway. The enjoyment will come in time:

1) Take your supplements. If you only take one, choose Omega 3. It’s fabulous for your ADHD and your mood.

2) Exercise helps us mentally feel good. Start by walking 30 minutes a day.

3) Food has a powerful effect on your mood. Start replacing comfort food with some REAL feel-good food. Fresh fruit, veggies and fish are all great choices.

4) Do you have lots of clutter on the floor of your home? If so, move onto counter space or tables. It might sound strange, but clutter on the floor adds to depression.

5) Have you let simple pleasures go? Create a list of all those things that you loved to do then do one thing every day. For example, listening to music, doing a Sudoku puzzle, playing with your pet.

6) Reach out again to your friends, being with people is key because we are social beings who thrive on human interactions.

7) Take a peak in the mirror. Is there anything you would like to change? I know one man who had let his hair and beard grow really long and only washed them occasionally. When he shaved and cut his hair it affected his mood in a very positive way. What would your version of this be?

Don’t feel bad for “wasting” X number of days/weeks/months feeling depressed and
not “doing” anything. That is not helpful and makes you feel worse. The main thing is that you are shifting things now.

Remember, you are awesome, even on the days you don’t feel like you are!

The information in this article does not replace a medical intervention in anyway. When you are feeling depressed its imperative that you visit your doctor.
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