Table of Contents
To my family and my patients and teachers.Dr. Don Haupt
To my husband, George, and my children Derek, Czar, Deara, Evelyn, and Soloman.
Eileen Bailey
Introduction
Approximately 4.5 percent of adults worldwide have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That means millions of adults struggle daily with losing their keys, wallets, or important papers. They consistently forget important meetings and events, or picking up their children from school. They also miss over three weeks of work productivity each year due to symptoms of ADHD, and may have problems getting along with co-workers.
Treatment has been found to be effective in reducing impulsiveness and increasing focus for most adults; however, the majority of adults either dont know they have ADHD or have not sought medical treatment for it. That means their spouses, family members, friends, co-workers, and bosses dont know, either. They dont understand why an anniversary dinner would be forgotten, why there is consistent tardiness, or why each day must start with 15 minutes of looking for car keys. This book offers those with ADHD, as well as the millions of people associated with them, an explanation of why certain behaviors continue to happen.
For those recently diagnosed with ADHD, this book can answer many of the questions you must have. For those who were previously diagnosed, maybe years ago, this book offers many tips and suggestions for coping with symptoms on a daily basis.
Friends, relatives, and co-workers may also benefit from this book. Although we understand ADHD is not an excuse for unacceptable behavior, it can be an explanation. Helping those you interact with on a daily basis understand your ADHD may help to improve your relationships.
We hope this book will provide answers to questions, new information and a resource guide to living with ADHD.
Whats in This Book
We understand you may not be a medical professional and may not want to read a book filled with medical jargon. We have tried to keep this book basic and free of too much medical terminology. When we needed to use medical terms, we have provided an explanation. There is also a glossary at the end of the book to help you better understand certain terms.
The book has been divided into six different parts to make it easier to keep track of where you are and what you have read.
Part 1, Understanding Adult ADHD, covers all the basic information. It explains exactly what ADHD is and what it isnt. We explain the three main types of ADHD, and what the terms ADD and ADHD mean. Finally, we discuss some of the other medical conditions commonly associated with ADHD.
Part 2, Treatment of ADHD, covers the different treatment options available for helping to alleviate symptoms of ADHD. We explain all about medication for ADHD, and provide insights to help you decide if medication is the right treatment for you. We also help you by offering steps you can take when looking for the right medical professional. Alternative and complementary treatments are also discussed, letting you know which ones may help and which ones you may want to avoid. Finally, we talk about coaching, explaining what an ADHD coach is and how a coach can help you reach your goals.
Part 3, ADHD and Relationships, discusses how ADHD impacts marriage and how you and your spouse can work together to focus on the positives within the relationship. In addition, there is information on different types of relationships, such as parents and siblings, friendships, and co-workers. Finally, we talk about communication, the cornerstone to good, working relationships, and some of the obstacles to communication commonly seen in adults with ADHD.
Part 4, ADHD at Work, concentrates on helping adults with ADHD succeed at work. We provide plenty of suggestions and tips for dealing with hyperactivity, impulsiveness, inattention, and disorganization in the workplace. We also discuss federal laws that help protect individuals with disabilities, and how you can become your own advocate.
Part 5, Managing ADHD in Daily Life, provides many tips and suggestions for coping with secondary symptoms of ADHD, such as procrastination, difficulty prioritizing, and hypersensitivities. Lastly, we discuss how ADHD impacts emotions and give suggestions to help manage emotions on a daily basis.
Part 6, ADHD Through Different Stages of Life, talks about how ADHD can appear differently throughout the life span. From young adults heading off to college to senior citizens, this part gives you lots of information on dealing with ADHD symptoms during each phase.
Extras
We have packed a lot of information into this book on living with ADHD as an adult. The following sidebars include even more:
The Lowdown
These sidebars provide helpful tips and suggestions for coping with, and managing, the daily symptoms of ADHD.
definition
These help to provide explanations for some of the medical terminology often used when discussing ADHD.
Think It Over
Managing ADHD may have issues and warnings you should be aware of. This sidebar calls attention to an important area of concern.
The Scoop
Theres lots of surprising but pertinent information about ADHD. This sidebar points out some interesting facts to help you better understand ADHD.
Acknowledgements
Donald Haupt, M.D.: Thanks to my wife, whose love, sense of humor, and support help me immeasurably every day. Thanks to my kids, who show me new ways of seeing the world. Thanks to my mother, Claire, and late father, Abram, who gave me a strong foundation and structure to grow on. Thanks to Anthony Rostain, M.D., who gave the first lecture I heard on adult ADHD. And a special thanks to my patients, who continuously enlighten and inform me.
Eileen Bailey: I would like to thank my husband, who continuously offers his support, encouragement, and love each and every day. Thank you to all of my children. My son Derek, for whom I began this journey and who inspires me with his courage to face each new day, despite the obstacles in his life. My stepdaughters, Sharaczar and Shaldeara, who bring happiness into our home each time they visit. My younger children, Evelyn and Soloman, who rose to the occasion, helped out around the house, and gave up summer activities to allow their mother to spend the summer writing and never fail to bring a smile to my face.
Both of us would also like to thank our agent, Marilyn Allen, for believing in us and helping to make this book a reality.
Trademarks
All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be, or are suspected of being, trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Alpha Books and Penguin Group (USA) Inc. cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.
