The ABC's of ADHD

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Dr Michele Brennan, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become a well-known diagnosis in recent years. I wanted to take a few minutes to answer some frequently asked questions that I have received.

1. What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Previously ADD was the term used for Attention Deficit Disorder. Although this term continues to be used among some professionals, the American Psychiatric Association officially changed the name of the diagnosis in 2000 to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD has 3 subtypes. First, there is the inattentive type. Second there is hyperactive type and third is the combined inattentive and hyperactive type.

2. Can you develop ADHD as an adult?

No. Symptoms must be present and cause impairment prior to the age of 7. It is possible to have had ADHD your entire life but not be diagnosed until adulthood. However, if the symptoms started as an adult there is likely another reason for them.

3. What causes ADHD?

There is no definitive answer to this question. The most widely accepted theory is that ADHD is the result of a neurological imbalance. ADHD is also thought to be hereditary, suggesting that it is caused by genetics. Another theory suggests that sugar, or food additives may play a role in its development; yet another theory suggests there is a link between tobacco/alcohol use during pregnancy and development of ADHD.

4. How is ADHD treated?

ADHD is treated through medication and/or behavioral management. Medications are administered through primary care doctors or psychiatrists. They can prescribe stimulant or non-stimulant medication. Behavioral Management helps address symptoms and behaviors naturally, without medication. Some individuals are very successful only using behavioral management, others require medication in conjunction. It is best to speak with your primary physician or a psychiatrist to assess if medication is right for you.

5. Can a coach help with ADHD?

Absolutely! A coach uses behavioral management to address your symptoms and how they are impairing your life. A coach can help you practice positive, new ways to deal with negative, old behaviors. They can offer suggestions, advice, reminders, support, encouragement, and structure to your life. They can help you get organized so you can set and reach goals. They can also help you deal with failures, and figure out why they occurred.

Starting a new job can be exciting. You still feel the honor associated with being chosen (which in this economy has become more selective) and you are optimistic about the journey ahead. During your interview, you asked exceptional questions about benefits, salary, future opportunities, and even about your job description. You have decided that you are prepared to deliver your best and know that you are a great fit for this position.

You start your new job and slowly realize your manager is insecure. He boasts to employees about his lifestyle, he rarely listens to employees who try to present concerns to him, and has been known to pass his work onto others. You and others in the office have little respect for him; he is not a leader or a role model for others. There is a high turnover rate in your office and you are starting to understand why.

Managers are the glue that hold a company together. Whether they are direct supervisors or higher management, having a great manager can make all the difference. Often times people are rewarded for their great performance at work by being promoted to management, however not everyone makes a great manager. This leads to managers who do not know how to lead, are not role models, and are better suited to excel at their skills under the supervision of a great manager.

But what makes a great manager? According to a large research study done by the Gallup Organization, the best managers focus on 6 main points.

Ensure that their employees know what is expected of them at work. Employees who do not understand the expectations of their managers are less likely to meet expectations. They are less likely to be successful in their work, which will lead to being less satisfied with their job.
Ensure that their employees have the necessary materials and equipment needed to be successful at their job. Employees are likely to become disgruntle when expected to work miracles. If they do not have what they need to complete a project, then it’s unlikely the project will get done.
Ensure that their employees feel like they have the opportunity to do their best every day. When they are encouraged to give their all to a task they excel at, then the employee is more likely to have increased satisfaction in their job.
At least once a week, praise and recognize each employee for their efforts and accomplishments. This shows the employees that they are recognized for their hard work, and appreciated for all the little things they do for the company.
Care about their employees on a personal level. Understanding the unique situation each person is in will make a better manager. A manger can then anticipate and meet the needs of the employee, leading to increased job satisfaction.
Encourage the development of each of their employees. Allowing each individual the opportunity to grow and develop their inner potential avoids employees who feel stagnant or stifled.

Happy employees yield hard working, loyal employees. Overall, this is great for companies as they will have lower turnover rates, lower training expenses, and typically higher profits. All of these achievements are impossible without awesome managers. Well trained and invested managers are the glue of the company. They are responsible for decreasing the loss of valuable and talented employees and creating an environment where employees can thrive and feel fulfilled.

What does all this mean? It means that when considering a new job, you need to consider your relationship with your future manager. Having a supportive, well trained manager is just as important as (or even more important than) the position and job description. You may have found your dream job, but if your manager is self-indulgent and not trained to support your professional growth then odds are things won’t work out. Take this information into consideration the next time you interview for a position; aim for finding your dream job and dream manager.

Till then, continue “Discovering Your Own Way”…

www.guidedpathway.com

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC: Author.

Beal, E. (1998). Everything you need to know about ADD/ADHD (attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). New York: Rosen Publishing Group.

National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov