Adult ADHD Can Be a Real Problem

Adult ADHD can be a Real Problem

As a therapist I have been researching ‘Adult ADHD / ADD’. What is very interesting is that if someone has experienced the classic symptoms of ADHD which include: inability to organise themselves, poor concentration and focus and impulsive behaviours as a child, they are more than likely to maintain these patterns throughout life. This can result in  troubled relationships at work and in their personal life. There is also  a 40% chance that their children will exhibit similar symptoms.

Back in the early 80’s, it was reported that  common symptoms relating to this condition, were identified by a support group. This was funded by the drug manufacturer responsible for producing Ritalin. This is the most commonly prescribed treatment for the condition, which is diagnosed by a checklist of symptoms over a 6 month period. These drugs are known to have a similar effect on the body’s system as cocaine does  and are highly controversial, especially as they are prescribed to very young children. I have even had people approach me saying that their baby has ADHD and what can they do about it?

So, have support groups moved on in 25 years? Now the internet is the first port of call for any information about anything. Alongside all of that of course, you have to consider how reliable are those sources of information that are banded about and quoted with great authority.

I have been working closely of late with a therapist colleague who holds some interesting reservations about support groups, which translate to online discussion forums. When people get together with an area of common interest, particularly if  it is  an illness or ‘condition’ based topic, there seems to be a predominant focus on the problem. Lots of discussion about the negative aspects of whatever it is that is being discussed, which is of course what hooks people in. For example Adult ADHD / ADD, the depressive, anti social, disorganised  aspects of what defines the condition.

Now my friend is convinced that this creates a negative focus and this is what holds people in to the group and they take their  reference points around the negative discussions of illness and in itself, this will create more of the very symptoms which reinforces the belief.

I have followed through with this theory and carried out a little bit of research. I posted on a number of discussion groups. Each comment was positive, proven natural advice with no side effects and always solution focused.

The results are proving very interesting – so far only 10 % of responses are positive and actively choosing to follow up in any way on  the advice given. 30 % have posted comments which could be classed as disbelieving (although never having tried natural approaches), derisive or even hostile and insult based. 60% ignore the comment)

Each positive response has been from a parent of a child who is at their wits end to cope and really doesn’t want their child to go down the medication route.

Even when it was suggested that these approaches are complementary healthcare approaches and they will have no interaction with the drugs. They offer a way to work with behaviours that means there are NO side effects as with the drugs. There is little movement in the mindset of some of these people.

It makes interesting reading as we are now looking at the second generation of Ritalin – the ‘Diagnosed ADHD / ADD adult’
Having followed this approach through for 3 months I am refining and continuing the research having set up an active community which remains solution focused in a safe natural and empowering way. Through this facility, it is possible to research the most effective and easy ways that people deal with challenging behaviours and share them as good practice whether for children or adults with the ADHD / ADD label.