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Getting the Right Additude

 

Introduction

I have a lot of information and thoughts that need time to turn into a blog. I have been able to get a lot of information and pointers to more information on ADHD and some on comorbid ASD. But it will take a little more time and a quiet space to get my thoughts in order. This post is focused on a major information source that helped turn my self-compassion and self-belief back on. I will probably update it from time to time but also post further articles. Selfishly, it is to help myself get more organized but also pass useful information on, especially to the often perennial misunderstanding or disbelieving family and friends; often the closest ones cling most tightly to their incorrect assumptions about an ADHD person; sometimes a little like Climate Change deniers and Flat Earthers in the face of mountains of medical and scientific evidence, and many many lived experiences.

There are many great sources of information on ADHD but here I am much in (information) debt to the (now online) magazine ADDitude: https://www.additudemag.com. ADDitude is a quarterly consumer publication owned by WebMD, LLC, based in New York, NY, that focuses on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). The magazine, founded in 1998, offers feature articles on ADD/ADHD and related conditions like depression, anxiety, and dyslexia.

It covers topics such as diagnosis, treatment options (including medication and alternative therapies), parenting children with ADHD, learning disabilities, school challenges, and living with adult ADD. It is described as "The happy, healthy lifestyle magazine for people with ADD" by child psychotherapist Keath Low. The magazine's website, launched in 2007, provides free searchable archives, expert Q&As, blogs, and a directory of ADHD service providers. ADDitude was originally founded by Ellen Kingsley, a television journalist, in response to her son's severe ADHD diagnosis. Sadly, she passed away in 2007, and in her honor, ADDitude established the Ellen Kingsley Award for ADHD Advocacy.

Some great sections include: https://www.additudemag.com/category/blog/ and 

Some Thoughts On Recent ADDitude Articles Of Interest 

Adult ADHD Is Real — and Still Heavily Stigmatized

Adult ADHD is often derided or disbelieved but if it is undiagnosed Adult ADHD the consequences can be compounded (year on year) and exponentially serious. Sometimes it takes a medical incident that affects the brain or any other trauma or stress that overwhelms the masking coping mechanism.  This article: https://www.additudemag.com/adult-adhd-symptoms-bias-stigma/ explores the poor research and myths still associated with Adult ADHD. The article discusses a controversial opinion piece published in Psychiatric Times titled "The Making of Adult ADHD." The opinion piece challenges the validity of diagnosing adult ADHD, suggesting that it is a psychiatric fad and that symptoms are better explained by mood temperaments.

The authors of the opinion piece cite two studies that suggest only 20% of individuals with childhood ADHD continue to have it in adulthood. However, the article points out limitations in these studies, including the use of self-reports in structured interviews, which may underestimate ADHD persistence in young adulthood. A more recent study indicates that the majority of children diagnosed with ADHD experience a fluctuating pattern of remission and only 10% achieve full sustained remission in young adulthood, leaving 90% with persistent residual symptoms.

The article argues that adult ADHD is not a new concept, as it was recognized in the DSM-II and studied in young adults with persistent symptoms since adolescence. However, it acknowledges that diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD have lagged behind the field's research. The piece also discusses the negative effects of biases and stigma against ADHD and the importance of recognizing and addressing adult ADHD as a legitimate condition. It mentions that there is ongoing work in establishing guidelines for the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD to provide better support for affected individuals.

 

 “My ADHD Family Tree: Three Generations of Neurodivergence Revealed”

The article https://www.additudemag.com/genetics-adhd-family-tree-generations/ discusses a family's experience with ADHD across generations. The author's mother discovered she might have ADHD, leading to the author's own reflection on her life and realization that she too had ADHD. The author's daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and experienced positive changes with medication. The diagnoses improved the family's relationships by providing a new understanding of each other's challenges.

The article offers tips for families dealing with intergenerational ADHD:

  1. Learn as much as possible about ADHD from reputable sources.
  2. Recognize that what works for one family member with ADHD may not work for others, as ADHD can manifest differently.
  3. Practice self-compassion and be understanding of the challenges that come with ADHD.

 

The Grave Consequences of Persistent Gender Role Expectations in ADHD

This article: https://www.additudemag.com/gender-roles-adhd-symptoms-misdiagnosis-women/, is interesting and worth a read, though one should keep in mind that many males also fly under the radar with the supposed "female-form" of ADHD; so I would hesitate to categorically state: "The presentation of ADHD in males and females is distinct"; I think there is substantial overlap. And I think there would be a number of factors involved in how ADHD presents - not just gender. Overlooking anyone is a problem, early diagnosis is key for everyone. Medication is secondary and with a supportive environment might not be needed.

 

Q: “How Can I Purge the Mountains of Childhood Memorabilia from My Home?”

 This article: https://www.additudemag.com/getting-rid-of-childhood-memorabilia/, was of interest due to, in my opinion, the incorrect conflation of hoarding with ADHD behaviour - the problem arises when we worry too much about what others really want to keep, what we might treasure and the lack of time and memory and organisation to get help sorting a pile of memorabilia, and also the fear of throwing away useful things if not careful. Nothing to do with hoarding at all! Having time together later with the more grown-up-kids to finally enjoy, sort and keep, display or dispose of items could be fun bonding with memories.

 

Why We Need U.S. Guidelines for Adults with ADHD

This article https://www.additudemag.com/adult-adhd-diagnosis-treatment-guidelines-apsard/ discusses the importance of establishing U.S. guidelines for diagnosing and treating adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) is working on creating these guidelines, which are expected to be released in 2023. Note that, while the U.S. has its own guidelines for ADHD, other countries and organizations may have their own guidelines that are used within their respective healthcare systems. It's important to consult and follow the guidelines that are relevant to the specific region or country where healthcare is being provided.

The article highlights the increasing awareness and diagnosis of ADHD in adults, especially in individuals who were previously undiagnosed, such as women, minorities, and gifted individuals. It emphasizes the need for separate guidelines for adult ADHD, as the symptoms and diagnostic procedures differ from those in children.

The shortage of traditional ADHD specialists, the growing number of adult ADHD cases, and the involvement of primary care practitioners and other healthcare workers in ADHD diagnosis and treatment necessitate clear and authoritative guidelines. The article points out the complexity of diagnosing ADHD, as it involves subjective symptoms and distinguishing ADHD from other mental conditions. ADHD treatment is multifaceted and requires a holistic approach, including medication management and non-pharmacological interventions.

The article also mentions the surge in ADHD medication prescriptions and the need for appropriate prescribing practices. APSARD's forthcoming guidelines aim to address these challenges and provide reliable and safe practices for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of adult ADHD.


“The Tower of Bottles in My Kitchen — and More Proof of Creative ADHD Problem-Solving”

I felt like finishing this information and review blog with a funny but useful ADHD problem solving article: https://www.additudemag.com/creative-problem-solving-adhd/ that uses a novel strategy for addressing the inherent (sometimes short-term) memory problems about whether something important (like taking medication or turning off the stove or bringing the gym towel) was done. I try to do that in a similar but different way: I try to leave my car keys on what I need to take for example.

Further Information

  1. "Why ADHD Awareness is Important". Archived from the original on 2010-06-26. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
  2. "ADDitude Magazine". 24 October 2017.
  3. "Ask the ADHD Experts at ADDitude".
  4. "Welcome to the No Judgment Zone: ADHD Blogs and Essays".
  5. Salynn Boyles, Many Kids With ADHD Aren't Diagnosed, WebMD, September 4, 2007
  6. Ellen Kingsley: Former Channel 9 Reporter Dies Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine, WUSA9.com, March 2007
  7. "ADHD News and Information: Research Studies & More".
  8. ADDitude magazine, Spring 2008 issue, pp. 5
  9. "ADDitude's Online Archives". 5 January 2017.
  10. Solutions, Arca. "ADHD and Learning Disabilities Directory: ADD Coaches, Organizers, Doctors, Schools, Camps". directory.additudemag.com. Retrieved 2018-04-21.
 



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