hands holding puzzle pieces putting together puzzle representing adult adhd

Adult ADHD can wreak havoc on one’s life. It can hurt marriages, careers, relationships and undermine self-confidence. Many adults don’t realize they have ADHD until their child is diagnosed or someone suggests they have signs of ADHD.

While professional organizers aren’t qualified to diagnose ADHD, we are aware of the signs and symptoms, and we can create organizing systems that work with our clients’ natural tendencies.

Signs of Adult ADHD

If the following symptoms are not connected to other medical or psychiatric conditions, consider implementing organizing and productivity strategies for clients with adult ADHD.1

  • A sense of underachievement, of not meeting one’s goals regardless of how much has been accomplished.
  • Difficulty getting organized.
  • Chronic procrastination or trouble getting started.
  • Working on many projects simultaneously; trouble following through to completion.
  • A tendency to say what comes to mind without necessarily considering the timing or appropriateness of the remark.
  • A frequent search for high stimulation.
  • An intolerance of boredom; a craving for novelty.
  • Easily distracted; trouble focusing attention, tendency to tune out or drift away in the middle of a page or conversation, often coupled with an inability to concentrate at times.
  • Frequently creative, intuitive, highly intelligent
  • Trouble in going through established channels and following “proper” procedure.
  • Impatient; low tolerance of frustration.
  • Impulsive, either verbally or by action, such as impulsive spending.
  • Changing plans, enacting new schemes or career plans and the like.
  • A tendency to worry needlessly, endlessly; a tendency to scan the horizon looking for something to worry about, alternating with attention to or disregard for actual dangers.
  • A sense of insecurity.
  • Mood swings, especially when disengaged from a person or a project.
  • Physical or cognitive restlessness.
  • A tendency toward addictive behavior.
  • Chronic problems with self-esteem.
  • Inaccurate self-observation.
  • Family history of ADHD or bipolar disorder, depression, substance use disorder, or other disorders of impulse control or mood.

What Causes Attention Problems?2

Many situations can result in attention problems – not just ADHD. Here are some common causes:

  • Environmental stress (conflict at work, school, or home)
  • Problems with mood (depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder)
  • Problems with sleep (sleeping too much, too little, or interrupted sleep)
  • Medications (including over-the-counter medications)
  • Stimulants (including caffeine, energy drinks, etc.)
  • Medical problems (brain trauma, liver, kidney, thyroid problems, etc.)
  • Substance misuse disorder

Professional organizers do not need to wait for or even inquire about an ADHD diagnosis. ADHD organizational strategies can help anyone with attention problems.

Who Needs to See a Mental Health Professional for Their Attention Problems?

Professional organizers are the go-to resources for clients, and many clients ask questions like, “Am I the most disorganized client you’ve worked with?” or “Do you think I have ADHD?” My response was usually something like this: “I’m not qualified to diagnose anyone, but I have the contact information of several licensed medical professionals that are; many of my clients see therapists for all sorts of challenges. Would you like me to give you a few names and numbers?”

Not everyone needs to see a psychiatrist for their attention problems. If someone has physical complaints and an attention problem, they should consult their primary care doctor first. If the attention problem is very mild and does not significantly interfere with everyday life, self-help websites and books might be helpful. Sometimes a simple self-evaluation of sleep cycles, diet, and exercise habits is insightful.2

Who Benefits Most from Assistance by a Mental Health Professional?2

  • Have significant problems functioning at work, school, or home
  • Have already seen their primary care doctor but continue to have attention problems
  • Experienced other mental health problems in the past
  • Are taking psychiatric medications (including sleep aids)
  • Have not benefited from self-help approaches
  • Are consuming alcohol or using other substances regularly

Working with Mental Health Professionals

While working hands-on as a professional organizer, I worked collaboratively with clients and their therapists. Often, therapists are unaware of clients’ living conditions. Having candid conversations, and sharing progress reports, and photos are invaluable. Communication between all three parties requires detailed planning, and I recommend a one-on-one coaching call to learn what to expect and how to prepare for and manage these appointments.

Whether you work with one of the doctors from Cognitive Psychiatry or another professional that specializes in Adult ADHD, this is what you can expect:

Firstly, the doctor will work with the client to uncover the cause(s) of the attention problem. Often this involves an assessment of behavior patterns, relationships, medications, and lab work (drawing blood). In some cases, the doctor may recommend an imaging study of the brain and an appointment with a neurologist. This workup is thorough and may take more than one appointment. It may seem long; however, as experts in this field, we firmly believe that gathering all this information ultimately improves treatment and hastens recovery.2

If you want to find out more information about attention problems or arrange an appointment with a doctor, contact the Cognitive Psychiatry of Chapel Hill, PLLC.

References

  1. ADHD and Productivity.” Dr. Hallowell, 4 Nov. 2020. Published with permission.
  2. Cognitive Psychiatry of Chapel Hill. Published with permission.

This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.


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