Many individuals with ADHD also suffer from rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) – an extreme emotional sensitivity and emotional pain triggered by the perception—not necessarily the reality—that they have been rejected, teased, or criticized by important people in their life. RSD can negatively impact social interactions, relationships and job performance.
Recent research shows that about 60% of adults with ADHD have comorbid psychiatric conditions including: mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. The presence of these other conditions can often complicate the process of diagnosing and treating ADHD in an adult. Early recognition and treatment of ADHD and its comorbidities has the potential to change the trajectory of these psychiatric conditions later in life.
Recent research shows that a significant subgroup of people with ADHD has serious difficulties in regulating their emotions. It confirms that, in many cases, psychotherapy – to address emotional regulation issues – has a more important role to play as pat of an overall treatment plan for ADHD.
Going through grief or loss can mean experiencing symptoms like anger, sadness, emptiness and anxiety. For people with ADHD, however, grief and loss can be far more challenging. ADHD individuals tend to process and express emotions much more intensely. Grief and loss are part of life, but fortunately there are ways to handle it in healthy and constructive ways.
If you have an ADHD child who is on a treatment plan that involves taking stimulant medications, you may face a vexing decision when summer vacation arrives. That is, whether to give your kid a “drug holiday” – discontinuing their medication during the summer break from school. There are many factors to consider when contemplating a summer drug holiday for your ADHD child. Be sure to give it as much consideration as you did when starting the medication treatment in the first place.
One of the keys to managing your ADHD symptoms is to identify your individual trigger points. Once you recognize what triggers your ADHD symptoms, you can make changes to your lifestyle that will help control episodes. For many adults with ADHD, stress is a particularly difficult trigger to deal with. In part this is due to the fact that ADHD itself may cause an ongoing state of stress. Here are some strategies to help you tame stress at home or work.
During the 1970s, Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl championships. Today, most people recognize him as one of the hosts of the Fox network’s NFL Sunday program. What most people don’t realize is that Terry Bradshaw has struggled throughout his life and professional career with ADHD.
Many high school and college students have a lot of worry, anxiety and even depression because they aren’t sure what they want to do with their lives. ADHD can make those feelings even more acute. Recent research shows that when students look to external cues for a sense of self-worth can have negative consequences. An ADHD coach can help a high school or college student focus on their intentions and values as a source of self-esteem.
Common forms of anxiety are much more common in people who have ADHD than the general population. Half (52%) of adults with ADHD will experience general anxiety disorder during their lifetimes. There are a few easy, everyday things you can do that will help control anxiety without taking another pill. And you can start right now!