Do i have adhd quiz

ADHD in adults: All You Need to Know

While the public discussion around attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often centers around school aged children, many adults in the United States have ADHD.

About 2.5% of U.S. adults have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Increasing awareness about adult ADHD has helped expand understanding of how it presents in adults and how to treat it.

ADHD is defined as a persistent pattern of trouble with attention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that gets in the way of your daily functioning or development.

If you are an adult with undiagnosed ADHD, one challenge is recognizing the symptoms. You might chalk your symptoms up to fatigue, disinterest in work, or poor time management skills.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief because there’s an explanation for your symptoms and treatment options.

According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), symptoms of inattention can include:

difficulty sustaining attention in tasks, like classes, lectures, or reading
difficulty paying close attention to details or making careless mistakes at work or during other activities
not seeming to listen when spoken to directly
difficulty following through on instructions or finishing duties in the workplace
difficulty organizing tasks and activities — for example, is messy and has difficulty with time management

Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity can include:

difficulty sitting still or feeling restless when sitting still is required
interrupting others during conversation
being socially inappropriate
rushing through tasks
acting without much consideration for the consequences

A combined presentation diagnosis occurs when enough symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity occur for at least 6 months.

We don’t know exactly what causes ADHD. We do, however, know several factors that can contribute to developing ADHD.

According to the NIMH, the following are risk factors for ADHD:

Genetics. If you have a parent with the condition, you are much more likely to develop ADHD than a person without that familial history. In fact, 3 out of 4 children who have ADHD have a relative who also has the disorder.
Maternal factors. Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or drug use during pregnancy may contribute to a child developing ADHD.
Toxins. Exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy or at a young age, such as high levels of lead, may be a risk factor.
Low birth weight.
Brain injuries.

ADHD is more common in males than females. Inattention is especially common in females with ADHD.

People with ADHD may have co-occurring conditions, including:

anxiety disorder
conduct disorder
depression
substance use disorder
learning differences

Researchers began studying ADHD in children in the late 1970s and observed that many continued to experience the condition into adulthood. They assessed people using interviews to establish standardized criteria that helped specialists to diagnose ADHD in adults.

Over the years, researchers and experts expanded and refined these criteria. In 1980, ADHD was included in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the first time it had appeared in the guide.

DSM-III developed three symptom lists for inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

The current edition, DSM-5, outlines several requirements for an adult diagnosis of ADHD:

several symptoms must have been present before the age of 12
the adult must have at least five symptoms of either inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
the symptoms must be present in two or more settings, such as at home and at work.
there must be evidence that the symptoms interfere with the person’s functioning in these settings

So how does a specialist decide you meet that criteria?

They’ll ask you about your history, especially regarding work and school, as well as their daily life and habits. The specialist will want to check for other undiagnosed conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety, or affective disorders.

To better understand your personal history, the specialist might ask to talk with relatives, friends, or co-workers as part of their evaluation. If that makes you uncomfortable, don’t worry. It’s not always necessary for a diagnosis, just helpful.

They also might give you a physical examination and ask about your medical history. According to the NIMH, “A person’s medical history is also important, as previous health problems, trauma, or injury can also be the cause of symptoms.”

Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be liberating, as it can explain why certain things have been challenging throughout your life.

If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD, you have a variety of medical treatment options. Your doctor might suggest a stimulant like:

Strattera (atomoxetine)
Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)

Antidepressants can also be useful in treating ADHD, either alongside or instead of stimulants. Antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine are the most effective in treating ADHD. These include venlafaxine (Effexor) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).

As always, you’ll want to tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking, as these can interact with ADHD medications.

Counseling or therapy can also help people with ADHD better understand the condition and manage their day-to-day lives.

Looking for more? Check out our treatments for ADHD article here.

Coming up with structure and routine for accomplishing tasks can be really helpful for people with ADHD.

Productivity and time management tools can go a long way to improving your work and personal life. For example:

Using apps like Todoist can help you prioritize tasks and keep track of what you need to get done.
Keeping a productivity diary can help you visualize what you want to accomplish and evaluate how you did.

Along with therapy or counseling, many people find that having an ADHD coach helpful. These coaches can help you figure out what organizational and time management systems work for you.

Looking for an ADHD coach? The ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO) provides a directory to search by location.

Other organizations that can help you connect with ADHD coaches include:

ADD Coach Academy
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC)

It can really help to talk with someone about how you’re feeling about having ADHD. Psychotherapy can help you explore emotions related to ADHD. A good therapist can also help you see the beneficial effects of high energy levels, spontaneity, and enthusiasm that ADHD can bring.

The important thing to remember is that an ADHD diagnosis opens a world of treatment possibilities that can greatly improve your life.

Looking for more? Read our main article on tips for living with ADHD here. Also, check out the ADHD Survival Guide by Sam Dylan Finch, a writer and positive psychology practitioner who lives with ADHD.

If you think you might have undiagnosed ADHD, contact your doctor. They can talk to you about your symptoms and refer you to a specialist for evaluation.

If you want to talk with other adults who have ADHD, you can find support groups through organizations like Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD).

If you want to read more about ADHD, we’ve included some resources below:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CHADD fact sheets

Childhood/Teenage ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

ADHD affects millions of children and teens. These days, ADHD means more than just being ‘too hyper’ – it covers a wide range of behaviors.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common conditions diagnosed in children ages 2-17. It affects about 6 million (9.4%) children in the United States, according to the latest figures from 2016.

There’s a wide range of behaviors associated with ADHD. Many of which can look a lot like common childhood behaviors.

So, how do you know when your child’s symptoms are a sign they have ADHD?

Let’s take a deeper look at how ADHD looks in children and teens.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it can affect the way a person behaves and learns. Its major symptoms are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Like with any condition, symptoms can look different from person to person. Every person with ADHD has different needs. Some may need more support, while others may need less.

And having any of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that your child or teen has ADHD.

An evolving diagnosis

The term “attention deficit disorder” (ADD) was first introduced in 1980 in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — the reference manual used to diagnose mental conditions in the United States.

In 1994, the definition was revised to include three types of groups: the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type; the predominantly inattentive type; and the combined type (in the DSM-5, these are now referred to as “presentations”).

After this revision, ADD was considered outdated and no longer used.

You can find out more about ADHD facts and statistics here.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) has grouped ADHD into three types – predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactivity-impulsive, and a combination of both.

Predominately inattentive

This type of ADHD is characterized primarily by inattention and distractibility.

Children or teens with this type may be easily distracted and have difficulty staying organized, following directions, or completing a task.

Predominately hyperactive-impulsive type

Children or teens with this type of ADHD have symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may fidget, feel restless, interrupt others, talk a lot, and have a hard time sitting still (e.g., for a meal or doing school work).

Due to a higher chance of impulsive behaviors, children or teens with this type may be more likely to have accidents and injuries.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

This is the most common type of ADHD. Children or teens with this combined type have both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms.

The type of ADHD your child or teen has will determine how they’ll be treated. The type can change over time, so treatment will likely change, too.

It’s normal for children to daydream in class, forget their homework, lose their toys, act without thinking, or have a hard time sitting still for long periods.

That’s why it can be challenging to tell whether your child has ADHD or if they’re acting like a “kid.” For some, these behaviors happen only in some situations and only occur every so often.

But for those with ADHD, these behaviors may be more severe and happen more frequently, often leading to problems at home, school, and with friends.

The impacts of ADHD on girls are different than boys, especially in peer relationships. The awareness of ADHD in girls is often missed as their symptoms generally are not as severe as they are in boys.

The symptoms of ADHD your child or teen has will depend on the type of ADHD they have. They may have some or all of these symptoms.

Some common ones include:

difficulty sitting still
easily distracted
trouble focusing or concentrating on tasks
forgetful in daily activities
loses things needed to complete a task/activity (e.g., school materials)
interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
difficulty waiting their turn

You can find out more here about symptoms of childhood and teen ADHD.

Although ADHD is a common condition, the exact causes and risk factors for the condition are unknown. Many doctors and researchers believe a variety of factors may play a role in its development.

Genetics is one of those factors. A 2018 review of family, twin, and adoption studies shows that ADHD may run in families.

Research from 2008 suggests that low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine – which is associated with pleasure and reward – may also contribute to symptoms of ADHD.

More recent research suggests that children born prematurely or with a low birth weight have an increased chance of being diagnosed with ADHD.

Researchers are studying possible causes and risk factors of ADHD, such as brain injury and exposure to substance use during pregnancy.

Want to know more? You can find out more about causes and risk factors of childhood ADHD here.

Parents are usually the first to notice signs of ADHD in their child. If you notice symptoms of ADHD in your child or teen, you can talk with your pediatrician about an evaluation for the condition.

There’s no medical or blood test for ADHD. But doctors will look at your child’s behavior to help them make a diagnosis.

Your doctor will likely gather information about their behavior in different settings – at school, home, or with friends – from teachers, family members, and any other adults involved in their care.

A rating scale and other sources, such as a checklist, may be used to document symptoms and make sure that specific guidelines for diagnosing ADHD have been met.

The average age of diagnosis is 7 years old. But severe ADHD can be diagnosed as early as 5 years old.

During the evaluation, the doctor will also work to determine if another condition may be causing the symptoms or if another condition is occurring simultaneously. Among children ages 2-17 diagnosed with ADHD, nearly two-thirds (64%) also had another co-existing condition, such as anxiety or depression.

If your doctor suspects ADHD, they may refer you to an ADHD specialist. Before your appointment, it may helpful to make a list of your child’s behaviors and gather any observations or notes from teachers and counselors to provide to your doctor.

If parents can, consider an independent evaluation by a psychologist who specializes in these conditions. Depending on the diagnosis, you may also be referred to a child psychiatrist or neurologist for additional testing.

Given the amount of information available about ADHD and its stigma, it’s not uncommon for parents to have concerns after their child receives an ADHD diagnosis.

But the good news is that ADHD is treatable, and with the right treatment plan, you can learn to manage those behaviors and improve symptoms.

The most common treatments for this condition include medication, behavioral therapies, or both.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends behavioral therapy as a first-line treatment for children younger than 6. For children 6 years and older, a combination of behavior therapy and medication is recommended.

Behavioral therapy is often used to help you and your child or teen learn to monitor and manage their behavior. It typically also involves parent training in behavior management.

Another type of therapy, psychotherapy or talk therapy, may also be used to help manage behavior. In talk therapy, you and your child or teen will talk about how ADHD affects your daily lives, and the therapist will give you tools to use to help manage it.

Medication, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, may also be helpful in managing behavior and improving symptoms. These medications work by acting on chemicals in the brain – dopamine and norepinephrine.

You can take a deeper dive into ADHD treatments in children and teens here.

After a diagnosis of ADHD, many parents can feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.

And that’s OK. You’re not alone. If you work closely with your child’s doctor, you can learn to monitor your child’s behaviors and make changes along the way to help manage those behaviors.

Your child’s school may also be a part of your management plan. ADHD qualifies for a 504 plan, which schools developed to support kids with disabilities. In fact, the AAP recommends adding classroom intervention strategies and school support to a behavioral therapy plan for ADHD.

Finding the right management plan can take a little trial and error, but once you find one that works for you and your family, it will be worth it.

Remember, not every child with ADHD has the same needs and routines, and what works for one may not work for another.

For some, it may be helpful to make a daily to-do list to help them stay organized and on track throughout the day. For others, creating calendar reminders and alarms helps them stay on task.

It’s important to find the approach that fits you and your family and helps make managing daily tasks and activities easier for you.

If you want to know more, you can find more tips for living with ADHD here.

If you think your child or teen has ADHD, you’ve already taken the first step — educating yourself about the condition.

The AAP recommends talking with your child’s doctor as the next step. They can refer you to a specialist who will provide an in-depth evaluation and make a diagnosis.

There are also organizations that can provide additional information, support, and resources to help you and your family manage the tasks of everyday life.

Some organizations that can help include:

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

If you want to find out more about resources for ADHD, click here.

ADD(H) test for children

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ADD(H) test for children

ADD(H) test for children up to 16 years of age inclusive in accordance with the American DSM-V methodology.

Number of questions: 18 .

For more information, see the article from the Notes.

...

To answer "Yes", the symptom must be:

- Stable during the last 6 months .

- Was expressed in measure not corresponding to the level of development .

- Had a negative impact on academic performance and/or professional activities .

...

The test is provided for informational purposes and is not intended to diagnose any disease.

Consult a doctor for diagnosis.

...

Often makes nervous movements with the hands or feet, or fidgets and wriggles while sitting in a chair.

Yes

Often interrupts or annoys others.

For example, breaks into conversation, games or activities without invitation; can use other people's things without asking; for teenagers or adults - they can interfere with someone else's work or continue someone else's work themselves.

Yes

Often has difficulty waiting in line.

For example, in the shop or at the game.

Yes

Often blurts out an answer before the question has been fully asked.

For example, completes sentences when others are speaking; cannot wait for their turn to join the conversation.

Yes

Often too talkative.

Yes

It is often in constant motion and behaves as if a motor was attached to it.

For example, absolutely unable or unable to stay comfortably in one place in restaurants or meetings; perhaps people around him consider him a restless person or a person with whom it is difficult to deal with.

Yes

Often finds it difficult to play or spend leisure time quietly.

Yes

Often runs back and forth without restraint or climbs in situations where this is unacceptable.

Note: Teenagers and adults may not be running, jumping or climbing, but may be restless and out of sorts.

Yes

Often leaves his seat in class or in other situations where the person is expected to be seated.

For example, leaving one's seat in a classroom, in an office or other place of work, or in other situations where one is expected to be seated.

Yes

Often fails to pay due attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, and other activities.

For example, does not notice or misses details, the work is done inaccurately.

Yes

eleven

Often forgetful in daily activities.

For example, forgetfulness in housework, while doing errands; for older teenagers and adults - they forget to return calls, pay bills, come to a meeting or appointment (to a doctor, for example).

Yes

Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli. For older teenagers and adults, this includes thoughts that are inappropriate for the time / place.

Yes

Often loses things needed for lessons or classes.

For example, notebooks, textbooks, pencils, books, tools, keys, paper forms, glasses, mobile phones.

Yes

Often avoids, dislikes, or reluctantly takes on things that require sustained mental effort.

For example, school assignments or school homework, for older teens and adults - preparing reports, filling out forms, studying long texts.

Yes

Often has difficulty organizing lessons and classes.

For example, trouble moving from one task in a chain to another, difficulty keeping materials and personal belongings in order, sloppy disorganized work, poor time management, failing to complete work on time.

Yes

Often does not follow instructions to the end and does not complete class work, chores, or duties in the workplace.

For example, starts work, but quickly loses focus and easily wanders off topic.

Yes

Often it seems that he does not listen to the speech addressed to him.

For example, his mind wanders somewhere else, even if there is no obvious distraction.

Yes

Often has difficulty maintaining attention when performing tasks or during games.

For example, has difficulty maintaining focus in lectures, during conversations, during long readings.

Yes

how to work and study with such a diagnosis

Lina

learns to control attention

Author profile

I am twenty-five, a couple of years ago I was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Before that, I thought that my absent-mindedness and systematic procrastination were character traits or simple laziness. When I once again failed to complete my study and work assignments on time, I scolded myself and promised to pull myself together. But that didn't help.

In this article, I will share my path to diagnosis and techniques that help me learn and work. Some I invented myself, some I peeped from other people with ADHD.

What you need to know about the work of the brain

The main thing about effective ways not to succumb to stress and thinking errors is in your mail twice a month on Fridays. Free

How I found my psychotherapist

In the fall of 2019, I moved to Germany — I entered the university at the Faculty of History. Immediately after the move, I started working part-time in a bakery - just to have something to live on. The work was uninteresting, the relationships in the team were toxic.

Studying was also difficult: I had to read a lot and memorize a huge amount of information, but it was hard for me to concentrate. I constantly worried that I would be expelled, because I often could not pass the exam the first time. Sometimes it didn’t work out even the second time, and I had to come back for a retake.

/russia-in-depression/

A depressive episode: what is happening to the mental health of Russians

And then the pandemic began - all education moved online. I didn't have time to make friends and felt very lonely.

In the summer of 2020, I realized that I could not force myself to study and work. I could sit for hours and try to start doing things, but I couldn’t focus. It was scary that I would be left without money, I would be expelled and I would have to return home. Out of desperation, I decided to turn to a psychotherapist.

At first I thought that I would have to turn to a paid specialist - and frantically counted the money. But then I found out that under insurance I have the right to a free visit to a psychotherapist - this is not considered an optional service like going to a beautician, but a vital one. This insurance is mandatory, every student and, in general, every person who lives in Germany has it. Every month I pay 115 €⁣ (7304 R) for it.

In an organization that helps students, I was advised to see a psychotherapist who speaks my native language. In Germany, this is not a problem: there are many Russian-speaking specialists. So I searched the Internet for Russian psychotherapists and went to one of them.

I didn't like the two psychotherapists at all. For example, one of them said at the very first meeting that all my problems were due to arrogance.

Only the third trip to psychotherapy turned out to be successful - I got to an attentive and benevolent woman. It turned out to be easy to talk to her: I was not ashamed and afraid to tell that I was tired and couldn’t study normally, that I was lonely after I moved, and that I constantly think that something is wrong with me, that I lazy and unpleasant, since I can’t make friends with anyone. In response, I received only understanding and sympathy.

/psychotherapy-search/

How to choose a psychotherapist

How I found out I was living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

My problems with my inability to focus, study and work systematically, and meet deadlines did not begin after I emigrated. I have been living with them all my life - just until the summer of 2020 I could somehow motivate myself. Usually with the help of fear: she dragged herself to the last, scolded herself for laziness, frightened herself with nightmarish consequences, and then did what she had to do for a month overnight.

One day, while looking for life hacks about productivity, I came across an article with tips for people with ADHD and a story about this mental feature. The description was very similar to me. I read more about the symptoms of this syndrome and recognized myself.

How to understand that you live with ADHD

Impulsiveness and short temper.
Disorganization, problems with prioritization and planning.
Problems concentrating on a task.
Trouble starting and finishing a task.
Excessive activity or restlessness.
Frequent mood swings.
Problems coping with stress.

Almost everyone has some of the symptoms on this list. If you have found them in yourself, this does not mean that you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Confusion, planning problems, and procrastination can be associated with other problems, from fatigue to mood disorders like depression. If they appeared recently, this is definitely not ADHD: a person lives with this mental feature all his life.

To test yourself, you can take the Adult ADHD Test, developed by experts from the World Health Organization, New York University School of Medicine, and Harvard Medical School.

The test result is not a diagnosis, but an estimate of the likelihood that you have this syndrome. It can only be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or a clinical, that is, medical, psychologist. You should choose a specialist wisely: not everyone knows that ADHD occurs in adults, some do not believe in it at all and believe that all children “outgrow” attention deficit and hyperactivity.

I told my psychotherapist about the suspicion that I have ADHD. I was worried that she would think that I was just making excuses for my disorganization. But she just said it was possible and referred me to a psychiatrist at a center that specializes in ADHD.

The specialist who performed the diagnostics asked me about my childhood for a long time. I remembered that I was an active child - I loved to read and draw, skateboard and swim in the pool, eat sand and climb trees. Even more loved to do it all at the same time.

In school, I always got A's in subjects and F's in behavior because I couldn't sit still. During breaks, I ran around, during classes I constantly chatted, so I was regularly kicked out of class. I was told that I was too harsh, rude and "like a kid."

/list/pediatric-neurology/

“A third of the diagnoses for children were made in vain”: 15 questions to the pediatric neurologist Anastasia Nosko

Sitting through a lesson is very difficult, but I still studied well. In elementary school, because I was afraid of my parents: they constantly yelled at me, and I tried not to give an extra reason for this. In addition, I was just a smart girl, and due to this I could constantly chat in class, but still get fives.

However, the teachers constantly scolded me for my negligence - it arose because I usually did my homework quickly and at the last moment, when the failure was as close as possible, and the fear was as strong as possible. At times like this, I concentrated so much on what I was doing that I wouldn't even pay attention to the fire until my clothes caught fire.

By the way, the same overly focused state also happened when I was doing something interesting. For example, I painted for two days, almost without leaving the room.

As a child, I began to think of ways to force myself to do something that I just couldn't start. Usually I figured out how to do the task in some special way - so that it would be interesting. For example, find especially interesting facts for an essay or draw sketches for it.

I told the psychiatrist all this and left his office with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder.

It must have been one of the happiest moments of my life: I just got confirmation that I'm not a slacker and I'm trying hard enough. It's just that my brain works differently - and it needs to be treated differently too.

Why a child with ADHD may not be diagnosed and only learn about it when they grow up

Sergei Potanin

psychiatrist

Author profile

Diagnosis of ADHD is generally difficult. First of all, because different children with this syndrome have different combinations of symptoms. Some have attention problems, others have hyperactivity, and still others have both.

At the same time, the same problems with attention in different people manifest themselves in different ways. Some people cannot focus at all for a long time and study poorly - and it is easier to understand that they have ADHD. Others constantly lose things and interrupt the interlocutor, but manage to get good grades in school. And in order to recognize ADHD in them, you need to understand the diagnosis of this particular syndrome.

In addition, cultural differences complicate the diagnosis. For example, according to statistics, almost 10% of children in the US live with ADHD, while in the UK - only 2-5%. This does not mean that Americans are more likely to have ADHD than British people. It’s just that what in one country is considered traits of character, albeit not always pleasant for the child and others, is considered pathological inattention and hyperactivity in another.

In the first country, a child with ADHD is less likely to go to a psychiatrist for diagnosis - his features will be considered a variant of the norm and a character trait, and even if they do, the doctor may not diagnose him either. In the second country, the reverse situation is possible - the usual childhood restlessness will be considered ADHD.

Russia is an example of the first country: parents would rather consider a child with behavioral and educational problems restless, inattentive and lazy than take him to a psychiatrist.

How Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Affects My Life

ADHD may not manifest itself in the same way as in childhood in adulthood. For example, over time, my hyperactivity smoothed out - I no longer want to climb trees, it has become easier to sit in one place.

But most aspects of inattention cause as much trouble as in childhood. Here are the main features that I notice in myself and consider as manifestations of ADHD.

/list/adhd-in-school/

Crop Drawings and Fractional Problems: 7 Techniques to Help Me Learn with ADHD

Restless Brain. If I am doing something and it requires concentration, then I inevitably get distracted at least every ten minutes. The reasons may be various external stimuli - for example, a bird flew by the window. But internal incentives also interfere. Visual images, music and thoughts are constantly flashing in my head - and this also negatively affects attention.

Inability to do something uninteresting. If something is not interesting to me, then no rational arguments will return the motivation - I literally physically cannot do it. For example, I am terribly bored with throwing out the garbage and washing the dishes. It seems like small things, but trying to force myself to do such uninteresting things sometimes causes me muscle pain.

Impulsivity. First of all, this is when you sit and do something, and then you suddenly lose interest - and abruptly switch to something else, which now seems more interesting. It is impossible to control this process and force yourself to return to what you did and lost interest. Because of this, it is very difficult to do something systematically, every day, including work and study. And in general, to plan something - for example, what to do on a day off.

No priorities. For my brain there are no important things - only interesting ones. Let's say if we - me and my crazy brain - decide at two in the morning to paint a table or sew a toad from a Pinterest pattern, I will do this, even if I have to get up at six in the morning or study for an exam. Forcing yourself to interrupt and postpone an interesting business for some time usually does not work.

Paralysis ADHD. This is a special condition that occurs in a person with ADHD due to physical, emotional or intellectual overload. The brain cannot cope with stress - and this turns into an inability to start doing something, complete a task, or concentrate on anything at all.

It's not just procrastination like a person without ADHD. Procrastination is a more controlled, purposeful state. It is impossible to control will paralysis - the brain has exhausted its resources.

I most often experience ADHD paralysis when I have to do something at a certain time, especially something difficult when there is no strength. When I think about the deadline, my body even starts to hurt. I can’t get to work - I can’t focus, my thoughts run away.

Hyper focus. As in childhood, I tend to delay doing uninteresting or overly difficult tasks that cause ADHD paralysis to the last and do them quickly. For example, six months ago, I couldn’t force myself to get down to work for a month, and the night before the deadline I did everything I needed to.

Such productivity is a manifestation of the so-called hyperfocus. This is a state of extraordinary concentration that some people with ADHD experience.

I also focus too much on what interests me.

For example, recently I spent three days working on a series of illustrations that I came up with and painting for days on end, almost non-stop, picture after picture. I forgot to drink and eat, I fell asleep right in front of the canvas a couple of times, but I didn’t stop drawing until I finished the entire series. After such marathons, it takes a long time to restore strength.

No sense of time. If I don't constantly look at my watch, I don't know if it's been twenty minutes, an hour, or half a day. Therefore, I cannot study for three hours - if I set the task like this, then my brain does not understand what to do. Instead, I have to agree with myself that I will study three times - that is, three times I will sit at the table and do something about my studies. Maybe I will sit at the table three times for ten minutes, or maybe three times for three hours, it is always unpredictable.

Anxiety and depression. In addition to ADHD, I was diagnosed with an anxiety-depressive disorder - this is when you are constantly depressed and at the same time worry a lot disproportionately or for no reason at all.

This disorder is also associated with ADHD - because living with such a brain is hard. You are vulnerable to stress, constantly worry that you are not doing what you should, and let other people down. People around do not understand why you miss deadlines and are angry with you. As a result, you yourself begin to shame yourself for it.

Extra expenses. Due to the impulsive nature of people with ADHD, I find it difficult to resist buying something that suddenly arouses my interest. For example, I recently bought a special mug holder that keeps warm.

/change-your-style/

How I stopped spending a lot on clothes thanks to psychotherapy

This is a small purchase, there are larger ones - an iPad that I suddenly decided to buy to draw. Spending on an iPad doesn't fit with my plan to save money, but my brain doesn't prioritize saving, it just wants me to get this cool thing right now.

Inattention also leads to unplanned expenses. Often I lose things, forget that I bought something, and buy the same thing again. I regularly don’t remember that I need to pay utility bills, and then I get a fine.

But the most annoying thing is the Internet. In Germany, it is expensive and not unlimited. In order not to spend extra money, you should use home Wi-Fi as often as possible - it is cheaper than mobile Internet. You can also connect to Wi-Fi in the university library - it's generally free. But I often forget to switch from the mobile Internet and sometimes spend twice as much on communication than I could.

How I cheat on my Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

When I found out that I was living with ADHD, I began to read more about my features and look for ways to make sure that they minimally interfered with my studies and work. Some of those that I now use, I borrowed from the Internet or began to use on the advice of a psychotherapist. Others I came up with myself - before I found out the diagnosis, and after the diagnosis.

The main principle of most of the methods that I use is to turn things into something interesting, visually appealing and with elements of the game.

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Stickers. I write down all the important things, especially with deadlines, on bright stickers and hang them up so that they are in front of my eyes. If I didn’t write something down and don’t see it, then I won’t remember it for anything. So, I write down, for example, when it's time to go to a psychiatrist, and when to sign up for subjects at the university. I make some notes with a marker right on the mirror.

Gliders. I don't like planning, I forget to fix things in the planner, and also look into it and check if I've done everything. So I buy gliders and pens that I find cute and visually appealing. I also come up with my own planner structure - so that it would be more interesting for me to take notes.

Then it is pleasant for me to carry a glider in my bag, I do not forget it in a cafe and look at it from time to time.

My paper gliders

There are many of them - as soon as one gets boring and ceases to be interesting, I begin to forget about it. Have to buy a new one.

Reminders on my phone. Including - that you should not forget about breakfast

True, it cannot be said that gliders and stickers are an ideal system. I still have to set reminders on my phone, sometimes for simple things like eating on time. But planners, stickers, and reminders work better together than they do separately.

Gamification. I try to come up with complex and interesting ways to do things I don't feel like doing. Let's say I need to clean up. Then I set myself a song and decide that I must have time to put the room in order in the three minutes that the song plays. It's like I'm competing with the song - who is faster? This is how I turn a boring business into a game.

Acceleration. It is always difficult for me to listen to lectures and not be distracted. This began to interfere especially strongly at the beginning of the pandemic, when I had to completely switch to online learning.

The method that I found among the tips for people with ADHD helped — to turn on the video at a speed of one and a half times more. Long-drawn-out phrases and pauses that irritate disappear, and given that the person speaks German, it turns out to be difficult and more interesting. In addition, it saves time - you can listen to an hour-long lecture in forty minutes.

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A conscious distraction. If I try to work in a focused way for a long time, I quickly get tired and feel bad, while my attention is still dispersed. Therefore, I allow myself to be distracted and do not scold myself for it. For example, I work in a cafe, I look out the window as people walk down the street, I work again, I watch the barista pour coffee, and so on.

The Forest app also helped me focus on work — you can set a timer there: you work for so many minutes, you rest for so many minutes, when you need to switch, the phone rings and reminds you of this. I usually set 10-15 minutes of work, no more - for me this is the optimal time. The breaks are also short.

It especially helps me that the Forest application is arranged in an interesting way: at first, when you start working, there is a small sprout on the screen that gradually grows, and above it there are phrases like “don’t look at me”, “put your phone down”. If you don’t get distracted, by the time of the break, a small sprout turns into a whole forest.

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Meditation. When I began to meditate every day, I noticed that it was easier for me to learn. This happened because meditation teaches you to control attention - to notice if it has switched and return it back. Also, when I meditate, I feel less anxious, which also promotes mindfulness. If I miss a few days or even a week of meditation, then I notice that the anxiety has become stronger, and concentration is again a disaster.

How people with ADHD manage to study and work despite being hyperactive and inattentive

Sergey Potanin

psychiatrist

Author profile

Adults with ADHD who were not diagnosed in childhood can intuitively find ways to compensate for their characteristics even in childhood. For example, to draw when you listen to a teacher so as not to be distracted, to swing your leg under the table when you can’t sit still, write down all your tasks and plan time - a person can master all this himself, without even knowing about the diagnosis. A side effect of this is that the child's features will become less noticeable, and the likelihood that he will find out about his diagnosis decreases.

Also, a person can learn well not due to attentiveness, but due to intelligence - contrary to common stereotypes, people with this syndrome have an IQ on average higher than in the population. For example, I have been approached more than once by people with a gold medal, honors and an excellent career, while all their lives they suffer from problems with concentration due to ADHD.

And another interesting feature is hyperfocus, which only some people with ADHD have. A person who finds it difficult to listen to an interlocutor and not interrupt him may become interested in something and focus on it so much that he does not notice anything for hours. Due to this, he can quickly, avidly master, for example, some kind of programming language.

Sounds like something that everyone would like to have, but the downside of hyperfocus is exhaustion: having spent resources, the brain rests, and after a period of extraordinary concentration, a person returns to normal functioning for a long time.

How my life has changed thanks to the knowledge of the diagnosis

It cannot be said that my life has magically improved. I have a lot of student debt, spend too much money and still take antidepressants - anxiety-depressive disorder has not disappeared anywhere. Now I am discussing with a psychiatrist the use of special medications for the correction of ADHD. At first I didn't want to take pills, but I'm starting to think it's worth a try.

But there are also serious positive changes. When I found out that I was living with ADHD, I realized that I needed to choose carefully what I did. As a result, I decided to leave the Faculty of History - there I had to read a lot, memorize and concentrate for a long time. It’s very difficult for me, besides, the story itself didn’t really fascinate me - which means that it was doubly difficult to force myself to study.

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Now I have transferred and study at the Faculty of Informatics, and it has become much easier for me to meet deadlines. I'm interested in coding - the process is perceived as a game, and my brain is like: "oh, cool, let's do it again."

I also changed jobs and work part-time as a designer in a research center — I create logos, posters, presentations, brochures and pictures for social networks. I need to write something, then draw, then animate. The work process is one, but there are many diverse actions. When the brain gets tired of one and loses interest in it, you can switch to another and continue working, and not be distracted by your non-working affairs.

This job is remote, no one is standing nearby and watching whether you are focused or not, and there is less psychological pressure. I can be distracted as much as I need. Plus, no one requires you to meet tight deadlines. Thanks to all this, I am less likely to be paralyzed with ADHD, work faster and stress less.

How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is treated

Sergei Potanin

psychiatrist

Author profile

ADHD is not something that can be cured. All that modern science can offer a person is the correction of the syndrome with the help of medications and psychotherapy.

It is possible to achieve significant improvement without drugs, only through psychotherapy. It helps a person with ADHD cope with stress and anxiety, understand the functioning of their psyche and adapt to its characteristics, master self-control skills and manage time better. Most often, cognitive behavioral therapy is advised - within the framework of this method, there are protocols adapted for the correction of ADHD and tested in studies.

Drugs used in the treatment of ADHD compensate for the deficiency of catecholamines - neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine - in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for impulse control and planning.

ADHD is thought to be related to this deficiency. Impulsivity, difficulty concentrating and managing time are most likely the result of this deficit. If you increase the concentration of catecholamines in the prefrontal cortex, the symptoms of ADHD will become less pronounced. But you can take drugs that allow you to do this only after consulting a doctor.

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