parent
by LifeScape
Parents, it’s Not You,
It Could Be ADHD
Raising kids is hard enough. Every day it’s a juggling act. But for those of you that feel like you may be spinning, unable to stop and get even the simplest task done, just getting through the day can seem impossible. You’re not alone. Sometimes, that struggle to focus and make headway in the multiple roles we have is more than just having a lot to do. It could be adult ADHD. For years, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was thought of only as a children’s condition. Many health professionals were trained that kids with the disorder would just grow out of it. That’s not the case. ADHD can affect people of all ages. While Adult ADHD was once considered rare, it’s now very common. The National Comorbidity Study estimates that 4.4% of adults in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for it. When it comes to parents, it’s often not until their child is diagnosed that they realize they might also have ADHD. In fact, when children are diagnosed, the parents will learn the condition is probably hereditary, with a 40% chance that one or both parents have it as well. So how can you determine if that’s what is behind your inability to focus or be productive?
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October 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com
Here are some of the common symptoms and signs in adulthood: • Problems prioritizing; poor time management skills • Problems focusing on a task • Trouble multitasking • Poor planning • Struggles to follow through and/or complete tasks • Difficulty with organization • Impulsiveness • Low frustration tolerance • Frequent mood swings • Trouble coping with stress • Excessive activity or relentlessness If these symptoms sound familiar and you want more information, reach out to your primary doctor. They may recommend medication or behavior therapy, or a combination of both. Keep in mind treatments work differently for everyone, but there are many resources available to you. l
