Adult ADD Counseling

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Adult ADD Counseling

Sometimes, all we need is for someone to look at our approach to life’s challenges and help us come up with better strategies. No one needs this more than adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Adult ADD is an often-misunderstood mental condition that can cause disorganization, chronic lateness, unemployment, low self-esteem, and self-medication through substance abuse. It is one of the conditions we help with here at Christie Jones Counseling in Fort Worth.

ADD is sometimes mistakenly thought of as a children’s disorder, frequently lumped in with hyperactivity and behavioral problems. However, 4.4% of adults in the US are diagnosed with ADD. Of those individuals, 41% of cases are considered severe. One of the hardest challenges for adult ADD sufferers is efficient time management.

It is difficult for most people with ADD to be aware of each step involved in getting to a location at a given time, and how long each step will take. Their disorganized thought process can make them unaware of how much time has passed, until they are startled by the realization that they’re running late. It’s possible to overcome this challenge and learn to be on time with the help of your ADD counselor. An extra pair of eyes can help you discover where you are losing time and what can be done to fix the problem. Your counselor will teach you techniques for untangling the mess of a chaotic life.

Symptoms of ADD

ADD is a physical and chemical syndrome, not a character flaw. It has been linked to chemical imbalance within the brain, the structure of the brain itself, and the strength of the sufferer’s neuron connections. You cannot control whether you have ADD, but you can learn to control your focus and develop healthy coping skills and good habits.

Causes of ADD

Adult ADD does not usually manifest as hyperactivity, though some people might have the inability to sit still without tapping their feet or moving their legs. This type of ADD most often appears as forgetfulness, disorganization, procrastination, trouble concentrating, and chronic boredom.

Some adults find that they have to re-read passages in a book several times because they tend to get distracted or “zone out”. Others have performance issues at work or college. Many have trouble waiting in checkout lines at the store and become irritable and restless when they must be still and patient. They seem distant or distracted when others speak to them and need an outside source to keep them entertained.

If adult ADD is not addressed, it can cause the sufferer to look for ways to calm their anxiety or ease their depression. Substance abuse is an unfortunate reality for many adults with ADD, which leads to more problems and even lower self-esteem. It’s no wonder so many people need help to break out of this downward spiral.