Reddit reviews More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD
We found 10 Reddit comments about More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Specialty Press
Everyone experiences the things you are describing some of the time. However, it sounds like you experience all of these things a lot, and it also seems like these experiences are getting in your way at times. When your everyday experiences are interfering with your day-to-day life, it is a great idea to see a specialist. You can start with your regular doctor, or you can go to a psychologist or psychiatrist. If neuropsychological testing is indicated, your doctor or psychologist will refer you if needed.
It's not a good idea to speculate about diagnosis via the internet. But it is perhaps worth mentioning that you spontaneously self-described many of the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It may make sense to bring up this possibility with your doctor or psychologist.
If you are looking for more information, you might try:
Good luck! If you need more books or websites, let me know and I'll do my best to direct you to good resources.
I'm 31. I've always knew I was lazy, a terrible procrastinator, not able to focus on tasks for a long amount of time, etc. I just thought I was a "smart slacker". At 27 I definitely knew something was wrong but I had no idea what it was. I didn't know what ADHD was (I thought it was the super active 12 year old from my school days). About a year ago, I saw something on reddit that made me learn a bit about ADHD-Pi and I realised I had many of the symptoms.
I procrastinated maybe 3 months, then spent 3 months doing research. I read More Attention, Less Deficit which is a very easy and satisfying read, even for us ADHD'rs. I also read Dr. Brown's A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults. This is a very technical book but it allowed me to convince myself that there is scientific consensus about a) ADHD is a real disorder that can severely effect your life and b) that medication (ie, stimulants) really is a safe and effective treatment. I'd recommend the first book for anyone and the second book if you'd like to learn about the latest in ADHD science.
The next 3 months I spent finding and working with a psychologist. She was great. She gave me a diagnosis. It was a huge relief. I was finally able to know why I had certain behaviors I didn't like and she gave me motivation to work on them. Just discussing my problems, ie "talk therapy", actually really helped. She helped me find a great psychiatrist. It took me another 3 months to get in and I'm working with him now. He has me on a low dosage (5mg dextroaphetamine) and we're working on increasing it. I've already seen huge results. I procrastinate less, I'm able to focus, I'm less distracted, my mood has improved, my anxiety has gone done, I've become more social.
This was a long process. The system is set up to work against people with ADHD. You'll need to do research, book appointments, keep appointments, research insurance options, find doctors. This is not easy for an ADHD'r to navigate! However, even though its taken a year, I am so incredibly glad I've taken this journey. I've made huge gains already and I'm very optimistic for the future.
I think you could probably make huge improvements in your life if you worked on this. I'd recommend using a psychiatrist (over your GP) to make sure you really get a correct diagnosis, address any comorbidities and get a treatment plan that works for you. Although I'm happy to be improving at 31, I wish I had treatment at 27 (or you know, 12!).
Break it down into small steps:
Is the above a lot of work? Yes absolutely. It may be costly too. You know what though, your quality of life will increase. You'll become a better employee and maybe get that big raise. You'll become better at relationships which lead to a happier life. And you could make serious gains by this summer. Think how fast summer is going to be here!
My apologies for the wall of text. Hope this gives you some motivation and direction. /r/ADHD is rooting for you!
Here is a helpful resource I have bookmarked. Amazon's top selling books on ADHD http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books/598622
I have read all of the books in the top 14 (except the ADHD effect on marriage) and they are all good.
My favorite is More Attention Less deficit: Success strategies for adults with ADHD.
Reasons:
Others I recommend are:
Driven to Distraction: THE classic. Really jump-started adult ADHD awareness.
The disorganized mind: While reading this and doing the life inventory I realized I wasn't passionate about computers and instead wanted to help people (I was in tech support). This led me to becoming an ADHD coach. Great book for self-coaching.
You mean I'm not lazy stupid or crazy: Humorous at times and very enlightening. Helps educate ourselves on the various ways ADHD manifests in our lives.
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Websites to show others:
TotallyADD.com - By the makers of the PBS show ADD and Lovin' it this offers a humorous look at ADHD with an excellent blog, forum community, and videos on Youtube.
Youtube clips of Russell Barkley (playlist I created) - 13 videos all under 5 minutes each which are powerful and enlightening.
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I have access to nearly every book on ADHD due to my volunteer job and would be glad to start doing quick reviews on various books. I will also complete a Google Doc with my favorite books, fidget toys, and resources to put in the sidebar.
I easily could have wrote this about my relationship. It was amazing to read that someone else us going through the exact same thing I have been with my ADHD husband! It's still a work in progress for us but here's what's worked for us:
-marriage counseling: it took a while for my husband to even want a diagnosis and after 6 months, he still accepting it. He's still seeing how it effects me and our relationship and the counselor has really helped with that. When I have a problem that related to his ADHD (say being on his phone all the time) she walks him through how I feel when he's on his phone, walks me through why he seems addicted and helps us reach a compromise. Its also done wonders for getting him to accept his diagnosis and realize its not a flaw, its who he is.
-correct dosage: my husband is on adderall and started at the lowest dose. It definitely worked but there were still some problems with focus and motivation. Our counselor recommended changing his dose and getting an afternoon booster dose to slow the crash. His doctor agreed and its been a day and night change. With the lower dose he was helpful around the house but with the right dose, he will do things without being asked, he's emotionally supportive, and remembers what he says he will do.
-books: ADHD and the Marriage, Is It You, Me, or Adult ADD, and More Attention, Less Deficit have been immensely helpful.
-talking about his diagnosis: for a while, my husband hid his diagnosis from everyone except his parents and mine. It was ok but I was still seen as the controlling, nagging wife because I reminded him a million times to do X while we were visiting family (change in routine is difficult and throws him off). Eventually, he opened up a little to his siblings and my family, so they sort of understood why I act naggy when we visit. They don't completely get it and still fall into the "snap out of it and focus" camp but it's helped.
-routine: get on it and stay on it. Right now, my husband is asleep next to me. I can tell you with incredible accuracy that he will wake up, take his adderall, let the dogs out, shower, feed the dogs, and get coffee before his sits on the couch and plans his day. Its the routine and that's how it will stay. I know with a kid its a lot more difficult to have an established routine but even just a morning one will work wonders. Make things easy until he can get his head on straight in the morning.
-automate everything: auto coffee pot, auto bill pay, etc. Eliminate tasks that need to be done so no one has to worry about it. If it can't be automated, make it as easy as possible. Recently, we switched to registering our cars for 5 years. That way no one has to think about it every year.
I completely understand what you're going through. It can be tough dealing with an ADHD spouse. PM me if you ever need support or to vent or anything.
You're not alone. I highly recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/More-Attention-Less-Deficit-Strategies/dp/1886941742
I was diagnosed a few years ago (I'm 40 now) but my doc at the time was one to throw drugs at me and tell me good luck. One thing I've found (as I've been to a few doctors now) is that it's really helpful to find one that doesn't just treat you but educates you on what is and isn't affected by ADHD.
I recently picked up the book More Attention, Less Deficit and there are literally parts that almost make me tear up (extremely manly tears, of course) as it hits home so much and I can trace my ADHD back to childhood and see how it affected my life.
ADHD affects so many things that people don't realize, not just your ability to pay attention. I highly recommend you and your girlfriend looking at the book mentioned above, not only will it help her to identify and address the issues she's facing but might also help you to understand what's going on with her brain and how it affects her life and your relationship.
It really does take a book to fully describe ADHD and what it does. However I did read a great description recently where someone said it is like walking into Best Buy with that wall of TV's and every one of them is on a different channel. Now you have to focus on just one channel and comprehend what's going on, with 100 other channels playing at the same time. Imagine the channels as things like listening to a lecture, doing homework, doing chores, remember to pay bills on time. You may watch the "Pay Bills Now" channel very intently but it wears you out trying to focus on that and eventually you cave and that channel slips away.
I hope that makes sense somewhat. I think it's very cool that you care enough about your girlfriend to seek out info on ADHD. I was in a marriage for 10 years where my wife did not extend the same courtesy.. it will do both of you a lot of good.
Please feel free to message me if you have any other questions, I don't want to get 'too' long winded in your thread.
This one claims to be written for the ADHD brain More Attention Less Deficit. I definitely found it easier to read and understand than the Barkley and Hallowell books even though Hallowell has ADHD himself. I like "So you mean I'm not lazy, stupid or crazy?" too. It is real different from the other books and kind of controversial but I liked it. Both of the authors also have ADHD and are ADHD coaches. The style is much more casual and personal.
More attention, less deficit https://www.amazon.com/More-Attention-Less-Deficit-Strategies/dp/1886941742
It's written for people with ADHD in mind. It's broken up into lots of self contained sections. So you can skip around and read as you wish.
Does it help if you give yourself permission to read just a little bit at a time? The best ADHD books contain strategies you're meant to stop and try out anyway, you're not supposed to just read on and on.
Shorter ADHD books:
[Ari Tuckman: Understand Your Brain, Get More Done]
(https://www.amazon.com/Understand-Your-Brain-More-Done/dp/1886941394/)
Crosby & Lippert: Transforming ADHD
ADHD books with really bite-sized chapters:
Doug Puryear: Living Daily With Adult ADD or ADHD: 365 Tips o the Day
Laurie Dupar's edited "365" and "365+1" ways to succeed with ADHD books and ADHD Awareness Book Project
Ari Tuckman: More Attention, Less Deficit
Everybody's different. I love reading, so there's definitely a market for ADHD books, even long-ish ones.
I'm an engineer with the exact same experience. We might have ADHD. Some suggestions:
Evernote: phone, computer syncing note app. Keep all your action tasks on one note. You can have other notes/notebooks for projects etc.
Any.do: another to-do list app. Look at your to-do list as often as possible.
Recognizing you have a problem helps: More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD http://www.amazon.com/More-Attention-Less-Deficit-Strategies/dp/1886941742
Frequently update and log your time in your company time system or just a MS OneNote. The log helps you focus.
Listen to soft soothing music or sound effects via computer or phone to tune out other stuff: e.g. Elmnts for Chrome, your favorite Film Score (Lord of the Rings), etc.
Imagine you're a special agent in NCIS and always getting stuff done.
Talk to your boss and co-workers often to set deadlines, schedules, etc.
Make things a priority to get done quickly and well done.
Go for a walk at lunch.
Get to work early, leave early, get back to living your life.
We can harness our energy if we try a little. We can reward ourselves later when we're off the clock.
Break up your day with tiny breaks to read something interesting or pray. It can even be an e-book on your phone.
Talk to your doctor about ADHD (I've been putting this one off).