Memory problems are not owned by those of us who live with Adult ADHD, but our disorder can certainly exacerbate things.  For me, to be frank, my ears don't always work too good!  That's why I write, write, write. Taking notes is one of my number one coping mechanisms to accommodate for my lack of auditory endurance - aka I drift off when people are talking and taking notes provides both a way to stay on task and a way to review later what the heck my teachers, friends etc were talking about.

Once upon a time, in a land called Bryn Mawr, PA, I was afraid to stand up for my adult ADHD needs.  I was first diagnosed my sophomore year and started to receive testing accommodations for my fall semester finals.  It was so difficult to accept my adult ADHD diagnosis and even more difficult that I needed something extra to perform at the same level as everyone else.  It made me feel less than.

It’s that time of the year again…the 90 plus days that are the bane of existence for most adults with ADHD. Yes, I’m talking about tax season - when all of our best intentions from the year before can either feel like our saving grace or plunge us into weeks of despair. For whatever reason, taxes seem to combine all of the struggles of ADHD into one fell swoop. Last year, I shared the common experience of  “a week with adult ADHD” to show how even the best of intentions can lead to chaos, putting out fires, procrastination and barely making deadlines. This year, in the midst of tax season, my thoughts turn to the ADHD challenges that make meeting deadlines so difficult to meet.

I've been feeling unmotivated as of late and I think it's time to sit down and talk about some folks who have both ADHD and a whole lot of success.  I'm talking about famous people with ADHD!  They're out there and it feels warm and squishy inside to know that since their dreams are reality, mine are totally possible.

ADHD doesn't own its signs and symptoms.  There is a lot of overlap with other mental health disorders and it's important to tease out whether your X symptoms implies a Y diagnosis, not a Z. Though I've been clinically diagnosed twice with ADHD and have several of the impulsive/hyperactive as well as inattentive symptoms of the disorder, my new (as of Friday) psychiatrist wants to make sure my ADHD diagnosis is correct. It doesn't feel like he's being skeptical and he wasn't rude in the way other doctors have been.  I once had my gynecologist ask why I took Concerta and then tell me I shouldn't be taking it because I'm a woman in my twenties! I think my new doctor wants to do right by me and offer me the best care possible.

Adult ADHD relationships can be troubling at times, especially if you and your partner don’t take ADHD symptoms into account. For instance, in my adult ADHD relationship, we have to plan for change. Change can be difficult for some adults with ADHD. I'm not a spontaneous person and changes to plans really ruffle my feathers.

Apparently, getting a correct adult ADHD diagnosis the first time you see the doctor isn't so easy. It's not unusual for someone with adult ADHD to be misdiagnosed once, twice, even more times than that before getting a correct diagnosis. How many therapists does it take to turn on a light bulb? I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy student and, in December, I completed my second semester of coursework focusing on basic science and interviewing patients.  Several things struck me during this past semester and one really had me thinking about my own journey with doctors of psychology.

Okay, I've been itching to ask the question: Why do we call it a ADHD medication "holiday"? Are we in England?  "Oh, yes, capital, capital! Let's not take our Ritalin today and have a jolly good time!" For me, Wednesday of last week was anything but jolly good and it certainly didn't feel like a holiday.  I suppose, though, if we Americanized it to "medication vacation" it would be just as unhappy-making. Without ADHD drugs, I feel as if I've traveled to England only to watch BBC America!

It’s an undeniable fact - most New Year’s resolutions fail. Not because we don’t want to improve our situation or have a lack of motivation – we do! The truth is, most of us don’t take the time to really create goals that will work for us. When January 1st rolls around, there’s tremendous pressure to outline goals and resolutions for the next 365 days. Many of us are exhausted from the holiday celebrations and we jump into kneejerk promises- lose weight, focus more, etc. We don’t take the time to really assess where we hurt or dream the most.

The ADHD Weekend Blues can strike seemingly without notice.  It lurks behind every Friday, biding time until it can make its move.  Every. Single. Saturday.  You feel you've been patient; you've waited through five whole days of work and/or school and you're only asking for some down time.  Is that really too much? The ADHD Weekend Blues can sense your desire and POW! it attacks.  The Weekend Blues strikes again.