| I make my living teaching others how to manage ADD | | | | present functioning. Also, a therapist is required when |
| (Attention Deficit Disorder). While there are no magic | | | | one has other diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, |
| "cures" for ADD/ADHD, there are various methods | | | | and substance abuse which are common in those |
| that can help one manage the symptoms and | | | | who suffer from ADD/ADHD. |
| challenges. As a result, sufferers of ADD/ADHD are | | | | 5. Support Groups. It is empowering to meet others |
| quite capable of leading happy, healthy, and productive | | | | who are experiencing similar challenges. Those in in |
| lives. | | | | same support group not only "get" it, but they can |
| 1. Coaching. For adults, ADD/ADHD Coaching focuses | | | | offer advice and solutions. In turn, you can offer the |
| on practical ways to manage ADD in an everyday | | | | same. Over time, you will enjoy being with others who |
| context. It is a way to learn how to be more effective | | | | consider the condition a gift. |
| and focused at work and at home. While medication is | | | | 6. Diet. For a list of foods that help treat the symptoms |
| very useful, the old saying goes "Pills do not teach | | | | of ADD/ADHD, visit the ADHD diet. |
| skills." Coaches work to help those manage ADD. | | | | 7. Exercise. Physical activity boosts the |
| Coaches work in person and are usually available via | | | | neurotransmitters associated with Adult ADHD |
| phone and Internet. | | | | (Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine). Exercise also |
| 2. The Total Focus Program. For children, the Total | | | | relieves depression and anxiety. |
| Focus Program is, in my personal and clinical | | | | 8. Slow Down. Take regularly scheduled breaks from |
| experience, the single most effective resource to help | | | | whatever you are doing. |
| parents manage ADD in their children. | | | | 9. Meditation and Yoga. Sit and relax in silence and let |
| 3. Medication. Medications are not a "cure" or "quick fix" | | | | all passing thoughts drift by like floating clouds. Try |
| but they are a useful tool that can stabilize or help | | | | focusing on your breath as it passes through your |
| quiet the more problematic symptoms. This enables | | | | nostrils for a few minutes. Over time, you will learn |
| the user to focus and be productive. | | | | how to quiet your mind from racing thoughts. Try it a |
| Medications have been proven effective for over 70% | | | | few minutes at a time, then build up gradually. |
| of Adult ADD sufferers. Often it is a question of finding | | | | Similarly, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong, can help one relax |
| the correct medication or combination of medications | | | | and help one to "be" in the present moment. |
| and the optimal dose at the right time of day. As a | | | | 10. Tutors. Tutors can help one overcome educational |
| result, it is essential to work collaboratively with the | | | | or training challenges. |
| prescribing physician or psychiatrist in order to find the | | | | 11. Professional Organizers. Many of the world's most |
| correct balance. | | | | successful people suffer from ADD/ADHD. You do |
| Meds should be used in conjunction with a treatment | | | | not have to be a high-powered business executive to |
| plan that includes behavioral therapy and other | | | | enjoy the benefit of bookkeepers, virtual assistants, |
| supports. For an overview of ADD/ADHD medications, | | | | etc. More and more people are utilizing services such |
| click here. | | | | as Elance.com's time management experts to help |
| 4. Behavioral Therapy. Different from coaching, a | | | | them with everyday tasks. Virtual assistants can do |
| behavioral therapist can help unearth and treat any | | | | anything from schedule reservations or help compose |
| past emotional roadblocks that may be hindering your | | | | memos. |