ADHD in Adults

Loading...

Flash Player 9 (or above) is needed to view presentations.
We have detected that you do not have it on your computer. To install it, go here.

1 comments

Comments 1 - 1 of 1 previous next Post a comment

Post a comment
Embed Video
Edit your comment Cancel

11 Favorites

ADHD in Adults - Presentation Transcript

  1. ADHD in Adults Written for AskTheNeurologist.Com by ADHDNeuroMD
  2. ADHD is a loaded term
    • Attention deficit hyperactivity DISORDER
    • Regarding ADHD in adults
      • Most have “managed to get by” for many years
      • Often have high IQ, successful careers
  3. ADH D -like behavior does not = ADH D !
    • “ There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning ”
    • Diagnosis dependent on the environment
    • For simplicity use the term “ADHD” to refer to ADHD-like thinking even when no “impairment”
    • Definition of “impairment” problematic
  4. Fulfilling potential
    • Adults with ADHD, especially those with high IQ have most likely missed diagnosis during childhood
    • Although they be functioning at normal or even increased levels by objective standards they may be performing well below their potential.
    • Sensitivity to this fact is essential in order to understand whether “impairment” is occurring.
  5. DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD I. Either A or B: A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level: Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions). Often has trouble organizing activities. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework). Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools). Is often easily distracted. Often forgetful in daily activities. B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level: Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless ). Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly . Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor". Often talks excessively. Impulsiveness Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished. Often has trouble waiting one's turn . Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games). II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years. III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home). IV. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning. V. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
  6. “ Has trouble waiting one's turn” S ocially acceptable? …depends where ? “ Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected " Click to play
  7. ADH D -like behavior does not = ADH D !
    • Some aspects are dependent on what’s considered “normal” in society
  8. Attention is always “selective”
    • Reward centers direct attention
    • Brain constantly searches for “rewarding” material
    • Attention will drift to search for rewarding material
    • Attention will “lock on” if rewarding enough
  9. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ?
  10. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ? Focus on a new stimulus
  11. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ? Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus
  12. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ? Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus
  13. Model to understand Observe environment Focus on a new stimulus Interesting or important ? YES YES NO NO Keep focus Still interesting or important ? Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus Focus on a new stimulus “ Environment” can be internal (“ADD”) or external (“ADHD”)
  14.  
  15.  
  16. Interesting or important ? Still interesting or important ? Dependent on reward pathways in brain Interesting or important = “Rewarding”
  17. “ Could try harder”
    • Was well established that people with ADHD can function on very high levels when they are stimulated
    • Less aware teachers may get very frustrated
      • “ it’s not that he can’t do it…he just can’t be bothered to put in the effort
      • “ attitude problem”
      • “ not motivated enough”
  18.  
  19. “ But doesn’t everybody focus more when the material is interesting? ”
  20. “ But doesn’t everybody focus more when the material is interesting? ” YES ! Everyone pays attention less when bored and more when interested. But…
  21. Those with ADHD do much, much better when interested! In te re sti ng Boring
  22. What is at the root of ADHD and ADHD-like thinking ?
    • Differences in the reward system
  23. Dopamine receptor activation is the “currency of reward” in the brain
    • Dopamine is like money…the “payment” for “doing good”
    • Receptors are like “hands” grabbing the money
  24. Genetic studies of families with ADHD:- People with ADHD have receptors that “don’t grab so well” ….so they get “paid” less. This rule only applies to “smaller” payments. Substances such as caffeine & ritalin “add a bonus” to each payment.
  25. People with ADHD are ambitious by nature
    • May be “perfectionists”
    • Things that those with ADHD may say
    • “ Simple things please simple people”
    • “ Jack of all trades master of none”
    • “ Feel they are meant for better things”
    • “ If it’s not a challenge there’s no point doing it”
  26. “ Avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time " Easily distracted Inappropriate comments Can be highly effective when motivated Click to play
  27. Best jobs
    • Highly challenging
    • No routine boring stuff that anyone could do (assistants / secretaries do that).
    • Ability to be creative and innovative
    • Need to have autonomy
    • Feel appreciated
    • Flexibility to focus only on what you feel is interesting or important
  28. Or you can choose to do only stuff you find really interesting
  29. Companies actively recruiting “ADHD-type thinkers” Click to play
  30. Some get a job where they only have to do things they consider to be “important”
  31. Some people dislike their job
  32. Some are forced to do jobs that are just not for them (army is typical situation) Does not follow instructions ! Click to play
  33. Has trouble focussing?
  34. Has trouble focussing?
    • Wrong!
    ADHD thinking is hyperfocussed thinking!
  35. “ Non ADHD thinking” “ ADHD thinking”
  36. Narrower focus = bigger shadow
  37. Distractions (ADHD type) x x x x .
  38. Distractions (ADHD type) x x x x .
  39. Distractions (ADHD type) x x x x .
  40. Distractions (non – ADHD) x x x x .
  41. Distractions (non – ADHD) x x x x .
  42. Distractions In other words, when some-one with ADHD gets “distracted” they lose the ability to keep their (hyper) focus on what they were doing and need to “lock-on” again once the distraction has passed (they may have to take time to reconstruct complex thoughts or ideas which can be very frustrating…therefore they may “snap” at people when they get distracted.) Those without ADHD are able to “attend to a distraction” without losing their “lock” on their initial focus. x x x x . x x x x .
  43. Distractions
    • The plus-side is that those with ADHD (or ADHD-like thinking) are frequently able to “hyperfocus” and when locked-on to the task without distractions can focus a degree of mental energy which others are incapable of.
    • May be very good at analyzing complex situations
    • May train themselves to quickly “separate the forest from the trees” as the “trees” bother them more than others!
    x x x x . x x x x .
  44. Distractions
    • A sniper cannot function at a high level if he needs to be aware of everything in his immediate vicinity.
    • He needs to ignore the entire world except for his target
    x x x x . x x x x .
  45. ADHD Hyperfocus
    • Some people with ADHD report they get into a “trance-like state” when successfully hyperfocussing and are unaware of anything except for the task they are performing
    • ADHD-like hyperfocus is an advantage in when this sort of focus is required.
  46. May compensate for susceptibility to distractions with “obsessive tidiness”
  47. Learning creative tricks
    • Throughout life learn to look for short-cuts to make laborious tasks quicker and more interesting
  48.  
    • Count all?....much too boring!
    • Look for shortcuts
      • “ 6 pyramids, each I higher than last ,7 lines, common bricks”
        • (3,5,7,9,11,13,15)X7 -common
        • 15+3 = 18
        • 13+5 = 18
        • 7+11 = 18
        • 18/2 = 9
        • (18 x 3 + 9 -6 ) X7
        • 57 X 7
        • = 350 + 49
        • = 399
    3 5 7 9 11 13 15
  49. Summary
    • ADHD-like behavior does not = ADHD!
    • ADHD-like thinking
    • - Encourages hyper-focused analysis
    • - Creativity
    • All can benefit from optimizing their environment (right school / job, coaching for organizational skills, diaries, palm pilots, supportive spouse)
    • Some self-medicate without knowing (e.g. coffee)
    • Some can benefit from medical treatment in certain situations
  50. ADHD “hyperfocussing” can be a powerful force
    • Recognizing it, is only the first stage
    • Real challenge is understanding how to channel it to good use
  51. Use the force Thanks for your attention !
  52. THE END For presentation requests and downloads please visit AskTheNeurologist.Com

+ Richard BrownRichard Brown, 2 years ago

custom

2216 views, 11 favs, 3 embeds more stats

ADHD in Adults
Full lecture with video clips can b more

More info about this document

© All Rights Reserved

Go to text version

  • Total Views 2216
    • 2197 on SlideShare
    • 19 from embeds
  • Comments 1
  • Favorites 11
  • Downloads 31
Most viewed embeds
  • 16 views on http://www.asktheneurologist.com
  • 2 views on http://addedlife.ning.com
  • 1 views on http://build23.sitesell.com

more

All embeds
  • 16 views on http://www.asktheneurologist.com
  • 2 views on http://addedlife.ning.com
  • 1 views on http://build23.sitesell.com

less

Flagged as inappropriate Flag as inappropriate
Flag as inappropriate

Select your reason for flagging this presentation as inappropriate. If needed, use the feedback form to let us know more details.

Cancel
File a copyright complaint
Having problems? Go to our helpdesk?

Categories