ADHD / ADD-ults: "Add" Is Not Just for Kids
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
Q: Dear Susie, As a child I was diagnosed with an Attention Deficit Disorder. Now, frequent insomnia drives me crazy. I use no stimulants. Could the old A.D.D. still be the culprit?
A: It could, and worry alone can disrupt our sleep, as can some medications and foods. Sleeplessness presents two problems: The misery of tossing and turning, plus the long-term cognitive and psychomotor sequelae of sleep-deprivation impacting mood, health, professional performance, and relationships. Symptoms often diminish with age but they may persist. A.D.D. in people over 18 is less frequently diagnosed, but if you think about it--all those little kids eventually grow up, right?
What Do All Those Letters Mean?
ADD = Attention Deficit Disorder. People living with ADD demonstrate frequent difficulty staying focused and are easily distracted, although some people can engage and focus intently at times, but not consistently.
ADHD = Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. People living with ADHD experience the same difficulties as above, with an additional overflow of motor activity.
Six Simple Soothers to Mitigate Symptoms Associated with ADD or ADHD:
1. Talk with professionals to review some well-documented associations between specific foods and hyperactivity, as well as other foods that might enhance relaxation.
2. Exercise regularly, pleasurably, but not near bedtime. Evening exercise can stimulate the central nervous system and boost metabolism, which may contribute to wakefulness.
3. Try relaxation techniques including breath work, yoga, mindfulness meditation, massage and reflexology, guided imagery meditation, etc.
4. Please find many general sleep tips at http://www.relaxintuit.com/tips.asp
5. Some ADD & Relaxation Web Resources to Visit: (All links below were live at this writing.)
As always, check recommendations with healthcare professionals.
http://www.addhelpline.org
http://www.addresources.org
http://www.add.org
http://www.chadd.org
http://www.baltimorepsych.com/NewADD_Meds.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/parenting/03/13/adhd.study/index.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/attentiondeficitdisorderwithhyperactivity.html
6. Finally, try to find compassionate counselors and MDs with specific expertise in helping adults with ADD to cope, compensate and diminish symptoms. A local teaching hospital may be a good place to start.
© 2000, 2008, 2010 Susie Mantell, Relax Intuit(tm) LLC. All Rights Reserved. Federal law prohibits use of this content in whole or in part without express written consent of Relax Intuit(tm) LLC. Email complete text of the specific article and its requested use to info@relaxintuit.com . Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the exquisitely soothing relaxation audiobook on CD, Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace, clinically approved for symptoms associated with health-related, work-related, chronic and traumatic stress. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell's multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order: Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace and enjoy more of Susie Mantell's stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com