Experiencing ADDvantages

Dr. Ned Hallowell on the Dr. Oz Show and at the Virtual AD/HD Conference

Did you catch Dr. Edward "Ned" Hallowell talking about AD/HD and marriage on the Dr. Oz show last week? If you missed it, you can watch the clip here.

Whether he's on Dr. Phil, The Today Show, or Dr. Oz, Ned Hallowell always does an excellent job explaining AD/HD. He's friendly, relatable, and provides information in a way that is supportive and nonjudgmental.

My only complaint about the segment is that I wish Dr. Oz would have done a better job explaining that both men and women can have AD/HD, but I suppose that there's only so much one can expect from a 10-minute segment!

I do have to say, though, I really liked the metaphor that Dr. Oz used to describe what it's like to have AD/HD. I think we can all relate to the out-of-control conveyor belt that is the AD/HD-brain! While watching the Dr. Oz guest trying to sort all of the things coming at him, I turned to Erin and said, "That's why I'm always coaching people to slow down so they can speed up!"

If you were hungry for more when you watched Dr. Hallowell talking about AD/HD and it's effect on marriage, then you're in luck! Dr. Hallowell is one of the Keynote Speakers at this years's Virtual AD/HD Conference.  In a fun, informative, and uplifting Keynote Address, 5 Steps to Creating the Best Possible Marriage with AD/HD, Dr. Hallowell, along with his wife Sue George Hallowell, will be discussing topics from their book, Married to Distraction. Dr. Hallowell and Sue will present an overview of how AD/HD affects marriage, and they will point out the implications that AD/HD has on a marriage. They will review the consistent patterns that exist in marriages where one or more partners has AD/HD. And finally, Dr. Hallowell and Sue will present key elements to overcome these patterns.

In this session, you'll:

     • Identify common pitfalls in AD/HD marriages

     • Learn the rewards of AD/HD marriages

     • Explore exercises aimed at deepening empathy and improving your relationship

Dr. Hallowell and Sue Hallowell were two of the most popular presenters at last year's conference. They were more than happy to answer audience questions, and they had us all cracking up when they humbly shared some of their own marital challenges. Their session is sure to be an audience favorite once again this year!

The Virtual AD/HD Conference takes place Octob er 4-6 from the comfort of your own home or office. The conference is your opportunity to interact with the experts, get your questions answered, connect with the community, and get the tools and resources that you and your family need to succeed. You can participate at your own pace from the comfort of your own home or office.

The interactive conference website will be accessible for a full 3 months after the conference, so you can listen to recordings of the sessions, review the speakers' slides, participate in the discussion forums, and fully take advantage of the conference resources long after the live sessions. VIP Registration Upgrades are available, and include CD recordings, printed transcripts, and session slides, mailed to your home after the event. The VIP Registration Upgrade also includes a post-conference workshop designed to help you apply what you learned at the event.

To register today, or to learn more about the conference, review the full agenda, and listen to podcast previews of some of the conference sessions, visit http://ADHDconference.com. (Don't wait to register - tickets are selling fast!)

 

ADHD Awareness Expo

Have you heard about the ADHD Awareness Expo?

It's a free, online event hosted by Virtual AD/HD Conference speakers Tara McGillicuddy and Rory F. Stern in honor of AD/HD Awareness Week! The goal of the Expo is to showcase the people and resources that are currently available to support you and your family. The week-long, online Expo will feature a series of presentations, live chats, Q&A, and demonstrations.

The ADHD Awareness Expo is free to attend, and service providers can exhibit their offerings for a small fee.

I'll be attending the ADHD Awareness Expo, and The Virtual AD/HD Conference will be exhibiting there, too. Register here to attend the Expo free of charge. See ya there!

 

 

 

Mission to Mars: Boredom and Adult ADD

Did you hear about the Russian experiment that has a team of 6 researchers on a 520-day mock mission to Mars?

The experiment is designed to simulate the conditions that astronauts would endure on a real trip to Mars. The team will be isolated from the rest of the world for over a year, and even their communications to mission control will be on a 20-minute delay, just as if they were actually in space.

I pay attention to news stories like these because I'm a bit of a space geek. I always planned to major in Astronomy in college, but that plan went out the window when I found out that degree required 5 semesters of calculus. No thanks! I could barely stay awake in Calculus 101--which didn't help at test time.

But the reason I'm calling this story to your attention is because when I was watching the coverage on CNN, they interviewed a psychologist who commented that the greatest challenge these men will face is boredom. Boredom, she said, leads to anxiety, depression, and conflict.

Tell me about it! When boredom is arguably the greatest challenge that adults with ADD face, is it any wonder that we're plagued with these coexisting conditions, too?

Adults with ADD almost always suffer from depression or anxiety at some point in their lives. (If it isn't a constant struggle.) "The quiet ADD brain will almost always go to the negative," an MD friend once told me. It takes a high level of self-awareness to train the ADD brain away from automatic negative thinking. I'm not sure why this is, but I've certainly seen it to be true.

And while "conflict" a diagnosable co-existing condition, it's definitely another challenge for adults with ADD. The ADD brain likes stimulation, and will often create conflict in the absence of stimulation. This can be in the form of conflict with others, or conflict with self.

Just the other day, a client commented to me that he wasn't sure why he and his wife were fighting over "really stupid things," but he was pretty sure that he had started it "for no good reason." As the conversation progressed, he could recount many times in his life when, as he put it, "I made myself the center of drama." We talked about better ways that he could find stimulation, because he was getting tired of all the conflict and drama in his life. He's not the first client I've coached on this topic.

Thinking about these things makes me feel for the six men on the mock mission to Mars. How will they survive a year and half of sheer boredom? I wonder if they're incredibly zen, or just fucking crazy. Probably a little of both.

One thing's for sure, I'd never survive a 520-day mission to Mars. I couldn't even survive a semester of Calculus.

Video: Adult ADD (and me) On NBC's TODAY Show!

If you didn't catch me talking about Adult ADD on NBC's TODAY Show yesterday, here's the clip!

Just click the image below, or visit http://www.ADDmanagement.com/todayshow.html to view the clip.

So many of you have emailed me offering your congratulations, and I thank you all so much!

This has truly been a wonderful experience for me, and for so many adults with ADD that I've been hearing from.

There is something very powerful in sharing our stories, isn't there? I'm grateful to The TODAY Show for allowing me to share my story with millions of viewers whom I would not otherwise be able to reach. I think I'll be smiling nonstop for the next month. :-)

Enjoy the segment!

Michael Phelps - Can We Drop the Politically Correct Crap?

I really don't love sports. Never watch the Olympics. Couldn't care less about swimming. In fact, if Michael Phelps didn't have ADD, I really wouldn't care about him at all. But since he is a successful ADDer, he's on my radar, and I feel compelled to comment on the recent media attention he's received over being caught smoking pot.

Everyone seems to be so busy being politically correct and going on record to condemn Michael Phelps' behavior that no one is saying what many of us are thinking. So what?

Michael Phelps smoked pot. So what?

Did you ever smoke pot? I did. Granted, I haven't touched the stuff since college, but I smoked here and there, and I turned out okay. I also drank, smoked cigarettes, and had sex. I made good choices, and I made bad choices. And I turned out alright. In fact, I turned out pretty damn good.

I don't think Michael Phelps is a drug addict. I do think he's made some poor choices. When you're a public figure and viewed as a role model, you certainly want to be careful about what you do and who you do it with. And when you drink, you should NEVER drive a car. (I personally find this inexcusable.) But perhaps Michael Phelps' biggest crime in this pot smoking fiasco is quite simply being guilty of some ADD impulsiveness.

Is Michael Phelps still an ADD role model? Absolutely. His successes cannot be taken away from him. And his recent actions might even provide an excellent opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about drugs and drinking and the consequences of a person's choices and actions.

Need further convincing? See what Saturday Night Live's Seth Myers has to say about it. I couldn't agree more.

Recommended Resource: Finding a Job During a Recession

I'm in Texas this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, but I wanted to take a moment to tell you about an event that I know many of you will be interested in!

Career management expert Sital Ruparelia is hosting a free teleseminar next week on "Finding a Job During a Recession."

Sital is a personal friend of mine and he knows his stuff. This teleseminar will be a fantastic resource for any professional ADDer who has been (or fears being) laid off.

Register or find out more here!

Top 5 Ways to Have a Happy Thanksgiving for Adults with ADD

Well, the holiday season is officially upon us! And for some adults with ADD, this is the most stressful time of year. Here are a few practical tips for managing your ADD this Thanksgiving (or any holiday.)

1. Know Your Own ADD and Plan Ahead to Deal with It

You know yourself better than anyone, so ask yourself "How does my ADD affect me on the holidays?" Make a list of all the things that tend to stress you out, and make a plan to deal with them.

Here are a few examples:

Do you tend to say impulsive things that you later regret? Plan to take a deep breath before answering ANY questions so that you can think about your words before you speak them.

Do hyper kids or too many people overwhelm you? Plan to excuse yourself and take a brief walk when things start feeling chaotic.

Does a family member really make you mad when s/he starts nagging or becomes critical? Plan a simple response that won't fuel the fire, like "I'm sorry you feel that way. I'd rather talk about a great book I'm reading right now."

Do you get antsy after a long day? Plan to end the day early, so that you don't reach the point of irritability.

2. Don't Expect Perfection

Accept that the day won't be perfect. Nothing is! Whether you're hosting the holiday, staying with family, or visiting a restaurant, realize that something is bound to go wrong. That's life. Don't hold it against yourself, or the people around you. Whatever it is, do your best to move on and let it go.

3. Ask For Help/Accept Help

Whatever your role is this holiday, you don't have to do it all on your own. If you're hosting the holiday, ask for help in the kitchen. This is perfectly acceptable, and most people are happy to help out where they can. If you're offered help, accept it with gratitude!

4. Remember That People Do The Best They Can

Long days with family members often end in frustration and hurt feelings. Try to remember that people do the best they can with the skills and tools they have. Hurtful comments probably aren't meant to be hurtful. Don't hold it against friends and family members who may not have the necessary skills to express themselves effectively.

5. Smile!

Set the tone for those around you by being positive, smiling often, and enjoying yourself!

Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Take some time now to prepare yourself NOW so that you don't get overwhelmed later!

           

Have thoughts on this article? Want to share some of your own tips on ADD management during the holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments field!

Webinar Tonight: The Maverick Approach to ADD Management

If you're a member of ADDA (the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Association), then join me tonight as I lead a members-only webinar!

Presentation: The Maverick Approach to ADD Management: How to Be Happy and Successful by Breaking the Rules
Led By: Jennifer Koretsky, Author of Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD
Time: 9pm EST
Access Info: Open to ADDA Members Only

Hope to "see" you there!

Howie Mandel Has ADHD

Howie Mandel "came out of the closet" about having ADHD today! 

Howie teamed up with ADDA, CHADD, ACO, and Shire to create TV and radio Public Service Announcements, along with an informative website, AdultADHDisReal.com.

To see the PSA on TV, tune into the following national TV shows (check your local listings):

• Friday, October 17:  "Live with Regis and Kelly," "Access Hollywood," OK! Magazine, and "ABC News Now"
• Monday, October 27:  "Extra"
• Wednesday, October 29:  "Bonnie Hunt Show"
• Tuesday, February 12, 2009:  "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

And here's some more info from the official press release:

NEW YORK, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Howie Mandel, host of Deal or No Deal and 2008 Emmy Nominee, is raising awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults through the national multimedia public service announcement campaign Adult ADHD Is Real.  This campaign and its Web site, AdultADHDIsReal.com, have been developed by a coalition of groups dedicated to ADHD education and awareness and made possible by Shire.  As an adult living with ADHD, Howie will spread the word that ADHD is a real and treatable medical disorder and encourage adults who think they may have ADHD to seek diagnosis and evaluation.   

“When I was in high school, my impulsivity led me to all kinds of acts and pranks.  I had trouble sitting still and could hardly focus or pay attention in class.  It wasn’t until I was an adult that I was diagnosed with ADHD,” said Howie.  “I’m involved in the Adult ADHD Is Real campaign because I want adults to know that it’s never too late to seek help for ADHD.  I hope that sharing my story encourages people to seek help.  I didn’t let ADHD prevent me from achieving my goals and neither should anyone else.”

Many people may think of ADHD as a childhood disorder, but up to 65 percent of children with the disorder may still exhibit symptoms into adulthood.  In US adults aged 18 – 44 the disorder affects approximately 4.4 percent of this population based on results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative household survey, which used a lay-administered diagnostic interview to access a wide range of DSM-IV disorders.   When this percentage is extrapolated to the full US adult population, the disorder is estimated to affect approximately 10 million adults throughout the country.

“The symptoms of ADHD impact millions of adults at work, at home, and in relationships. The Adult ADHD Is Real campaign provides a much needed platform to educate people about the disorder,” said Lenard A. Adler, MD, Director of the Adult ADHD Program at NYU Langone Medical Center, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, and author of Scattered Minds: Hope and Help for Adults with ADHD (G. P. Putnam’s Sons 2006).  “Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatment plans available that may help successfully manage ADHD symptoms.  It’s important to speak with a doctor if you think you may have the disorder.”

The multimedia campaign features Howie in television, radio, and print public service announcements.  Howie will also share more of his personal story about living with ADHD through the campaign’s Web site, AdultADHDIsReal.com.  The Web site provides additional information and resources for adults with ADHD, and encourages those who think they may have the disorder to take the adult ADHD self-screener and speak with their doctor.

AdultADHDIsReal.com also offers:

· Information about the symptoms of ADHD in adults and how they manifest differently in adults than in children
· Resources to help people choose a health care professional
· Links to view and listen to the public service announcements
· Links to coalition patient support groups for additional information and assistance in managing ADHD in adults.

The Adult ADHD Is Real campaign is supported by a group of organizations to raise awareness of ADHD in adults and encourage people who think they may have the disorder to take an ADHD self-screener and speak with their doctor.  These patient advocacy groups include the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), and Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).  Shire also supports the campaign.

The leaders of the following organizations, ACO, ADDA, and CHADD, have joined together in making the following statement:  “It is imperative for the public to be aware that ADHD is a real disorder for those with ADHD, with potential consequences for adults with ADHD and everyone around them.  We commend Howie for sharing his story and hope that it empowers other adults who think they may have the disorder to seek out more information on ADHD by visiting AdultADHDIsReal.com.”

About The Coalition
The coalition for the Adult ADHD Is Real campaign consists of patient advocacy groups including ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), and Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).  The coalition is dedicated to raising awareness about ADHD in adults as a real and treatable medical disorder.  Shire also supports the campaign.

Question: How is the Economic Crisis Affecting Your ADD?

The media is all doom and gloom right now. You can't turn on the news without hearing about the failed bailout plan or the falling stock market.

Even if you're not a chicken little, it's easy to feel like the sky is falling.

So how is all this affecting your ADD?

• Are you more anxious?
• Ruminating and falling into negative thinking patterns?
• Hyperfocusing on the news?
• Feeling pissed off and reactionary?
• Getting distracted by it all instead of doing what you need to be doing?

Please share your thoughts with me! I'll be addressing 'ADD and the Economic Crisis' in my next newsletter!