Autism Issues
ADHD in Adults: Coping Strategies in the Workplace
By
Apr 22, 2014 - 11:49:20 AM
Neuropsychologist Dr. Ashley Gorman Provides Tips for Managing ADHD on the Job
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Parsippany, NJ, April 2014 - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is well recognized and now commonly diagnosed in children. It is estimated that between 3% and 10% of school-age children exhibit the hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness that characterize the disorder. Less attention has been focused on the fact that for about half of those children, the symptoms continue into adulthood. "Many ADHD adults have not been diagnosed or treated," says neuropsychologist and ADHD specialist Dr. Ashley Gorman of Morris Psychological Group. "As a result, they have endured years of frustration and disappointment in their professional lives stemming from difficulty with concentration, task completion and restlessness. But by employing straightforward strategies, ADHD adults can manage their symptoms and thrive in their work lives."
Some ADHD symptoms are more subtle in adults than in children, particularly hyperactivity, which may be less often exhibited as "off-the-wall," highly energetic behavior and more often as fidgeting, agitation and general restlessness. Other characteristics of the disorder in adults that have significant implications on the job include: trouble concentrating and staying focused on a task, disorganization, forgetfulness, impulsive actions such as frequent interruptions and outbursts of temper, and keeping to a schedule or routine. These behavioral traits can make it difficult to follow company rules, meet deadlines, be on time, and may ultimately result in inability to keep a job. On the other hand, people with ADHD often have positive traits such as creativity, passion, imagination and energy that, when properly channeled, can be great career assets.
Tips for Coping with ADHD in the Workplace
Many of these challenges in the workplace - distractions, repetitive tasks, time pressures - are issues for all workers but present particular difficulty for those with ADHD. According to Dr. Gorman: "While most people are able to just soldier through the boring or uninteresting tasks and everyday distractions, ADHD sufferers are more easily rattled than most and may have to work harder to find the situation that's right for them and that allows their strengths to shine."
"The most important thing for ADHD sufferers to realize is that if they are having difficulty on the job, it is not due to a character flaw or to a deficit of intelligence," Dr. Gorman concludes. "ADHD can be treated and managed. Anyone who suspects that they may have undiagnosed ADHD should see a doctor or psychologist who specializes in ADHD so they can be treated appropriately and learn coping strategies that will improve their job performance and their overall quality of life."
Ashley Gorman, PhD., A.B.P.P., specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations of a wide range of cognitive problems. Morris Psychological Group, P.A. offers a wide range of therapy and evaluation services to adults, children and adolescents. www.morrispsych.com
###
For advertising/ promotion on HealthNewsDigest.com, call Mike McCurdy at: 877-634-9180. We have over 7,000 journalists as subscribers and may use our content