Tag Archives: attention deficit
ADHD and Some Other Stuff Tips O the Day: If you have ADHD or if you’re old, or if you’re old and have ADHD, never ever place your phone on the restaurant table. Just saying. I was to give a … Continue reading
ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria
Sometimes you don’t see something that’s right in front of your eyes; at least I don’t. Rejection sensitivity dysphoria is a hot topic. It’s been found as another part of ADHD, like irritability (not in DSM, not part of the … Continue reading
ADHD Beyond DSM
From an article by Thomas E Brown, PhD, a credible ADHD expert. He points out that the DSM does not cover all the aspects of ADHD. But it is not intended to. DSM sets of criteria are only designed to … Continue reading
ADHD Questions
Some questions I get: “If I talk to myself, does that mean I’m crazy?” Answer: I certainly hope not. I do it all the time. “ What is the long-term effect of stimulant medication on the brain?” Answer: It changes … Continue reading
A New Treatment for ADHD, Finally
For years, research on ADHD has been only confirming things we already knew. Some new medications are on the market, mostly variations on the old ones so they can get a new patent. Meanwhile, we’ve had a shortage of stimulant … Continue reading
An Almost Truism For ADHD
I’ve written this before but today I have new examples and the principle is so important it’s worth repeating.(And I’m proud of myself for solving these problems.) If you can identify something as A Problem and not just life, you … Continue reading
ADHD and Meditation? Really??
Stress and ADHD feed each other in a typical feedback loop. Meditation can reduce the stress and possibly help directly with ADHD symptoms. With ADHD, meditation is not easy. I practice a simple form. I sit comfortably, preferably quietly, and … Continue reading
Word vs ADHD
Microsoft Word is a wonderful application and a royal pain in the neck. It has many tricks, both good and bad, many traps and many benefits. The learning curve for me has been very steep, and continues to be. I … Continue reading
A Woodworker’s Approach to ADHD (mostly)
My wife said I should write about the most recent disaster, but no, I’m not going to describe the incident where I merely sat down on the sofa next to the bowl of popcorn and somehow it ‘exploded’ and the … Continue reading
A Comment from Cindy
This is a different perspective, helping people understand that maybe they don’t have ADHD. doug Doug,You nailed it. I’ve found others just can’t comprehend what it means unless they have ADHD as well. I’m kind of sick of friends saying … Continue reading
Happy New Year, even with ADHD
Welcome to the new year, to you and to your ADHD, which certainly came along with you. If you can, read the NY Times opinion piece from Nicholas Kristof 12/31/2022: Summary: The world is in terrible shape. The world is … Continue reading
A New Year with ADHD – What could go wrong?
There’s not a lot new from 2022, other than transcranial magnetic stimulation. This treatment is done by placing electrodes on the scalp. It takes treatments 5 times a week, for 4-8 weeks and is at least somewhat effective for ADHD. … Continue reading
ADHD and the Holidays – A bad mix?
Happy holidays! Happy holidays???? Happy holidays! Arghhhhhhh!!!!! OK, are you clear now that it’s pretty normal not to enjoy the holidays, and probably more so with ADHD. It’s just all too much. There are so many blog posts on how … Continue reading
Living with ADHD
I appreciate the great comments. They motivate me to keep posting. In case you missed it, I’m using Cindy’s comment for this post. Cindy Bahl says: November 8, 2022 at 8:22 pm (Edit) Doug,You nailed it. I’ve found others just can’t … Continue reading
Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah, etc. (even with ADHD)
Please don’t feel sorry for me, but I have had better days. I had my day pretty well organized for a change, but: I had to try to clear up a unauthorized charge on my credit card. Martha‘s laptop was … Continue reading
An ADHD Melange
I hope you’re reading the comments; they are often better than the post. They make my day, inform me, and encourage me to keep posting. I love the comments. Observation O the Day: Some days just come unraveled. Conversation O … Continue reading
Screwed Up Again
OK, I did it again and my wife says my excuse of not thinking and then apologizing is getting old. I scheduled something on top of something routine I’m supposed to do with her, and it was going to be … Continue reading
Just Do a Little
I’m on the eighth draft of the new book, doing grammar and spell checking with Grammarly, the grammar and spell checking app. Tedious. Grammarly keeps wanting me to put commas in. I see no point in adding a comma unless … Continue reading
ADHD Doesn’t Stop
In case you’re wondering, yes, I do still have ADHD. Recent examples:I knocked the laptop off the table top. It didn’t break, but the plug for the adapter did. I needed to order a new adapter. When it came, it … Continue reading
An Update
My friends – I hope you’re still my friends. I miss you. I gave up the blog, and poker, chess, and Spanish because I just didn’t have enough time and my life felt over pressured and out of control. And … Continue reading
How to Make Decisions — ADHD Tip O the Day 982
With ADHD we have trouble making choices and decisions. Do I really need to make this decision? Does it matter?- is it worth the the time and effort? Does it have to be me? Gather data List pros and cons … Continue reading
Self Abuse Makes ADHD Worse — ADHD Tip O the Day 967
(Not that kind) With ADHD, we have many opportunities to feel shame. And we often contribute to that be being harshly critical of ourselves. And we often were subjected to shaming criticism as we were growing up (and after), so … Continue reading
Breaks and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 962
Everyone needs breaks, probably more so with ADHD, but they can be difficult. Breaks throughout the day, week, and year can be very beneficial, even necessary. That’s why we have vacations, and why it’s best not to work during them. … Continue reading
ADHD and Estrogen — ADHD Tip O the Day 952
ADHD is Different for Women Two contributors brought this up and it was a new area for me. Thank you to Susan and Eva. You can see their comments on Post 950. I knew that typically, girls have Inattentive type … Continue reading
Organize? With ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 902
One of my long-term goals is to get organized. After sixty years or so I have to admit it is either: 1. Hopeless or 2. … Continue reading
Living with ADHD and the Virus: Frustrating — ADHD Tip O the Day 900
ADHD causes many frustrations, and also makes it harder to cope with frustration. It’s a booger. These last few days have been frustrating, and it’s not getting any better. Of course, the main issue is this virus situation, with diminished … Continue reading
Genes and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 899
New ADHD Research This study is over my head, but I’m trying to summarize it as best I can. For the many of you more astute than me, the link for the whole study is below. A new very large … Continue reading
ADHD and Legs — ADHD Tip O the Day 898
Continuing with Sleep, Science, and ADHD: As if we didn’t have enough problems, we ADHDers often have leg problems. These include restless legs syndrome (RLS), paroxysmal abnormal leg movements (PALM, aka ‘the jerks’) and leg cramps. The book says these … Continue reading
More ADHD Science —ADHD Tip O the Day 897
We’re all tired of the virus thing. I just ask that you pay attention to the scientific experts, especially those willing to admit they don’t really know, and ignore the blathering and BS. Here’s more ADHD science: 1. Sleep problems … Continue reading
Virus, Science, and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 896
Virus, virus, virus and ADHD What else is there to talk about? We are blessed with leadership from someone who was born with innate understanding of science so that, despite his being apparently illiterate, he knows more about scientific things … Continue reading
Virus and ADHD, Science, and a Brilliant New Insight — ADHD Tip O the Day 895
The virus and ADHD It would be strange not to write about the virus today, but I think I mostly said it last time. How could I connect the virus with the topic of ADHD? Well, maybe. We’re under semi … Continue reading
Sleep and ADHD, and Now, the Virus — ADHD Tip O the Day 894
Virus I meant this post to be solely about sleep and ADHD. After all, what does the virus have to do with ADHD? Well, not much, except we’re impulsive and impatient, and prone to take risks. So, wash your hands … Continue reading
Changes. ADHD in Transition — ADHD Tip O The Day 893
I thought that once I retired, life would get easier. Hah! “There’s been a change in the weather and a change in the sea From now on, there’ll be a change in me. My walk will be different, my talk … Continue reading
Too Busy? — ADHD Tip O the Day 892
With ADHD, I’m Always “Too Busy” Since I retired, I figured I wouldn’t feel too busy all the time anymore. Wrong. I suddenly had a brilliant insight. Maybe if I didn’t try to do so many things all the time, … Continue reading
Another ADHD Moment—ADHD Tip O the Day 890
“I can’t find it.” Living with ADHD My wife asked me to bring her some pistachios from the cupboard. I was happy to do so. But I couldn’t find them. I looked all through the cupboard. I was pretty sure … Continue reading
Pause — ADHD Tip O the Day 889
Pause – a help with ADHD Pause is a simple strategy I’m trying to turn into a habit. I haven’t figured out what rule to make yet. But the strategy is just to pause several times a day, or even … Continue reading
ADHD Pathology — ADHD Tip O the Day 887
Here is a long article again documenting the reality of the ADHD diagnosis. I was slightly surprised to see in the final paragraph how much traumatic brain injury can mimic ADHD. Or, does it in fact, produce ADHD? I think … Continue reading
Ramblings and Ruminations — ADHD Tip O the Day 886
Life with ADHD I wanted to be sure that the tube was the right length, so I measured it carefully before I cut it. It looked too short. I measured it again to be sure; it was correct, so I … Continue reading
Frustrated— ADHD Tip O the Day 885
ADHD is a Natural Recipe for Frustration Yesterday I fixed my iPhone, got the library book for Martha she’s been waiting for, learned a little bit of guitar, and lost almost two pounds. I “should’ve” been happy. But – OK, … Continue reading
Natural Treatments for ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 884
Treat ADHD without medicines? I’ve done several posts on this. I use supplements and Daytrana and strive for a healthy life style, a good idea for everyone. But I do believe the healthy things do specifically help with ADHD : … Continue reading
Happy New Year Even with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 883
I hope you have had a good 2019 and that 2020 will be even better for you. It will as you learn new ADHD strategies and improve your coping. One of the problems we ADHD folk struggle with is time. … Continue reading
An ADHD Christmas — ADHD Tip O the Day 882
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a blessed whatever. Since Christmas, and everything else, sneaks up on me – “Wait! That can’t be this week can it?” But this year i was on top of it. i ordered my wife’s … Continue reading
The Scientific Method and ADHD Research — ADHD Tip O the Day 881
Statistics can be confusing. This is from a report on research showing that exposure to antibiotics early in childhood did not lead to ADHD (although there is a “but” at the end.): “Risk of developing ADHD was estimated using Cox … Continue reading
Too Busy with ADHD — Tip O the Day 879
Why Am I “Too Busy?” Ram is on a roll; this comes from comments and discussion: Too Busy, part one: With ADHD – 1. It’s hard to set priorities. 2. I want to do it all. 3. I set good … Continue reading
Ram’s Comment —ADHD Tip O the Day 878
Ram makes good comments, and this one raises issues about structure and routine, skimming instead of reading, and our ADHD difficulty of picking one thing. Great post! I laughed out loud at your “skimming” comment. I did read your whole … Continue reading
ADHD Research — ADHD Tip O the Day 877
There is new ADHD research, but nothing that new. The stimulants sometimes cause insomnia. (This can usually be fixed by changing dose, schedule, or medication. I need to get my Daytrana patch off by 5:10 PM and I usually … Continue reading
Structure, Schedule – The Secret to ADHD?— ADHD Tip O the Day 876
Flopping around with ADHD Retired. Again. Haven’t found my groove yet. Too busy. Writing two books, one on ADHD, Living Well with ADHD, and a novel, Alma Means Soul, both about ready to publish, which I dread; Create Space has … Continue reading
A New Use for Index Cards — ADHD Tip O the Day 875
Index Cards and Manila Folders (and smartphones?) God’s Gifts to ADHDers I keep the stack of index cards on my desktop just to the right of center, where I can’t miss it. Each one has a “Saying O the Day” … Continue reading
Ram’s Saga-Writing with ADHD — ADHD Tip o the Day 874
I asked for volunteers to write posts for the ADHD blog and Ram stepped up. This started a journey with a long period of correspondence, some of which is lost, which looks like the makings of a novel. I’ve recreated … Continue reading
Ram’s Mindball Post — ADHD Tip O the Day 873
This Post Is Gift From Ram on One Aspect of ADHD Last Spring I took a trip to Portugal to visit my family. While we were there, one of my sisters (a pharmacist with a college degree and a deep … Continue reading
ADHD Strikes Again! — ADHD Tip O the Day 872
ADHD continues its devious works to screw up our lives. You all know my friend Tom, who missed three straight appointments with me? The good news is that this stimulated him to look at how he was managing his calendar … Continue reading
Distracted, Derailed, Off the Track — ADHD Tip O the Day 871
Distractable = ADHD I’ve been working on a revision of the 365 Tips O the Day book and I got about 65% finished on the final draft, number 11. When it’s done I can publish it. Well, writing is the … Continue reading
A Day with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 869
What is a typical day with ADHD like? Here’s an example of how I spend my time: Trying to find my glasses: 20 minutes Trying to find my i phone, twice: 45 minutes Trying to find the thing that was … Continue reading
Pause – An ADHD Strategy — ADHD Tip O the Day 868
Trying a new strategy to help with my ADHD. Maybe it’s not so new; I may have tried it before? Maybe it’s a form of mindfulness? Anyway, it’s pretty simple. I occasionally stop whatever I’m doing wherever I am and … Continue reading
Vitamin D for ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 866
From the National Institutes of Health: “The diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency was significantly greater in children with ADHD compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). Children with ADHD had significantly ( P = 0.0009) lower values of … Continue reading
ADHD Mantras — ADHD Tip o the Day 864
Using Mantras for ADHD I don’t know about you, but I don’t wake up and leap out of bed bright and ready to go anymore. I stumble into the bathroom, answer the pressing physical demand that has my attention and … Continue reading
Defective — ADHD Tip O the Day 863
Who’s defective??! My patient sat with her head down, looking morose. I asked her why. “I’m defective,” she answered.” Just defective.” “What do you mean?” “Well, I have anxiety disorder and phobias. I’m just defective. I tried reassurance. “You’re not … Continue reading
Dinos On ADHD and Technology part 2 — ADHD Tip O the Day 862
Dinos is a high tech person. I’m not. He’s contributing some good tips. “A Smart Home Makes A Smarter You Have you ever found yourself doing something like cooking or washing dishes and wish you could tell somebody something like, … Continue reading
Goals and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 861
Is It Good To Set Goals If You Have ADHD? I’m a big fan of setting goals, but it’s hard for us ADHDers. We always overestimate what we can do and underestimate how long it will take, don’t we? And … Continue reading
Using Technology To Outsmart ADHD —ADHD Tip O the Day 860
Dinos has helped me with technology before, one of my many weak spots. He has generously agreed to contribute some posts. Enjoy! doug Using Technology To Outsmart ADHD I’m not sure how many other people can relate to this, but … Continue reading
A Radical Change — ADHD Tip O the Day 858
Maybe ADHD Pushes Us Too Hard? I started school when I was five and started working when I was eleven. I’ve always liked working. And I was always competing, with myself and others. Now I’ve reached a certain age, and … Continue reading
Medicine for ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 857
Some people are on too much medicine and too many meds and some on not enough. Meds are helpful to some people and not to others. For some people meds are miracles and for some not helpful at all, or … Continue reading
Efficient with ADHD. Huh??—ADHD Tip O the Day 856
I’m trying to get more done in less time and with less effort. Tthat sounds like trying to be more efficient, not one of my strong points. So I asked for advice from my son-in-law, Bruce, who is sharp and … Continue reading
Best ADHD Blogs of 2019 — ADHD Tip O the Day 855
The Link: I can’t swear these are the best blogs, they may have left out some (snicker, snicker), but I’ll admit these are darn good. I’m not posting often enough for one thing. I can give several reasons. I’m not … Continue reading
ADHD and Screens — ADHD Tip O the Day 854
ADHD Book Review?? I got a negative review of Living Daily with Adult ADD or ADHD. Well, kinda. Starfish had not read the book, nor had she bought it. So it wasn’t really a review; it was a complaint, a … Continue reading
Momma Tried Meds— ADHD Tip O the Day 853
Should you give medication to your ADHD child, or take it your self? Diane Yvonne shared her post on another site. “Just wanting to share my experience. My 11 year old son has ADD. We opted not to try medication … Continue reading
Some Little Things that Help — ADHD Tip O the Day 852
Little Things Can Make a Difference with ADHD One of the keys of living well in spite of ADHD is making habits. With a habit, you don’t have to remember, think, or make a decision; you just do it. Here … Continue reading
Bad Words — ADHD Tip O the Day 851
Don’t Use These Words If You Have ADHD or maybe even if you don’t. Ram recently stated that “Stupidly, I fell off the bike– .” I suggested that that wasn’t a good word to apply to herself, but she explained … Continue reading
JADE and ADHD —- ADHD Tip O the Day 850
Ram, who is a great contributor to the ADHD blog, has written about the difficulties of dealing with family. I couldn’t refrain from offering some advice: “Ram Families are truly difficult. Ignorance makes it even worse. You need to manage … Continue reading
Outgrow ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 849
Questions Abound About ADHD A follower asked if children outgrow ADHD. Research shows that 50% of children with ADHD will “grow out of it” by late adolescence. This means that they might still have some symptoms but the symptoms are … Continue reading
There Is a Solution to the Problem— ADHD Tip O the Day 848
My job put me up in a beautiful big old house. When I come in in the evening, and when I leave in the morning, there are no lights. It is dark. Very dark. It is a big beautiful old … Continue reading
Another Way to Look At ADHD—ADHD Tip 0 the Day 847
There are many different ways to look at ADHD: Some people deny that it exists. The fact that they have no idea what they are talking about does not deter them. Some people say it is an executive dysfunction problem. … Continue reading
Can a Month Cause ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 846
Can A Month Matter in ADHD? The research show that kids who are born in August have higher rates of ADHD than those born in September. The strong implication is that starting school when you’re younger makes you susceptible to a … Continue reading
ADHD Strategies Work, Eventually — ADHD Tip O the Day 845
ADHD Medication Side Effects I didn’t get much sleep tonight. Took a long time to realize I still had my Daytrana patch on. One of the two side effects of the patch is that if I don’t take it off … Continue reading
Ram’s Comment—ADHD Tip O the Day 844
Repeating a good comment from Ram. I do love the comments. “I guess we’re all guilty of thinking about what could have been. I certainly am, as I dropped out of college to take the hard road of becoming a … Continue reading
I Don’t Get It!— ADHD O the Day 842
Isn’t technology wonderful? If you have recently subscribed to this ADHD blog, you are most welcome here. I hope you will find it useful and enjoyable. And I hope you will make comments. I love the comments. But: I’m no … Continue reading
An ADHD Christmas — ADHD Tip O the Day 841
I wish you each a very Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and whatever else you may wish to celebrate, and a very blessed, joyous, productive, low stress new year. People ask me, “Are you ready for Christmas?” I always reply, “I … Continue reading
Technologically challenged. Isn’t that part of ADHD? – – – ADHD Tip O the Day 840
With ADHD comes a lot of challenges – geographical, legibility , technology,—. I had an iPhone 6. The screen was cracked, but I was used to that. Charging was slow and it didn’t hold a charge well, especially with my … Continue reading
Traveling with ADHD. Oh, My. — ADHD Tip O the Day 839
This ADHD post is too long. As you’ll see, that’s kind of the point. We flew from Santa Fe to Dallas to visit our new foster great-grandchild. Yay! But: Checking in, I left one of our bags at the security … Continue reading
Apologies and a Plan — ADHD Tip O the Day 837
Living with ADHD can be a challenge. OK, I’m a little behind on my blogs. OK, I’m a lot behind. I have a new job and that takes up some time even though it’s part time. Strangely, I haven’t been making … Continue reading
New Research on ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 836
ADHD Research I try to keep current on the ADHD research and to keep you current. 1. Some of the latest research just confirms previous findings. ADHD diagnosed in childhood persists in up to 65% of adolescents and up to … Continue reading
Working with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 832
I love my new job, but I’m struggling with the EHR, electronic health record system, on the computer. This is the sixth different I’ve have had to use. They’ve ranged from horrible to bad. This one is the least bad. The two … Continue reading
ADHD Jokes — ADHD Tip O the Day 831
ADHD Jokes O the Day: 1. A guy with ADHD walks into a bar – – – Oops, I forgot the punch line. 2. A guy with ADHD and dyslexia walks into a rab. 3. An uncoordinated guy with ADHD … Continue reading
A Bad Habit — ADHD Tip O the Day 829
I have a bad habit. No, it’s not sexual, no matter what you may have been imagining. Still, it’s too embarrassing to tell you. It’s just a bad habit which causes me some discomfort. I don’t like it. I’ve tried … Continue reading
ADHD Solutions— ADHD Tip O the Day 828
ADHD causes us many problems. Life can be hard. I believe that every problem has a solution. I know this isn’t 100% true, but it’s very useful to act as though it were. I’ve come up with some new examples. … Continue reading
Ways To Live With ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 827
I find that I don’t have new tips and strategies recently, because somehow, I’m not screwing up. I find that I am, without a plan, strategy, or intention, doublechecking everything. I ask: How could this go wrong? Did I really … Continue reading
Lessons learned while living with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 824
Lessons Learned- and relearned If I can’t find my glasses, look on my face first. If I can’t sleep, check to make sure I took off my Daytrana patch. It always takes longer than you expected. There is no easy … Continue reading
Jennie on Understanding People with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 823
I asked Jennie to do a guest ADHD post and she really came through: If Only You Could See in ADHD I began ADHD Coaching after learning of my sister’s diagnosis. Let me start by explaining that indeed, she and … Continue reading
Update on ADHD Science and Controversies- ADHD Tip O the Day 821
Controversies in ADHD In my opinion, science can be flawed, but it is more trustworthy than opinions. In the following, my opinions are italicized. There really is no controversy about whether or not ADHD exists. There are more and more studies showing … Continue reading
Living with ADHD (or trying to) — ADHD Tip O the Day 820
Life can be hard. It can be harder with ADHD. The day runs away from you. You have a list of things to do today. They all seem important. You realize that you’re no good at setting priorities. Possibly some … Continue reading
A New ADHD Strategy, Working So Far — ADHD Tip O the Day 819
Puryear’s Principles of Human Nature, number one (or something) We struggle with a problem until we find something that works. The next thing we do is we quit doing it. My ADHD Strategies These strategies make my life immensely better. … Continue reading
Life With ADHD, With and Without Medicine, by Ram — ADHD Tip O the Day 818
I am grateful to Ram for her many good contribution to the ADHD blog. I don’t know if you read all the comments, so I’m posting her last one here. Lots of good stuff in it. doug Great post, as … Continue reading
Medicines for ADHD?— ADHD Tip O the Day 817
ADHD medicines – alway a controversy! My View: The medicines – Ritalin, Adderal, Vyanse,Concerta, Daytrana, et al – are miracle workers for some, very helpful to others, somewhat helpful to some, and worthless or even detrimental to some. You will never know … Continue reading
“You Don’t Listen to Me!” — ADHD Tip O the Day 816
Have you ever heard that? Miscommunication is a standard part of normal human life. So is the frustration with it. But who ever said that ADHD is normal human life? So we have a lot more of it. Feeling not … Continue reading
ADHD and Irritiable — ADHD Tip O the Day 815
What Still Drives Me Up the Wall, I Mean Up The Flipping Wall: Politics The minority “president.” It is not appropriate to go into that here. I probably shouldn’t even have said it. … Continue reading
Stuck again – ADHD Tip O the Day 814
Well here I am again, writing about being stuck, because I’ve been stuck. Many reasons, will spare you the excuses. In Mexico, on vacation, but still have a to do list of about six things that need doing pretty soon. … Continue reading
Goals for 2018 – With ADHD?! — ADHD Tip O the Day 813
Yes, even with ADHD, goals can help make our lives better. I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions, but I set ten goals for 2018. These were spiritual, health, financial, professional, recreational, and educational goals. They are each very specific … Continue reading
Make Your Life Better in 2018 — ADHD Tip O the Day 812
I continually try to make my life better, make things easier, simpler. One of the ADHD principles is to identify a problem. Sometimes we don’t think of it as a problem, but just as a part of life. But –. … Continue reading
More Research on ADHD (Supporting My Previous Opinions) — ADHD Tip O the Day 811
New Research On ADHD Lots of important research comes from Scandinavia because they apparently keep very good detailed statistics on everyone from birth to death. That is a very valuable bank of data, but the concept probably would not … Continue reading
ADHD– Strategies -Do They Really Work? Three Tips — ADHD Tip O the Day 810
I have a fairly new strategy. Whenever I park my car, I say, out loud, where it is. “Second row, facing out, in line with the I in the LIQUORS sign.” 2. It works. It’s a good ADHD strategy. I spend … Continue reading
Ouch! Hypersensitivity and ADHD – – – Tip O the Day 809
I know I am hypersensitive. Am I hypersensitive as a symptom of my ADHD? Or have my ADHD problems, including so many screw ups, just made my self-esteem fragile? So is the hypersensitivity an ADHD symptom or a consequence? I … Continue reading
In ADHD, Attitude Makes the Difference – But Then, There is Word Power — ADHD Tip O the Day 807
With ADHD, Everything Can Be Difficult But there are strategies to make things less difficult. Last post, I said that my job is difficult, but I love it. What helps me is using the power of words and keeping focus … Continue reading
Problems in ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 806
Your Life Can Be Better, and so can mine – if we recognize problems, and then apply the formula: recognize, strategy, rule, habit. My job is difficult, but I love it. One of my many frustrations was dealing with a … Continue reading
ADHD Plus Anxiety – The Podcast — ADHD Tip O the Day 805
Do you have ADHD? Then you know about anxiety: Am I going to screw this up, too? Am I going to get my to do list done? Am I going to get anything done? Am I going to blurt … Continue reading
Is It Distraction? Or Something Else? -An ADHD Dialog with Scott — ADHD Tip O the Day 804
I fear that some people may not read all the comments, which are over to the right on the site. You are missing something. Here are some great issues that Scott brings up (slightly edited): Hi Doug, I just realized, … Continue reading
Just About Everything About Coping with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 803
ADHD is about coping – you don’t cure it, you don’t overcome your symptoms, you learn to cope, to minimize the effect they have on your life. Today I’m feeling lazy, kind of stuck, hard to get moving. To be … Continue reading
A Tool for ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 802
ADHD and Stress. With ADHD, we experience a lot of stress. With more stress, our ADHD symptoms intensify. This makes it harder to function, which creates more stress. Can you see where this is going? Some years ago, I saw … Continue reading
What Helps with ADHD? —ADD Tip o the Day 801
Lots of things help with ADHD Some are a little complicated: medications, strategies, tools, coaching, therapy, mindfulness, yoga, education. They can be extremely helpful. But there are some basic simple things that help. exercise healthy eating good sleep get outside … Continue reading
ADHD and a Fleeting Moment of Fame — ADHD Tip O the Day 799
Who’d Have Ever Thought My ADHD Would Bring Me Fame, Other Than From An Horrendous Accident Or A Terrible Crime I am honored, and excited, within reason of course, to be a guest on a podcast recorded last Thursday. … Continue reading
Losing Things – Living with ADHD and Three Strategies — ADHD Tip O the Day 798
Losing thing on a trip with ADHD If you’re on a trip, oh, say like to Maine, for example, and you’re out in the boondocks with very limited shopping opportunities around, and you can’t find some really essential items that … Continue reading
ADHD and the Challenge of Relationships — ADHD Tip O the Day 795
If you think living with ADHD is a challenge, imagine what it’s like living with someone with ADHD. I started to add, “And imagine what it’s like to live with someone who is living with someone who is living with … Continue reading
Vacation! and ADHD. Vacation? — ADHD Tip o the Day 794
Have been on vacation a week now. It’s wonderful! But- I had two goals for this vacation: To relax. It’s about time, To get some things done, get caught up. Unfortunately, the two goals are incompatible. And guess what? I’ve … Continue reading
ADHD Help Number Two — ADHD Tip O the Day 792
Three Basic Ways to Improve Your Life with ADHD Sleep 2. Exercise 3. Get Outdoors Help Number Two — Exercise. Our son Duane had ADHD and learning disabilities. He was extremely smart but couldn’t actually function. The only thing he … Continue reading
Three Simple Proven Helps for ADHD, or Maybe More — ADHD Tip O the Day 791
Making Your Life Better – Even With ADHD Here are the basics of dealing with ADHD: Get enough sleep, whatever it takes. Your best bet is to practice sleep hygiene, and/or use melatonin, or whatever. Exercise Get outdoors More … Continue reading
Cross Off Your ADHD —ADHD Tip O the Day 790
The Power Of Positive Reinforcement We all need positive reinforcement, ADHD or not. One way to give it to ourselves is crossing off. That’s one of the side benefits of the to do lists; we get to cross things off. … Continue reading
“Are We Overdiagnosing and Overtreating ADHD?” – Part Three, the Last and Maybe the Best— ADHD Tip O the Day 788
Final Installment On the ADHD Article by By Rahil R. Jummani, MD, highly edited. My opinions and comments are in italics. For what they’re worth. Prevalence: Prevalence estimates have been increasing, with a prevalence in US children of over 8% … Continue reading
Life With ADHD. Oh, My! — ADHD Tip O the Day 787
With ADHD, I need a wife, an iPhone, and strategies. I had an 8:30 breakfast appointment with my boss at an excellent restaurant. And he was paying. I set the alarm; it worked. I got up on time, got ready … Continue reading
“Are We Overdiagnosing and Overtreating ADHD?” – Part Two— ADHD Tip O the Day 786
More from the recent ADHD article in Psychiatric Times (Jummani, MD, et al, in Psychiatric Times, May 2017, pp 26-28.) To diagnose ADHD formally in children requires at least 6 of 9 inattentive symptoms and /or at least 6 of 9 … Continue reading
The Cell Phone Saga: Another Chapter in My Life with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 785
My iPhone has a great GPS and since I’m directionally challenged, I use it a lot. Sometimes it sends me on a wild goose chase, but usually it’s right on. So I set it in the cup holder of the … Continue reading
“Are We Overdiagnosing and Overtreating ADHD?” Or Not? Or What? — ADHD Tip O the Day 784
This is the title of a recent ADHD article in Psychiatric Times (reference below, for the compulsive or curious.) ADHD was first identified as a syndrome in 1935. (I didn’t know this, did you? — Syndrome – “a group of symptoms … Continue reading
Is My ADHD Messing With Me Again, Or Is It Something Else? —Tip O the Day 783
Is it ADHD or Human Nature? Puryear’s Principle of Human Nature #2: Once we find something that helps us cope with a problem, we will quit doing it. And this does apply to me. Oh, my. The Index Card System … Continue reading
Is It Ethical to Diagnose A Public Figure? — ADHD Tip O the Day 782
It is unethical for a psychiatrist to diagnosis a person, either private citizen or public figure, without personally examining him. If the psychiatrist has indeed personally examined a person, it is then unethical to make that diagnosis public, or even … Continue reading
ADHD Strategies 40 Tips — Tip O the Day 781
Living With ADHD, Ain’t It Awful? No, It’s Not. Just got a bad book review from Frances. She said she couldn’t read the book because my life is so awful it made her feel awful to read about it. She … Continue reading
The New ADHD Diet — ADHD Tip O the Day 779
Many People Ask or Comment About Diets for ADHD. Here are Some Insights: (Actually these insights are a mixture of facts and opinion. What isn’t these days?) Research: The research shows that some people with ADHD benefit somewhat from some … Continue reading
Super Comments from Ram and Sue — ADHD Tip O the Day 778
Lots of people have contributions to help the ADHD tribe I hope each one of you reads all the comments here, but I’m not sure. Maybe you don’t read ALL of them? Here are two recent ones that are too … Continue reading
The Perfect Approach With ADHD (or without) — ADHD Tip O the Day 777
The Perfect Approach to Life With ADHD OK, I’ll admit I get lazy, and that I’m still behind, but trust me, that’s not the reason for this post. The link below is just perfect: The Perfect Approach Trust me. doug … Continue reading
One At A Time – – – ADHD Tip O the Day 773
With ADHD, we need to work harder, but it’s more important to work smarter. When I got back to work after two weeks vacation, there was a huge stack of papers on my desk. I used a very good strategy and started … Continue reading
” I Don’t Need Any Medicine!” — ADHD Tip O the Day 772
Learning More About My ADHD The Hard Way Had a wonderful vacation. Was amazed to find I didn’t need my Daytrana patch at all, did just fine without it. Lying on the beach, eating and drinking, and even reading and … Continue reading
Medication, Science and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 771
More new ADHD science From Dr. Wilens and AudioDigest and others: 1. Research shows that the stimulants are not risky for the heart or stroke. Nonetheless, I probably wouldn’t prescribe them for someone with heart trouble. Kids on stimulants may … Continue reading
Back again with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 769
Does this really have anything to do with ADHD? I’m back. Sorta. Swamped. So here’s some of my favorite clips. I’m hoping that you will: 1. watch them. 2. enjoy them. 3. leave a comment on the question, “What do … Continue reading
ADHD and Relationships – A Followup— ADHD Tip O the Day 768
What are ADHDers like? What is it like to live with ADHD? What is it like to live with someone with ADHD? And why are relationships so difficult for ADHDers? If you would like to understand, this article from Attitude … Continue reading
Myths and What It’s Like to Live with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 767
Some People Still Do Not Understand ADHD There are climate change deniers, and flat earthers, and anti-vacine conspiracy theorists, and there are still many people who just do not understand ADHD. It does no good to get mad at … Continue reading
ADHD and Relationships. Is it possible? — ADHD Tip O the Day 766
My long suffering wife (very, very long) still gets annoyed sometimes when I do ADHD stuff. For one example, of many, calling her to come help and then doing something to get ready while she’s standing there waiting. I’m trying … Continue reading
A New Approach to My ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 765
Manila folders are God’s gift to people with ADHD, and yellow stickies may be his bonus gift. I have used my index card system successfully for many years, and have written and written about it. Quote O the Day: “Whenever … Continue reading
Remedies for ADHD. Or Misinformation? — ADHD Tip O the Day 764
ADHD Remedies and Solutions to ADHD I just found a post that’s an interesting follow up to the last two posts about treatment without medication. It’s an example of unsubstantiated claims and misrepresentations. Guy almost says that he is curing … Continue reading
Mindfullness, Meditation, and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 763
Non-medication treatments for ADHD – part two 2017 Mindfullness – means pause in what you are doing and take a nonjudgmental inventory of your thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and situation. The key is nonjudgmental, just be aware, that’s all you … Continue reading
Be Prepared, if you have ADHD, even if you’re not a Boy Scout — ADHD Tip O the Day 761
What could possibly go wrong, with ADHD? I was recently honored to be a guest, one of many, on Jennifer Friedman’s podcast. I must confess that I don’t listen to podcasts, don’t have the patience, probably missing out on a … Continue reading
ADHD and Self Esteem? A Plan for the New Year—ADHD Tip O the Day 760
Self-esteem is essential and precarious, especially with ADHD Our self esteem suffers when we don’t complete something, and that demoralization makes it harder to start the next job. When we do complete something, the boost in self-esteem helps us move … Continue reading
Five Disconcerting Facts, Relevant To But Not Limited To ADHD — ADD Tip O the Day 759
Disconcerting Facts: 1. Our decisions are made unconsciously, based on unconscious factors, mostly emotional. After a decision is made, we think we “decide.” Then we come up with “facts” to support our decision and make it appear to be rational. 2. … Continue reading
It’s Christmas/Hanuka/Holiday Season -A challenge with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 758
The Holidays are supposed to be Joyful But with ADHD, they can be just extra challenging. Did you procrastinate on getting the gifts or the cards? Does the prospect of making choices and decisions terrify you? Are you having trouble … Continue reading
I Whipped My ADHD Procrastination -for the moment. —ADHD Tip O the Day 756
With my ADHD I wasn’t doing what I need to do. On my to-do list, for a very long time, was “car and tires”. I needed to get my car to the mechanic for an oil change, and to the … Continue reading
Why Do You Procrastinate, and What Can You Do About It, With Your ADHD? — ADHD Top O the Day 755
Procrastination, a major issue with ADHD I’ve been putting this off, but now I’m going to offer a series on procrastination, and strategies to help you deal with it. Why do we procrastinate? The task seems too daunting, it will … Continue reading
Some semi morbid thoughts somewhat related to ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 754
With ADHD, I really like to plan ahead. Just finished a funeral and reception. Pretty good as those things go, but funerals are always painful and sometimes can be awful. This one was pretty good. You all are invited to … Continue reading
A whole bunch of stuff, including a valuable secret, related to ADHD— ADHD Tip O the Day 753
With ADHD, sometimes our brain gets clogged up. And we seem to need to justify what we’re doing, like this post, for example. Some days my brain is crowded with lots of stuff, not all of it relevant but all … Continue reading
Blessings of ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 751
With our ADHD, we tend to be interested in many things. This is one of the blessings of ADHD. It is also one of the curses. I am working a half time job, trying to keep up two blogs (and … Continue reading
Do the Hard Part First? — ADHD Tip O the Day 750
Life is complicated, especially with ADHD One of my favorite tools, a slogan or motto, is, “Do it now; do it right; and do the hard part first.” This has been extremely useful for me, and I highly recommend it. … Continue reading
Busy, Too Busy, Way Too Busy, Life with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 746
I am way too busy – is it life, or me, or ADHD? I know that “busy” is only a state of mind and not a reality. I truely believe this, although I have found it difficult to sell the concept … Continue reading
Things Maybe You Don’t Know About Having ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 745
What is it like to have ADHD? Frustrated, distracted, looking for things, dealing with people I’ve offended or annoyed, very concerned about time, enjoying things that are a waste of time, forgetting things, making mistakes, irritated with others and with … Continue reading
Bad Attitude with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 744
The Attitude I don’t know why I’m rather gloomy today, although to be honest, I do have an idea. But I don’t intend to stay this way and I plan to change it, right after I finish this post. In … Continue reading
ADHD and Attitude Adjustment — ADHD Tip O the Day 743
ADHD – Frustrated, Irritable, and Discouraged I get easily frustrated, often over little things, and I’m irritable, which is a symptom of ADHD, and sometimes I get discouraged, tho not often. But I have a strategy. The Strategy I’ve developed … Continue reading
Caring for Someone With ADHD (ambiguous title). Affection or caretaking?— ADHD Tip O the Day 742
Life Is Hard Life is hard. Life with ADHD is harder. Marriage is hard. Marriage with ADHD is harder. Being married to someone with ADHD is harder than I can even imagine. There are strategies that will make our life with … Continue reading
Stimulants and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 741
Stimulants for ADHD One of the common misconceptions and falsehoods posted on the net are that the stimulants are the same as street drugs. Not so. amphetamines vs methamphetamine Also, I believe that research shows: Stimulants are rarely abused by … Continue reading
Is Your ADHD Brain Mature?— ADD Tip O the Day 739
Delayed maturation, or erroneous maturation as basis for ADHD? Like everyone else, I have my fixed ideas and opinions, and like most of us ADHDers, I have definite opinions about ADHD. Some researchers suggest that ADHD is a delayed maturation … Continue reading
Open Mind VS Old Patterns — ADHD Tip O the Day 737
With ADHD, we need to make some changes. It’s hard to change a habit, but there are strategies: Spotting – This is the first step. Instead of trying to stop the old habit, just recognize every time you do it, spot … Continue reading
Meds for Adult ADD ADHD? — ADD Tip O the Day 736
My opinions about the medications: There are many medications available for ADHD – the stimulants, the antidepressants, and others. Like everyone else, I have my opinions about the medicines, which I will repeat here: Everyone with ADHD deserves a trial … Continue reading
ADHD and Your Genes — ADHD Tip O the Day 735
What about ADHD genes? We each have two copies of the serotonin transport gene, SERT, one from each parent. This gene regulates uptake of serotonin back into the cell. The gene comes in two flavors, long (L) and short (S). … Continue reading
ADHD Evaluation? – A Terrible Experience – Jeff’s Ordeal — ADHD Tip O the Day 734
What can you learn from Jeff’s experience? “Hi Doug. I saw a psychiatrist for the first time to help treat my ADHD, and I wanted to let you know how it went. It went TERRIBLE! What a waste of time! … Continue reading
How I do an ADHD evaluation. What is an adequate ADHD evaluation? — ADHD Tip O the Day 733
You need a competent ADHD evaluation. Jeff just had a horrible experience with an evaluation. I felt very sorry for Jeff and very embarrassed for the psychiatric profession. And personally embarrassed, because I keep recommending evaluations and then this happens. Key … Continue reading
ADHD is a good thing to have. Isn’t it????— ADD Tip O the Day 732
Does ADD ADHD rock or does it suck? A controversy! This is from my gifted good buddy Ken (edited). My comments are in italics. Why ADHD rocks – surprising view of a freelancing expat By Ken Powell – http://writeoutloudblog.com/ “… … Continue reading
Goals and ADHD — ADHD Tip o the Day 731
With ADHD, sometimes we need to lower the bar. “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, Or what’s a heaven for?” Robert Browning This is one of the guiding principles … Continue reading
Tips for Surviving with ADD ADHD — ADD Tip o the Day 730
What can we expect of ourselves, or of someone else, with ADHD? “Life can be hard, and with ADHD, it’s even harder.” “Some days, just surviving is a triumph.” Doug Puryear The great cell … Continue reading
Science and ADHD Meds — ADHD Tip O the Day 780
from Chris Dendy: “Comments from Russell Barkley: Thanks Russ More Evidence of Brain Development Enhancement from ADHD Medications Just today yet another science journal article was published showing that staying on ADHD medications (stimulants) may help to promote brain development … Continue reading
Time is a Booger with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 728
I got a new job, and I played in a concert, and I let time get away from me and I didn’t get a post ready. So I collected some ADHD links. Hope you will like them. Time management – … Continue reading
Living with ADHD and Getting an ADHD Diagnosis — ADHD Tip O the Day 727
This comment from a fellow ADHD tribe member, Ram, on the post about diagnosis. The bolding of parts is my doing. My comments are at the end: “Hi Doug, I’ve told you before about my diagnose, but I’ll recap for … Continue reading
This free technique helps my ADHD — ADD Tip O the Day 726
A Buddhist Practice, Borrowed for ADHD My wife went to a Buddhist retreat. It was very good for her. She brought home a practice to share. At this temple, one practice is at the sound of any bell, stop whatever … Continue reading
Diagnosis of ADHD Can Be Upsetting — ADD Tip O the Day 725
Late ADHD diagnosis I got a message from someone recently diagnosed with ADHD. They were struggling with anger that they had been diagnosed late, and thinking how much better their life could’ve been if diagnosed sooner. They asked how I … Continue reading
“Science says —” About ADHD — ADD Tip O The Day 724
‘Research shows that young children with ADHD do better with parental training and behavioral approaches than with medication’ I am a big fan of science, but it is not perfect. Much research is based on averages. For example, a new medication … Continue reading
Overdoing with ADHD — ADD Tip O the Day 723
Only One? With ADHD? I went to the library to pick up a book. We have a wonderful library. It has a good selection, they will hold books that are checked out, and they order on inter-library loan for books … Continue reading
ADHD Makes Me Irritable — ADHD Tip O the Day 722
Irritability is one of the many symptoms of ADHD. Trust me on this. From a big article on ADHD: Wender (1998) provided a list of adult behaviours linked to childhood ADHD (see also Weiss & Murray, 2003; Asherson, 2005). Motor … Continue reading
ADHD Coaches – ADHD Tip O the Day 721
Get a good evaluation. I recommended a psychiatrist, psychologist, or ADHD coach for an ADHD evaluation. Sue, an ADHD coach, replied: Hi Doug, You bring up some good food for thought! I love your astute comment that “many professionals don’t … Continue reading
Is It Really ADHD? DSM V and ADHD — ADD Tip O the Day 720
“Why do you call it ADHD. Can’t you just let kids be kids?” Drives me up the wall. Total ignorance of ADHD. If the kid is floundering, it’s not just being a kid. You don’t just label a … Continue reading
Diagnosis of ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 719
(If you know about diagnosing ADHD and the DSM, you might skip down to the good bonus links.) To Diagnose ADHD: Sometimes I can talk to and observe a patient for just a few minutes and it’s obvious that they have … Continue reading
More and more and more ADHD pictures — ADD Tip O the Day 717
OK, I’m swamped, over my head, behind – does that sound like ADHD? Strategy: punt. So my post is just some ADHD pictures that are too good to waste but haven’t fit into any … Continue reading
Vitamin D for ADHD????— ADD Tip O the Day 716
I intended this post to be about vitamin D, but I have ADD ADHD, so here: I’m not a big fan of “natural” treatments for ADHD. There is little evidence to support using most of them and some evidence against … Continue reading