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Carolyn Somerville
Somerville Success Coaching
623-931-2317

ADD/ADHD Coaching

What is ADD?
While there are several different kinds of ADD, many have less ability to focus, may do poorly with details, may be impulsive, disorganized, have stress intolerance, have a short attention span and be distractible.

Is there any proof?

Brain imaging studies show that when people with ADD try to concentrate, the part of their brain involved with concentration, focus, and follow-through shuts down.

I thought only children have ADD.

One half of those children diagnosed with ADD will have disabling symptoms into adulthood.

Do you have to take drugs?

No, you and your doctor will decide that. Common medications are Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Concerta. There are many treatments often used in combination. They might include medication, self-hypnosis, bio-feedback, therapy, coaching and exercise.

Are the drugs addictive?

Not at the dosage given for ADD. Studies show that children treated for ADD have a much lower risk for drug abuse than untreated children.

Is this only a disorder of males?

No, it just shows up differently in females.

Does coaching help ADD clients?

D.G. Amen M.D. says, "One of the most helpful psychological treatments for ADD is personal coaching. Coaching helps a person develop good "internal supervision skill". Coaching involves using another person (a coach) to help you set goals and develop the specific skills needed to meet those goals. I have seen it be very powerful for people with ADD, who, as a group, tend to struggle with issues of goal setting, organization, planning and consistent performance."

Are there support groups for those with ADD?

Yes. CHADD Children (and Adults) with ADD, 800-233-4050, www.chadd.org.

What are some organization tips for ADD people?

Have a daily habit of taking 15 minutes each evening planning for the next day.
Have specific places to put keys, wallet,etc. and never deviate.
Divide tasks you hate into manageable chunks. ex:file papers for only 5 minutes at a time or pick up 10 papers and file or discard only those.
Place a basket near your exit door and put any papers, film, returns, books, etc. in the basket to scoop up on your way out.
Managing Mail- Have a mail center with a trash basket and 4 containers labeled "bills", "Action Items", "phone calls", and "file". Begin by throwing out catalogs and junk mail. Immediately put the rest in correct containers.
Get a coach to help you take control of your life!

Are there positives that ADD people bring to the home or work place?

Absolutely! Often, they are high in energy, enthusiastic, and very creative. Many famous inventors (Thomas Edison) and many highly successful business people are ADD.

References:

"Healing ADD", Daniel G. Amen M.D., 2001, Berkly Publishing

"ADD Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life", Kolberg and Nadueau, Phd., 2002, Brunner-Routledge

"Attention-Deficit Hyperativity Disorder in Adults", Wender M.D., 1995, Oxford University Press