ADHD in Adults Slideshow Pictures Take the ADHD Quiz ADHD Symptoms in Children Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Dr. Roxanne Dryden-Edwards is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is a former Chair of the Committee on Developmental Disabilities for the American Psychiatric Association, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and Medical Director of the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda, Maryland.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Support Groups and Counseling

Most adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are undiagnosed, untreated, and unaware that help is available. Their symptoms occur in varying type and severity from impairment in interpersonal relations to underemployment to low self-esteem.

An ADHD coach is professionally trained to guide and support a person in overcoming the challenges of living with ADHD at work, school, and home. Specifically, ADHD coaches help people with ADHD to do the following:

• Create tools to stay on track
• Improve organizing skills and design organizing systems
• Plan projects, clearly identify tasks, and manage time
• Increase self-awareness
• Set and reach goals
• Improve crucial lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, and exercise
• Improve relationship and communication skills

ADHD coaching can supplement treatment from a doctor and counselor. Coaches have frequent contact with their clients (in person or over the phone) and can help determine the success of different medications or other treatments, providing observations and advice that can be used to tailor treatment.

ADHD coaching is not psychotherapy; some people work with a coach while working with a therapist or counselor. Coaching sessions deal with what's going on in the client's life with emphasis on challenges, opportunities, and strategies for success. Coaches can provide support between sessions by email or phone, and some assign homework that helps the client accomplish his or her objectives.

In addition to coaching, which is not covered by insurance and can be expensive, many support groups are available for adult ADHD. Groups can be found online or through a therapist.