ADHD In Adulthood: Effective Strategies For Managing Severe ADHD

Each of us might occasionally feel unable to focus, have some slight impatience, or make the odd careless mistake. After all, we’re all human. 

However, where do we turn when these characteristics become so severe they interfere with our daily productivity, overall mental health, and quality of life? What does it mean when your inability to focus or exercise patience also correlates or coincides with sleep disorders, mood swings, and impulsive behavior? You might be an adult living with untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD.

This article aims to define ADHD and the symptoms for which one should be on the lookout. This article will also explore potentially effective strategies for managing severe ADHD in adults. If you are experiencing symptoms of severe untreated ADHD in adulthood, it may be really helpful to secure a diagnosis and start your path to receiving available support.

Struggling to manage adult ADHD?

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Examining ADHD

ADHD is mentioned frequently nowadays, but many might not fully grasp its severity. ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; those living with the condition might experience mood swings, symptoms of mood disorders, and a host of other negative effects that can severely impact day-to-day life. 

ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in childhood. Additionally, this condition is often associated with another childhood mood disorder known as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), more simply explained as an aversion to following rules and authority figures.

Since the symptoms of ADHD and ODD are typically recognized in childhood, many equate behaviors like hyperactivity or inability to focus to “just being a kid.” Due to this and other stigma, adults with ADHD may hold the false belief that their symptoms are not genuine or “enough,” or they can’t change their behaviors, leading to the underdiagnosis of ADHD in adults. 

While it is normal on some level to not always feel up to the task of performing our daily responsibilities or answering to our workplace superiors, adults with ADHD often find themselves unable to successfully integrate into the workplace and hold down successful jobs.  

Severe ADHD symptoms

ADHD can sometimes be difficult to spot and pinpoint due to the wide range of severity levels in its symptoms. Some ADHD symptoms can be mild, while some border on debilitating and severely impact our ability to form relationships and thrive in our lives. 

Those with six or more of the following symptoms present might be experiencing severe ADHD.

• Frequent carelessness and inattention to detail
• Memory issues including poor short-term memory retention
• Poor organizational skills
• Difficulty waiting
• Restlessness and edginess
• Impulsive and risky behavior
• Experiencing various disorders that are commonly linked with ADHD, such as sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, or oppositional defiant disorder
• For severe cases of ADHD, you might find yourself unable to hold down a job or form relationships because of your symptoms

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms; there may be more factors to consider during the diagnosis process. Examining the difficulties in life experienced by those going through untreated adult ADHD makes it clear just how important it is to secure a diagnosis and explore coping strategies.

Exploring effective coping strategies for adult ADHD

If you are experiencing adult ADHD, do not suffer in silence; remember that you are not alone in this fight. There are coping strategies at your disposal that can help mitigate the unwanted detrimental effects of ADHD.

Some methods for effective coping strategies may include:

• Organizational tools, like a calendar or planner and phone reminder alarms, can help those with ADHD add some organization to their lives.
• Try and increase focus by limiting the number of distractions around you.
• Consider joining a support group for those experiencing ADHD. This way you can share unique coping strategies with others and have a group of people to whom you can vent who can understand your experience.
• Consider looking into an ADHD coach who can help those with ADHD structure their lives in a more successful and productive fashion.
• If you struggle with impulsivity, start adopting the “24 hour rule.” When you feel the urge to impulsively spend money or gamble, give yourself 24 hours to make a decision. Chances are, your impulsive urge might have subsided. If not, give yourself 24 more hours. 

It is important to keep in mind that some with severe cases of ADHD might not be able to make changes in behavior and ways of thinking on their own without outside help. This highlights the value of finding a legitimate diagnosis and seeking help. 

The benefits of online therapy for ADHD

One common hallmark of ADHD is a difficulty adhering to deadlines and maintaining a healthy and productive schedule. Those with ADHD might book a doctor’s appointment and completely forget about it, or they might have trouble showing up on time or getting up early enough to make the appointment even if they wanted to. It can be frustrating and discouraging when trying to find help while navigating symptoms that interfere with successful follow through.

Struggling to manage adult ADHD?

Connect with a licensed professional

There is a great resource those with severe ADHD might find beneficial. Connecting with a licensed mental health professional through online therapy can provide those with ADHD the flexibility and convenience they may need to enter a productive relationship with a therapist. Online therapy can often be more flexible related to scheduling appointments, which may make it easier to meet with your counselor. 

Online therapy for ADHD has been proven as an effective treatment method. During a 2022 review of scientific literature on the topic, researchers found that online therapeutic interventions for the condition drastically improved the quality of life for patients and were on par with, and in some cases exceeding, traditional face-to-face ADHD treatment. Exploring behavioral therapy methods with an online therapist can help us isolate our unproductive behaviors and thought patterns and change our way of life for the better.