Summary of Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.'sTaking Charge of Adult ADHD

By IRB Media

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview:

#1 The first comment from the adult with ADHD describes the serious time management problems that ADHD creates for adults in their daily lives. It’s difficult to maintain a sense of adult accomplishment and competence when people around you think they can’t count on you to get things done.

#2 There is a lot you can do to change your life for the better if you think you have ADHD. The more questions you answered yes to, the more likely it is that you have ADHD. It can make you spend your paycheck on something fun right now, and never save enough money for your monthly or annual bill payments or for that vacation or car or house you’ll want even more tomorrow than the purchase that seemed irresistible today.

#3 There is a lot of evidence that shows that adults with ADHD are more limited in their lives than other people. They are also more easily affected by the disorder, and there are many treatments available.

#4 The adults with ADHD that I’ve studied, diagnosed, and treated have varying memories of the types of problems they had as children. Some were not diagnosed as kids, because their pediatrician didn’t believe ADHD was real or their parents didn’t think being hyper was a reason to take their child to the doctor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Apr 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669395768

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Insights on Russell A. Barkley's Taking Charge of Adult ADHD

Contents

Insights from Chapter 1

Insights from Chapter 2

Insights from Chapter 3

Insights from Chapter 4

Insights from Chapter 5

Insights from Chapter 1

#1

The first comment from the adult with ADHD describes the serious time management problems that ADHD creates for adults in their daily lives. It’s difficult to maintain a sense of adult accomplishment and competence when people around you think they can’t count on you to get things done.

#2

There is a lot you can do to change your life for the better if you think you have ADHD. The more questions you answered yes to, the more likely it is that you have ADHD. It can make you spend your paycheck on something fun right now, and never save enough money for your monthly or annual bill payments or for that vacation or car or house you’ll want even more tomorrow than the purchase that seemed irresistible today.

#3

There is a lot of evidence that shows that adults with ADHD are more limited in their lives than other people. They are also more easily affected by the disorder, and there are many treatments available.

#4

The adults with ADHD that I’ve studied, diagnosed, and treated have varying memories of the types of problems they had as children. Some were not diagnosed as kids, because their pediatrician didn’t believe ADHD was real or their parents didn’t think being hyper was a reason to take their child to the doctor.

#5

If you don’t remember having the same problems you just listed when you were a child, ask someone who knew you well at that time. The same problems that make it difficult for people with ADHD to get things done on time, make wise choices, and even get along with others, can make it difficult for them to trace their history accurately until they are in their mid-to-late 20s.

#6

Intelligence is not the only factor involved in domains like family and social functioning, driving, crime and drug use, dating and marital relationships, and most others. High intelligence wouldn't necessarily have protected you in these areas if you had ADHD symptoms.

#7

ADHD affects all aspects of adult life, from work to family to education. It is difficult to believe that adults with ADHD have not been affected by their disorder until adulthood without evidence that parents and schools have made extraordinary efforts to help.

#8

The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, uses 18 symptoms to diagnose ADHD. But a research colleague of mine has compiled research data showing that the list of 9 symptoms above is more useful with adults.

#9

ADHD is not a category that you either fall into or don’t. It is a dimension, with different people falling at different points along it. Impairment in a major life activity occurs when symptoms are present.

#10

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, there is a high probability that you have ADHD. Read on to find out what you can do about it.

#11

To make sure your symptoms aren’t being caused by a condition other than ADHD, you should see a doctor. To find out