ADD / ADHD Community

HI there,

First, you should know that you're not alone! I've talked with dozens of young mothers with ADHD who coped rather well in life until the birth of their children. Even women who were very organized and successful at work (and, relatively speaking, in the rest of life) found that their coping strategies broke down at home, including when they became stay-at-home moms.

The biggest problem they report? There is no structure! Self-structuring is not considered an ADHD strongsuit, and when there are few cues in the environment (deadlines, a meeting at 3:00, a boss's email asking when that project will be completed), it's easy to get lost in the minutiae. Instead of focusing on the tasks at hand, it's easy to let anxiety spin out of control. When that happens, it can be tricky to discern what is innate, neurogenetic anxiety or depression and what is the fallout from untreated ADHD.

First of all, I would not dismiss the importance of establishing an effective medication regimen first. Too many people with ADHD (and their physicians) fail to realize just how critical is finding the right medication (and dosage) for you. After that's on board, you can focus on what's left over.

Some people will do best with a professional organizer who has expertise in ADHD, someone to help establish routines, schedules, and organizing systems. Some might benefit from a coach. Until you start the medication, though, it can be hard to know exactly where you need the most help.

As far as finding a professional, it really depends on the resources in your area. Typically, psychologists conduct the evaluation and then you see a psychiatrist for the medication.

In my experience, it's best to identify the most experienced psychiatrist you can find (being board-certified in ADHD should help insure expertise) and ask if they work with a psychologist who can do the evaluation. (Some psychiatrists perform the evaluation, or they might work in a clinic where another professional performs the evaluation.)

If there is a CHADD chapter in your area (check at http://www.chadd.org -- chapter locator), attend a meeting and ask others for recommendations to local professionals.

You can also ask your health insurance company for referrals to specialists in your area.

Overall, there are many ways to find a specialist. No one way. The most important factor is that you have a rapport with the professional and feel confident in his or her expertise. The best way to do this is to educate yourself first on what to expect of ADHD treatment.

I hope this helps.
Gina

Great advice.

However, there is no "board certification in ADHD."

Yes, you are correct. My apologies. I should have said "board certified in psychiatry, with a specialty in ADHD."