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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffBecause ADHD is a complex disorder and each person with ADHD is unique, it's hard to make recommendations that are right for every adult. But some of the following suggestions may help:
- Make a list of tasks to be accomplished each day. Make sure you're not trying to do too much.
- Use sticky pads to write notes to yourself. Put them on the fridge, on the bathroom mirror, in the car or in other places where you will benefit from having a reminder or information.
- Keep an appointment book or planning calendar to track appointments and deadlines. You may want to use an electronic personal digital assistant (PDA).
- Carry a notebook with you so you can write down ideas or things you'll need to remember.
- Take time to set up systems to file and organize information, both on the computer and for paper documents. Get in the habit of using these systems consistently.
- Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Ask for help from family members or loved ones.
- Follow a routine that's consistent from day to day.
Relationships
If you're like many adults with ADHD, you may be unpredictable and difficult to get along with. Forgotten appointments, missed deadlines, impulsive or irrational decisions, and angry outbursts can strain the patience of the most forgiving co-worker, friend or partner.
Therapy that focuses on these issues and helps you better monitor your behavior can be very helpful. So can classes to improve communication skills, conflict resolution and problem solving. Couples therapy and classes in which family members learn more about ADHD may significantly improve your relationships.
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