How ADHD changed one man's world

Imagine finding it difficult to focus while studying or reading for an extended period of time. Think of the frustration of consistently missing deadlines or feeling overwhelmed with school or work.

That's how 25-year-old Uri Roer describes life before being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He said he was out of focus and his mind was always running off on different tangents.

"I went through high school and college without being able to concentrate in class or study well," Roer said. "It was downright painful when I look back at those years where I could have done better if only I knew what was wrong."

Roer is not alone. ADHD affects an estimated 9 million adults in the United States. Often thought of as a childhood condition, studies suggest that between 30 and 70 percent of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults.

"I've had adults who have not been diagnosed come into my office, receive a diagnosis and breathe a sigh of relief," said Dr. Ari Tuckman, psychologist and author of "Integrative Treatment for Adult ADHD: A Practical, EasytoUse Guide for Clinicians." "Living with undiagnosed ADHD can make someone's life much, much harder than it needs to be. As a child, it may mean poor performance in school. But for adults, it can lead to chronic difficulties at work, at home, in relationships and with finances."

Roer was diagnosed a year ago. "It was like a light bulb came on. Finally, I had an answer. It was a defining moment for me," he said.

According to Tuckman, diagnosis is the first step. "Once adults are diagnosed, they can work with their health care professionals to devise an individual plan of action. No two cases of ADHD are alike."

Here are a few things Tuckman recommends for adults to help them manage the condition:

•Seek help from a medical professional. An open line of communication with a trusted health care professional can help a person find the treatment plan that's right for them.

•Find a support group. Meeting and getting to know people who have similar experiences can alleviate some of the stress and let persons know they are not alone.

•Education. Read as much as possible and ask questions. Learning about ADHD will help persons assess what their needs are in terms of treatment, therapy and lifestyle changes.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.