Find a therapist to help with ADHD

Adult ADHD can be very frustrating, both for those with the diagnosis and their loved ones.

Adult clients with ADHD often ask for a resource they can share with loved ones to explain ADHD.

This open letter attempts to provide such an introduction to better understanding ADHD.

Over my career working with adults with ADHD, I'm often asked for something they can give to loved ones explaining ADHD. Here's an excerpt of such a synopsis.1

There’s no fix for ADHD: The treatments for ADHD are among the most effective in behavioral healthcare. The coping strategies will work—if they’re used. There’ll be consequential improvements, but there’s no complete “solution” or “fix” for ADHD. The symptoms and executive function variability across situations will persist even for those in treatment and with adequate coping skills and support.

Effectively managing ADHD is difficult, and there will be slipups, even when progress is being made. The slipups are frustrating for those in the life of someone with ADHD to witness. The desire for a clear, quick fix, though understandable, will be a source of frustration for you.

ADHD is annoying: Most adults with ADHD know firsthand that their ADHD symptoms are annoying and frustrating. It sure is for them. They know that they affect other people, which is a triple whammy: (1) their symptoms affect you, (2) they can’t explain or undo them, and (3) they can’t 100 percent promise that they won’t happen again. They also know that you’ve heard them repeatedly say “sorry,” but because ADHD is a performance problem, the heartfelt apology and genuine desire........

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