Coping with Adult ADHD

Personal life and professional "coaches" have become all the rage these days, with some top executives even insisting on bringing along their personal "coaches" when they change jobs. But for the woman with ADHD, a personal coach is not a luxury, but a necessity. I strongly recommend you find one if you've been diagnosed with ADHD.

Your "coach" doesn't have to be a professional; it could be a friend, relative (although your partner is generally not the best choice), or co-worker. This person basically works with you to help you manage your life, from identifying goals and determining the steps necessary to carry them out to pushing you to follow the agenda you set for yourself. Some coaches are even specially trained in helping people with ADHD. A good resource is the International Coach Federation (www.coachfederation.org).

For more nuts and bolts help, consider hiring a professional organizer-disorganization is typically the number one complaint of women with ADHD who seek treatment. Professional organizers come into your home or office to help you tackle those piles that seem to proliferate like mushrooms after a thunderstorm. To find one near you, go to the National Association of Professional Organizers at www.napo.net. To get yourself started, check out the book, ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life (Brunner-Routledge, 2002) by professional organizer, Judith Kolberg and ADHD clinician, Kathleen Nadeau, PhD. They emphasize realistic strategies that "work with" a woman's ADHD.