Alternative Thoughts About Attention Deficit Disorder - When ADHD Children Become Adults

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

missypns: What happens to our children that become adults with ADHD?

Dr. Mate: Well, they may become doctors and writers, like me. What can I say, it depends very much on many factors:

• the child's intelligence
• family support
• social and educational background
• the degree of ADD
• the kind of professional help available

However, we should never give in to pessimism. I treat many ADD adults, and yes they struggle, but then life is a struggle and suffering for many. Most people can cope and overcome problems, although they may have to go through difficulties. I think we all, speaker, moderators, guests, have likely experienced that one way or another.

motheroftacha: Yet, if there is an emotional "hypersensitivity" and often times our kids miss the societal feedback for behavior and academic performances. How can we nurture self-confidence? My child is loved by so many people, yet she rather misses that when she "chooses to." If the problem is not enough love and acceptance, then it is an error in interpretation. How do you help that?

Dr. Mate: These kids have often overdeveloped emotional defenses and our love sometimes just doesn't get through. When it does, it can work miracles. But it's very difficult. I think the issue is that the love has to get across precisely when it's most difficult for us. When our child is acting out and challenging us, we feel anxious and helpless. That's what we have to work on. I hope that answers your question, at least in part.

hrtfelt33: I am confused about what causes depression in ADHD children. Knowing that the social drawbacks are certainly part of it most likely, I would like to know if ADD medications, like Ritalin, themselves can cause depression?

Dr. Mate: Yes, it depends on the individual. When I took Ritalin, it certainly made me feel depressed, although it does not have that effect on everybody. Depression in the ADD child is a product of social rejection, but most fundamentally from a sense, unconscious usually, of being cut off from the parents. Again, the solution is to work on really connecting with the child. Sometimes antidepressant medications may be helpful, not as a long term solution, but as a temporary help.

David: So everyone knows we have a Conference Transcript homepage that includes various transcripts.

Thank you, Dr. Mate, for being our guest tonight and for sharing this information with us. And to those in the audience, thank you for coming and participating. I hope you found it helpful. Also, if you found our site beneficial, I hope you'll pass our URL around to your friends, mail list buddies, and others. http://www.healthyplace.com.

Dr. Mate's website is located here. Thank you again, Dr. Mate.

Dr. Mate: Thank you David, and to all participants. Again, people are welcome at my website www.scatteredminds.com where chapters can be downloaded for free.

David: Good night, everyone.

Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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