Researchers continue to find that multitasking actually makes tasks take longer rather than help you be more efficient with your time. For people with ADHD it supports the importance of learning skills and strategies to help reduce distractibility and maintain focus. NPR had a recent broadcast on the topic and noted that, “Clifford Nass, a psychology professor at Stanford University, says today's nonstop multitasking actually wastes more time than it saves—and he says there's evidence it may be killing our concentration and creativity too.”http://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/182861382/the-myth-of-multitaskingOr for a more humorous take on the topic can watch this 5 minute video where Stephen Colbert comments on the NPR broadcast.http://www.hulu.com/watch/511789
ADHD and Sleep (or lack thereof...)
Dr. Thakkar wrote this interesting article in the New York Times about chronic sleep deficit and ADHD. A chronic lack of sleep can have such a strong effect on your ability to focus and concentrate that it can mimic ADHD. One of the most common complaints that my clients with ADHD have is their difficulty getting adequate sleep, so they're dealing with a double attention-deficit whammy. The good news is that cognitive behavior therapy can treat both of the conditions.Diagnosing the Wrong Deficit: Could what looks like A.D.H.D. be a sleep disorder in disguise?by Vatsal Thakkar, MD
CHADD medication shortage survey
I received a request from CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) asking for people to fill out a questionnaire related to an ADHD stimulant drug shortage. If you are having trouble getting stimulant medication, you can help by filling out the survey so that CHADD can better understand the extent of the shortage and relay that information to the appropriate government agencies.Information about the questionnaire can be found here. Or you can go directly to the questionnaire here. Note that the survey is only until June 12.
Can depression cause inability to focus?
Can depression cause inability to focus?CNN HealthDr. Charles Raison, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University, answers a question about ADHD, depression, and how antidepressants may affect your concentration.
Attention Management – Distractions, A Three Part Series
Attention Management – Distractions, A Three Part SeriesCareer Tools PodcastWhile not targeted specifically towards adults with ADHD, these podcasts give sound advice and strategies for managing distractions in the workplace. They do a great job of making recommendations that are specific and broken down step-by-step when needed. You can play them in a pop-up window on their website (see links below) or search for “Attention Management Career Tools” in iTunes and look for the podcasts on April 3, 10, and 17 in 2009.Attention Management Part 1Attention Management Part 2Attention Management Part 3
"Freedom" application blocks internet access to help you avoid temptation
"Freedom" application blocks internet access to help you avoid temptationThis posting isn't an article, rather it's a potential resource for those of us who find we spend more time surfing the web than doing our work. It blocks the Internet for up to 8 hours at a time and cannot be disabled unless you reboot your computer. One shortcoming however is that you're not able to selectively block websites. For example, if your biggest time waster is Facebook but you still need internet access to do your real work, it would be nice to have the option to block just Facebook. If you have any recommendations for other products similar to this, feel free to post them below.
Losing focus? 9 ways to concentrate at work
Losing focus? 9 ways to concentrate at workBy Amy Levin-Epstein, January 26, 2012"Here are some tips, from Nadeau and her co-author, professional organizer Judith Kolberg, for anyone who feels his or her attention isn't where it needs to be. While Nadeau and Kolberg are focused on helping people who have an actual diagnosis of ADD, their advice can help all of us navigate the onslaught of distractions at the office."
Untangling the Myths About Attention Disorder
Untangling the Myths About Attention DisorderNew York TimesBy Perri Klass, M.D."In recent years, it has been rarer to hear serious doubt that the disorder really exists, and the evidence explaining its neurocircuitry and genetics has become more convincing and more complex. Even so, I’ve lately read a number of articles and essays that use attention (or its lack) as a marker and a metaphor for something larger in society — for the multitasking, the electronic distractions, the sense that the nature of concentration may be changing, that people feel nibbled at, overscheduled, distracted, irritable.But A.D.H.D. is not a metaphor."
Study Finds ADD Medication Improves Memory & Attention in Menopausal Women
Study Finds ADD Medication Improves Memory & Attention in Menopausal WomenPR Newswire, 2/17/12"A recent report offers hope for women suffering with these symptoms. In a study published in Menopause, Feb. 2011, researchers at University of Pennsylvania found that atomoxetine (brand name Strattera), a medication for attention deficit disorder, may restore organizational skills and reduce memory difficulties in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women."
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps reverse the negativity that torments adults with ADD — and prevents them from reaching goals.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps reverse the negativity that torments adults with ADD — and prevents them from reaching goals.by Carl Sherman, Ph.D. on ADDitudemag.comThis article describes how CBT can help treat adult ADHD, however it leaves out a crucial piece of the therapy. CBT for ADHD includes the standard skills they described but it is also teaches skills specific to ADHD symptoms. Tools for time management, organization, and reducing distractibility to name a few. This is why it is important to work with a therapist who has experience with these ADHD specific tools.