WHILE MOST of us will have heard about children with ADD, adults are increasingly being diagnosed with it. This is either because childhood symptoms have gone unnoticed, or because symptoms have appeared later in life. Adult ADD is actually a group of psychological problems caused by weak neurotransmitters in the brain. This results in an inability to filter quantities of stimulation.

There is a myth that people with ADD are slow or stupid. Adults with above-average intelligence and creative individuals are more susceptible. Often someone else in the family will have it too.

Other important factors linked to its development include binge drinking or regular alcohol consumption, artificial food additives, allergies, infection, obesity and being diabetic.

There is no definitive diagnostic test. Accurate diagnosis is best made after a referral from your GP to a specialist, so it helps to have written a symptom diary. Medication such as Ritalin may be prescribed, although there has been controversy recently owing to its sometimes severe side effects, including loss of appetite and sleep problems.

Adult ADD: what to look for l A history of not living up to potential at work or school l Difficulty completing tasks l Inability to keep tasks prioritised l Having underlying depression, self-esteem and anxiety problems l Skipping around while reading and having trouble staying on track l Feeling restless and fidgety and being unable to stay sitting down l Being impatient l Being easily overwhelmed by basic daily tasks l Being impulsive lHaving trouble sustaining relationships l Being frequently fatigued ADD coping tips Enlist the help of a friend or colleague to be your personal and professional mentor to help keep you on track and organised in a non-threatening way.

Recognise your need for encouragement due to your self-doubting nature and ask those around you for feedback.

Stop feeling guilty about being drawn to thrill-seeking behaviour - that's just part of who you are. Try to be more conscious of its impact and chose your options more carefully. Join a support group so that you feel less isolated and can learn from others' experiences. Find a BACP-registered counsellor and don't force yourself to try to be someone that you're not - a conventional career may not be for you and perhaps a more flexible working pattern would suit.

People with ADD are visually orientated, so colour-code your files and tasks in your diary. Simplify your desk and keep on top of clutter, so it doesn't distract you. During your first morning tea when you get in to work, check your in-tray, desktop and diary. It will help you feel more in control.

Break projects into tasks on a spreadsheet and estimate how long you think each section should take. After completing each mark down how long it actually took - there's often a big difference between perception and reality.

Manageable chunks make things seem less intimidating and this process will help you with time management.

Dietary changes The importance of diet has been emphasised recently as many sufferers react badly to preservatives and dyes.

l Eat three to four portions a week of cold-water fish, such as tuna, salmon and herring, as they contain DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, which sufferers often lack.

lEat lots of complex carbohydrates such as fresh fruit and vegetables, beans and grains.

l Avoid foods containing natural salicylates such as almonds, apples, apricots, cherries, cucumbers, oranges, peaches, peppers, plums, and tomatoes.

l Avoid carbonated drinks as they contain phosphates, which can trigger hyperactivity.

l Follow a high-protein diet because proteins are needed to supply the body with amino acids which aid brain function.

l Under supervision from your GP, try an elimination diet to see if there are foods that aggravate your ADD symptoms.

Supplements that can help It may be well worth taking supplements from the best known brands such as Healthquest, Solgar, and Holland and Barrett. Look for ones that contain Coenzyme A, Coenzyme Q10 and Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) acts as a natural tranquilliser while dimethylamino-ethanol (DMAE) is believed to boost concentration and it also has mild anti-depressant effects.