Sometimes forgetting something is normal. ADHDers forget more. Working memory issues may cause normal task misses.
Though forgetting simple things isn’t detrimental, persistent forgetfulness may impair your life, relationships, and work. Forgetting things, especially little ones, may be bothersome or unpleasant.
Fortunately, ADHD forgetfulness may be managed. If used, these skills may keep you on track. See below for practical guidance.
Are Adult ADHD Patients Easily Forgotten?
Working memory, or the short-term memory bank, is often affected by ADHD, which makes it usual for people with the disorder to forget certain unimportant or even basic tasks. For a short while, information is stored in working memory, where it is processed and transformed into useful data. The information is then stored in long-term memory.
Working memory is the ability to store and arrange information, pay attention to new details, replace unnecessary information with more relevant information, and remember important data while doing other activities.
Not all people with ADHD have difficulties with working memory. But when these difficulties arise, a person is more likely to experience the wide range of symptoms associated with ADHD, including inattentiveness, disorganization, and executive function impairments.
Examples of ADHD Forgetting
One typical sign of ADHD is forgetfulness. Adults with ADHD may have the following types of memory problems:
ADHD Forgetting: Strategies to Get Rid of It
In the absence of memory problems, it’s important to develop coping strategies and alternative learning methods that use less working memory in the brain. The following strategies may not work for everyone with ADHD and forgetfulness, but these are some suggestions:
The best thing you can do to improve your memory is to do memory exercises. These memory exercises may be used as a distraction from irrational thinking in addition to helping with ADHD forgetfulness. Making a sketch or other visual depiction of what you want to remember can help you practice these skills with ease. You provide your mind a visual memory anchor when you do this. Other memory exercises include using acronyms or other mnemonic devices where the letters of a word substitute for other words in a phrase.
You may receive help with forgetfulness and other associated symptoms like disorganization or inattentiveness using a variety of ADHD treatment solutions. You may use calendars, reminders, and apps to help you keep track of the things you want to remember. You may create reminders for important dates or deadlines on your phone. These might alleviate some of the stress that comes with trying to recall everything.
If you often forget everyday essentials like keys, wallets, medications, or ID, it’s a great idea to have a designated spot to store them. You may keep all of these things in a tiny place close to your bedroom or doorway so you can easily get them when required. You may even put anything that you will need right away, like a completed project that you have to submit in the next day.
When a chore or an important occasion is approaching, you could feel stressed because you’re afraid you won’t remember anything or will make a mistake. But that’s not the solution. Your worry and anxiety will make you more likely to get stressed out, which might cause memory loss. Make use of uplifting self-talk and soothing words. Remind yourself to be gentle to yourself and that you are capable of succeeding.
If it helps you feel more comfortable, you may always ask someone in your immediate circle to help you recall things. It’s important to be clear about your needs and the kinds of reminders that work best for you. Your coworkers, friends, and family are people you may ask for assistance from.
Anybody may find difficult jobs complicated. It’s possible that you may miss important instructions or information. Create a checklist for challenging tasks and mark off each item as you finish it. In this manner, you can always go to the checklist to determine what has to be done next and when the activity is really finished.
If you feel like your ADHD forgetfulness is taking over, you may want to give meditation a try. People with ADHD may benefit from meditation since it reduces distractions and enhances focus and attention span. According to a study [1*] by UC Santa Barbara researchers, working memory capacity, reading comprehension, and attention may all be markedly enhanced after only two weeks of mindfulness meditation.
If your amnesia becomes a chronic problem that is too hard for you to handle on a daily basis, you may need to think about taking medication after speaking with your doctor. Sometimes an underlying illness such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia causes memory problems. If so, these disorders may benefit from supplements that provide your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to sustain healthy brain function. Additionally, drugs that regulate ADHD-related activities may improve your working memory. These medications help you concentrate better and make daily tasks seem less daunting.
In summary
Forgetting things is a painful side effect of ADHD. Even though people with ADHD do not have long-term memory issues, working memory deficiencies may still pose problems in everyday life. However, these issues can be resolved if you are dedicated to finding a solution.