Adult Attention-Deficit Disorder Disorder and You

So you think that you or a loved one might have ADHD or adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?  Approximately 5% of the United States population suffers from adult ADD.  The first step to confirm your suspicion is to conduct online research and pay a visit to your mental health care professional. 

ADHD or ADD is a clinical diagnosis applied to both children and adults who consistently display certain behavioral characteristic that are often predictable and repetitive over a period of time.  If you think that your quality of life and overall health may be impacted by ADHD do your research.  Some venues even offer adult add tests and adult ADD diagnosis online.

Typical Adult ADHD or ADD Behaviors:

Distractibility: You display poor and sustained attention to tasks.

Impulsivity: You have impaired impulse control and delay of gratification.

Hyperactivity: You have excessive activity and physical restlessness.

Concentration problems as an adult at home or work or even in relationships and failure to focus on specific issues are also symptoms of adult ADD.  You may also notice it is difficult to plan ahead or remember daily tasks in detail.  Adults can also have problems with procrastination, prioritization and organization. 

School teachers and caregivers responsible for children are often sensitized to the symptoms of ADHD but employers or supervisors in the workplace who interact with adults are far less likely to recognize such behaviors as a symptom.

Adult ADHD symptoms often do change with maturity and adults who have ADHD are less likely to exhibit obvious hyperactive behaviors but rather antisocial and disorganized lifestyles.  Some research has shown that adults with ADHD are more likely complete their education.  Hyperactive ADD patients may get bored easily, seek busy careers, work long hours, be bored quickly and appear impatient to coworkers. 

Treatment of Adult ADHD or ADD

Clinical experience has shown that the most effective treatment for ADHD or adult ADD is a combination of medication prescribed by your physician, clinical therapy or counseling to learn positive life skills and adaptive behaviors. 

Prescribed medication is often used to help stabilize brain activity for patients. There are numerous stimulant medications used to treat adult ADD such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Adderall XR, Concerta, Vyvanse, and Focalin XR.  These medications are commonly used because they have been shown to be effective for most people with ADHD or adult ADD. 

Behavior therapy from a trained health care professional is often beneficial to modify certain behaviors and to deal with the emotional effects of AD/HD. Many adults also benefit from working with an adult ADD coach to help manage problem behaviors associated with this disorder and develop life coping skills, such as improving organizational skills and improving productivity and memory. 

Adult ADD Disorder Recognition

ADHD is recognized as a disability under federal legislation which is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  

Appropriate and reasonable accommodations are now usually made at school for children with ADHD, and often in the workplace for adults with ADHD which helps you work more efficiently and productively.