The media often depicts ADHD as a disorder primarily seen in children, but this is far from the truth. Adults with ADHD are more likely to have unsolvable problems in maintaining relationships, activities of daily living, and jobs. This article provides background information about ADHD and offers suggestions for how to deal with the disorder well into adulthood. New medications have helped many adults improve focus and concentration when they need it most - especially those who do not respond well to medication in children.
This book contains the following topics:
- What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?
- Can adults develop ADHD?
- How Should Adults With ADHD Study?
ADHD in Adult - Definitions:
The following definitions are taken from Web MD and the DSM IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition). The DSM IV TR describes ADHD as a neurobiological condition that is treatable with medication.
ADHD in Adult - Symptoms:
The following characteristics often accompany ADHD: Difficulty staying focused. Difficulty completing tasks. Making careless mistakes. Frequent distractibility, drowsiness, forgetfulness. Teacher reports that the adult with ADD seems distracted or disorganized. Difficulties with organization and completion of tasks at work or school.
ADHD in Adult - Treatments:
Many medications have proven to be effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD in adults. In fact, the first FDA-approved medication for ADHD was discovered by accident when an adult with untreated ADHD wandered into a psychiatrist's office and 'discovered' that his symptoms were alleviated while he was on chlorpromazine (Thorazine). This led to the development of several drugs that are commonly used today -- Ritalin, Dexedrine, or Adderall.
ADHD in Adult - Diagnosis:
Since symptoms of ADHD change over time and may be different from those present during childhood, the diagnosis typically is not made until adulthood. In order to receive a diagnosis, an adult with ADHD must have had signs of the condition as a child. Since many individuals with ADHD grow up not knowing why they are different, they may not have sought treatment for the symptoms when they were younger. Once the adult seeks help, the doctor will do a physical exam and mental health evaluation in order to rule out other medical conditions that might be causing symptoms of ADHD.
