Adult ADHDSymptoms, Diagnosis, And TreatmentBy Dr. Emily Kensington"Get The Ultimate Guide To Adult ADHD!"
Adult ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a nervous system condition characterized by difficulties in concentration, focus, time-management, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects every aspect of life including social relationships, ability to work effectively, and physical health. Difficulty focusing and completing tasks hinders one's ability to maintain employment. Managing finances may also be a concern as sufferers often struggle to pay bills on time or fall prey to impulsive spending. Do your loved ones constantly remind you to clean up, get organized, or otherwise take care of things that need to get accomplished around the house? Partner's of adult ADD sufferers often complain that their mate does not listen, impulsively blurt out hurtful comments, and relinquish the bulk of planning and organizing responsibilities. Health effects can include impulsive eating, drinking, or gambling that can lead to a negative cycle of abuse. In addition, those sufferers who have trouble remembering medical appointments or forget to take medication could have long-term negative health outcomes. It is typically diagnosed in childhood, and if left untreated sufferers are more likely to suffer from other disorders such as mental illness (anxiety, depression, etc.) and substance abuse. In addition, studies show that sufferers of Adult ADHD experience higher rates of incarceration. (For an article about adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse click here.) Many adults attempt to compensate for their troubling symptoms by self-medicating with both legal and illegal drugs. Attention Deficit Disorder SymptomsThe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies three major symptom groups for the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity. One can suffer from one group or a combination of all of them.It is characterized by constant feelings of restlessness, agitation, disorganization, trouble making deadlines, and impulsive behavior. Sufferers may always be on the go, and tend to dominate conversations, interrupt others, and blurt out comments before thinking. Also, the element of impulsivity can lead suffers down the road of excessive gambling, substance use, or making poor financial decisions. Think you may have had Adult ADHD? Take the ADHD Diagnostic Test to be certain. Attention Deficit Disorder StatisticsAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder occurs in about 4.4% of U.S. adults. About 60% of children with the disorder go on to be adults with the disorder, so it tends to be life-long.If a child in the family suffers from ADHD there is a 30% to 40% chance that one of the two parents will also have ADHD. Its about 2 to 1 boys to girls in childhood, whereas it's a fairly even gender distribution 1 to 1 in adulthood. As many as one third of children and adults with ADHD have one or more coexisting conditions. The most common of these are behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, learning and language disabilities. Adult ADHD TreatmentAdult ADHD treatment often includes a combination of medications, therapy, coaching, support groups, diet, exercise and other approaches.Medications have been shown to be successful for 70% of adults with ADHD. These medications typically consist of mild stimulants that affect the chemicals in the brain that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Popular ADHD medications include Ritalin, Focalin, Daytrana, Concerta, Dexedrine/Dextrostat, Adderall, Strattera, and Vyvanse. In addition, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, and Effexor are anti-depressants that are also prescribed to help treat ADHD. And Clonidine, a high blood pressure medication, has been found to be useful in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Furthermore, according to research conducted by Columbia University, those in recovery from cocaine addiction who also suffer from ADHD benefited from treatment with Wellbutrin. (See article: Wellbutrin Helpful for Cocaine Addicts with ADHD. Medications are best used in conjunction with therapy and should rarely be used alone. In my opinion, the Conquer ADD program is the single most effective treatment option for adults suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Also, try these helpful tips to help you manage ADHD. Take The Free Adult ADD Test!Learn How To Conquer ADD!Exit Adult ADHD and return to ADD Treatment Home Page
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