Attention Deficit In Adults
The Symptoms And Treatment Of Adult ADHD
Attention Deficit in adults is largely under-diagnosed because many people assume that the condition only affects children.
Gradually this misconception is beginning to change due to greater awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among treatment professionals and society at large.
This results in previously undiagnosed adults being properly assessed and treated.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a nervous system condition characterized by difficulties in concentration, focus, time-management, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions.
Attention Deficit in adults affects every aspect of life including social relationships, ability to work effectively, and physical health. For example, 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.
Many ADHD adults attempt to compensate for their troubling symptoms by self-medicating with both legal and illegal drugs.
ADHD Symptoms In Adults
Adult ADD symptoms are classified into three groups: Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity. One can suffer from one group or a combination of all of them. Attention Deficit in adults is often characterized by constant feelings of restlessness, agitation, disorganization, trouble making deadlines, and impulsive behavior.
Adult Attention Deficit Disorder often makes sufferers to 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.
Attention Deficit In Adults: The Statistics
Adult ADHD Statistics indicate that ADHD occurs in about 4.4% of the U.S. adult population. 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.
Studies estimate that ADHD affects boys three to nine times the rate of girls, but has a fairly even gender distribution of 1 to 1 in adulthood. (For more information, see this article about the ADHD adult woman.)
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. For more information, see this article about ADHD and co-existing conditions.
ADHD In Adults: Recommended Treatment Program
How To Conquer Adult ADHD is an ADHD program that was developed by an adult with ADHD. The program helps adults get organized, maintain focus, and how to succeed at work, relationships, and family life. The perspective of this program is unique because it is written from the perspective of someone with ADHD who understands the specific challenges of dealing with the condition.
Other Adult ADHD Treatments
Common treatments for Attention Deficit in adults often includes a combination of adult ADHD medications, coaching, ADHD Behavior modification, ADHD support groups, ADHD diet, exercise for ADHD, neurofeedback for ADHD, and other approaches.
