ADHD in adults

[almaty 19]

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: ADHD in Adults

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most well-recognized childhood developmental problems. This condition is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is now known that these symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. That translates into 4% of the US adult population, or 8 million adults. However, few adults are identified or treated for adult ADHD.

ADHD in Adults

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.

Adult ADHD Stats

ADHD afflicts approximately 3% to 5% of school-age children and an estimated 60% of those will maintain the disorder into adulthood.

Prevalence rates for ADHD in adults are not as well determined as rates for children, but fall in the 1% to 5% range.

ADHD affects males at higher rate than females in childhood, but this ratio seems to even out by adulthood.

Common Behaviors and Problems of Adult ADHD

The following behaviors and problems may stem directly from ADHD or may be the result of related adjustment difficulties:

Chronic lateness and forgetfulness.

Anxiety.

Low self-esteem.

Employment problems.

Difficulty controlling anger.

Impulsiveness.

Substance abuse or addiction.

Poor organization skills.

Procrastination.

Low frustration tolerance.

Chronic boredom.

Difficulty concentrating when reading.

Mood swings.

Depression.

Relationship problems.

These behaviors may be mild to severe and can vary with the situation or be present all of the time. Some adults with ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are interested in or excited about what they are doing. Others may have difficulty focusing under any circumstances. Some adults look for stimulation, but others avoid it. In addition, adults with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial, or they can be overly social and unable to be alone.

School-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD may have:

Had a history of poorer educational performance and were underachievers.

Had more frequent school disciplinary actions.

Had to repeat a grade.

Dropped out of school more often.

Work-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

Change employers frequently and perform poorly.

Have had fewer occupational achievements, independent of psychiatric status.

Social-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

Have a lower socioeconomic status.

Have driving violations such as: be cited for speeding; have their licenses suspended; be involved in more crashes; rate themselves and others as using poorer driving habits.

Use illegal substances more frequently.

Smoke cigarettes.

Self-report psychological maladjustment more often.

Relationship-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

Have more marital problems and multiple marriages.

Have higher incidence of separation and divorce.

Much of this functional impairment diminishes with remission of the disorder and can be mitigated by appropriate treatment.

How Is Adult ADHD Diagnosed?

While researchers may disagree about age of childhood onset in diagnosing adult ADHD, all agree that ADHD is not an adult-onset disorder and must be verified from childhood. An assessment of ADHD symptoms and behavior from childhood may include any or all of the following:

A questionnaire to determine if the adult had ADHD in childhood.

School report cards, if available, to look for comments about behavior problems, poor focus, lack of effort or underachievement relative to the student's potential.

Discussion with the parents to determine any symptoms during childhood.

A complete history from the adult with the symptoms. He or she may self report symptoms in childhood.

The developmental history would be consistent with ADHD, including evidence of problems with peers, other delays such as bed wetting, school failure, suspensions, or special interventions such as sitting in front of the class, etc.

A strong family history of ADHD may also be informative, given the strong genetic component of the disorder.

Other examinations may also be performed, including:

A physical exam to rule out medical or neurological illness.

An EEG, CT, or MRI.

Psychoeducational testing (for example: IQ test, achievement testing) if a learning disability is suspected.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Is ADHD curable in adults? I always wondered that.

[Nessa 23]

Interesting reading.

[Mags 112]

I have ADHD. Oooohhhhhhhh, shiny! -------------->

[isleta521 5]

What?

[almaty 19]

Is ADHD curable in adults? I always wondered that.

i do not think it is curable..just treatable

[Mags 112]

Is ADHD curable in adults? I always wondered that.

i do not think it is curable..just treatable

There is a percentage of children who will "grow out of it" and not need medication once they reach a certain age. There are also many adults out there who do not know they have it and become drug addicted - mainly to amphetamines. This is simply a form of self-medication. Amphetamines do not have the same effect on ADHD sufferers as a "normal" person. It can give them focus and drive, rather than a high. Some have described it as "a cloud being lifted away from my eyes".

Caffeine can also help. If you have a child with ADHD and it isn't at the more serious end of the scale, you CAN use caffeine as a form of medication. A large cup of strong coffee in the morning can help an ADHD child focus themselves. Again, it doesn't work the same in an ADHD sufferer as it does a "normal" person. It calms them and helps them, rather than increasing the hyper-activity.

For example, I really do have ADHD. Give me a cup of coffee and I feel incredibly sleepy, as opposed to the normal reaction of feeling awake and hyper.

I have loads of info like this; done alot of research in my time. My son has ADHD aswell, he is medicated, I am not.

[sereia 0]

wow from reading that it seems like that describes me very well! uh ohhhhhhhhhhhhh

[almaty 19]

sister mags, adults usually do not grow out of it as the pattern of behavior is long established....but good points

[Mags 112]

sister mags, adults usually do not grow out of it as the pattern of behavior is long established....but good points

Nope, adults tend to "keep it". It is the kids who can sometimes "grow" out of it. By growing out I guess I mean they can find ways of their own to manage their symptoms. Although my son's ADHD psychologist did mention that growing out of it can be a possibility.

I didn't ask for specifics...lol

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I have lots of those symptoms.

[almaty 19]

I have lots of those symptoms.

of course you do little fellow...take some adderall and call me in the morning

[Sinergy 3]

I have ADHD and in todays society, it seems to be the majority of adults, making us normal

[Mags 112]

I have ADHD and in todays society, it seems to be the majority of adults, making us normal

LOL!!

[Nessa 23]

I have lots of those symptoms.

I do too, can I have some of that adderall too?