Attention Deficit Disorder In Adults

Dr. Purushothaman
October 2, 2013

Attention Deficit Disorder in adults is largely under-diagnosed because many people assume that the condition only affects children. Gradually this misconception is beginning to change as more adults are seeking treatment. 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 Disorder 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. In addition, studies show that sufferers of Adult ADHD experience higher rates of incarceration and many sufferers attempt to compensate for their troubling symptoms by self-medicating with both legal and illegal drugs.

Symptoms Of Attention Deficit Disorder In Adults

The 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. Attention Deficit Disorder in adults is often 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.

Test For Attention Deficit Disorder In Adults

Think you may have had Adult ADHD? Take the ADHD Diagnostic Test to be sure.

Recommended Treatment

The Take Control Of Your ADHD is a moving and inspirational program developed by a man who overcame his ADHD and became very successful. He also documents what he did to help both of his children overcome ADHD. For anyone who suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or anyone with a loved one who suffers from ADHD, there is no more inspirational story about growing strong through adversity. Even for those who do not have ADHD, the story is very affecting.

Other Treatments For Attention Deficit Disorder In Adults

Treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder in adults can include any combination of medications, therapy, ADHD 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, Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, Daytrana, Strattera, and Vyvanse. In addition, antidepressants may also be prescribed to help treat ADHD, particularly for those with co-occurring depression.

In addition, there are a number of safe and effective ADD natural remedies such as Attend, Brightspark, Listol, Focus Formula, and Intuniv that do not have the negative side effects, addictive properties, or withdrawal symptoms that result from taking amphetamine-based stimulants.

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