ARE YOU AN ADHD ADULT?

 

Oops, forgot to let the dog out. Need to pick up the dry cleaning. Anyone seen my keys? If these scatterbrained thoughts sound like yours, you could be one of an estimated 6-15 million ADHD adults. Learn more about the symptoms of ADHD...

Your inattention and restlessness may not just be your quirky personality. You could have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), a behavioral disorder that's mostly associated with unruly children. In fact, about 65% of children with ADHD carry the disorder into adulthood, making it an adult problem too. Although ADHD adults may have better coping skills than they had as children, it's still a struggle to get through the day.

Not only does ADHD interfere with organizing and completing daily tasks, but adults with the disorder are also prone to depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, even an increased risk of divorce and car accidents. Even simple duties may demand great concentration and effort. In part, that's because ADHD adults are easily distracted by sound, sight or touch. Whatever the stimulus, they are often knocked off course by even minor distractions.

 

SYMPTOMS OF ADHD: The three main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

 

The symptoms of INATTENTION include:

1. Losing track of thoughts or focus in the middle of tasks

2. Missing details or making careless mistakes

3. Inability to complete work assignments

4. Forgetfulness

5. Difficulty following instructions

 

HYPERACTIVITY symptoms in adults are similar to those in children, but more subtle:

1. Constantly shifting in a chair

2. Tapping your feet or a pencil

3. Playing or tugging at hair or clothing

 

Adults who act IMPULSIVELY can be even more annoying than kids - and potentially dangerous:

1. They ay interrupt constantly or blurt out inappropriate comments

2. They can't stand waiting in lines and may try to cut to the front

3. They also have trouble anticipating consequences of their actions. In children, it's disruptive, but in adults, it can threaten families, jobs and even safety.

DIAGNOSING THE ADHD ADULT: Unfortunately, scientists don't know ADHD's cause and laboratory tests can't confirm a diagnosis. They have found, however, that the disorder runs in families. Doctors diagnose ADHD based on family, developmental and childhood history, current signs and symptoms. Most workups for detecting ADHD include a physical exam. Some doctors may also request: EEG, CT, or MRI.

ADHD TREATMENT: ADHD has no cure. FOrtunately, several drug treatments - primarily stimulants - work for both children and adult ADHD patients. About two-thirds of ADHD adults taking stimulants experience significant improvements. The drugs take effect fast, a remarkable finding, because few medications have such a profound and immediate effect. Unfortunately, most stimulants wear off quickly, returing adults to their usual problems. Along with medications, a study showed that behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD.

HOW TO COPE WITH ADULT ADHD: Doctors often recommend various coping strategies as an adjunct to drug therapy. These include: Taking medications as directed, Making lists of tasks and keeping them nearby, taking a deep breath or excusing yourself from situations when you're tempted to act out or interrupt, doing things that calm or comfor you - such as gardening, walking or cooking.

If any of this sounds familiar to you, please follow up with your doctor.

source: www.lifescript.com