Knowing About The Evidences And Treatment Of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Some of the diseases and physical ailments we experience are readily apparent to family and friends while others are more hidden or discreet. This is even true when discussing various conditions impacting the mind. One that can sometimes be more obvious to onlookers than the person experiencing the malaise is ADHD.
The symptoms of attention deficit disorder may appear obvious. Those afflicted with it seem to be in perpetual motion. They can’t sit still, hate waiting and are constantly interrupting. Derailed by the slightest distraction, they rarely stick with a task long enough to finish it. Daily life can seem exasperating and exhausting.
But are these the symptoms of a youngster suffering from ADHD? No, they’re the evidences of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. And though Adult ADHD is extremely prevalent amongst adults, particularly those who suffered from the disorder as a child, it’s often either difficult to spot or attributed to stress or immaturity. To find out more about this disorder, including how it’s treated and it’s symptoms, read on.
How Common is Adult ADHD?
About 1 to 2% of adult men and women, or roughly 5 million Americans, have problems maintaining attention or controlling their movements and impulses. ADHD refers to a spectrum of difficulties in restraining motion and paying attention.
Unfortunately, the symptoms they suffer from are often harder to spot and will be missed by doctors and even the patient themselves.
The Symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
-Restlessness, fidgeting and squirming
-Inability to engage in a focused activity such as reading
-An inability to remember small details and constantly being distracted
-Difficulty focusing on conversations or speeches, particularly at work
-Impatience - for example, irritable when forced to wait in line or traffic
-Pronounced mood swings that run from depression and unhappiness to high energy excitement and happiness
-Failure to stay on a single task, and instead jumping from task to task
-Difficulty solving problems or managing time
-Aggressive or irritable personality reflected in a hot and easily flared temper
-Impulsiveness in decision making and in starting or ending relationships
-Easily frustrated and unable to handle stress and everyday hurdles
-Poor body image and low self esteem coupled with an inability to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise
-Lack of Maturity
Rather than scooting around a room or throwing a temper tantrum the way a child with ADHD may act, hyperactive adults will fidget excessively, tapping their fingers or jiggling their feet. And though some may appear calm, they can’t seem to concentrate long enough to read a paragraph or follow a list of directions.
Steps to Treating an Adult
If you suspect that you or someone you love has a problem with this disorder, find a physician who understands the problem. You can either contact pediatricians who know local doctors specializing in attention disorders or seek a referral through a group like the Attention-Deficit Disorder Association (1-800-487-2282).
Remember, many people mistake the symptoms of attention deficit disorder for either daily stress or possible mental illness. Avoid misdiagnoses by talking to your doctor about your concerns. Adult ADHD can be treated, often with the same drugs and treatment methods used to treat childhood ADHD.