Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD

ADHD better known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a well-known disorder in children and is associated with childhood developmental problems. ADHD is defined by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Adult ADHD is defined by similar symptoms. Adult ADHD is categorized by having difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. Adult ADHD can cause serious behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic programs for those who suffer from it.

Some of the signs that you may have adult ADHD include:

• 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.

The signs of adult ADHD can vary in severity and can range from mild to debilitating. For instance, some adults with ADHD can concentrate if they are interested or excited about what they are doing. Other adults with ADHD may have difficulty focusing if they are under any other kind of circumstances. Some adults with ADHD search out stimulation but then again others avoid it. Adult ADHD can cause some people to become withdrawn and antisocial or overly social and unable to be alone.

Some of the ways to know if someone has adult ADHD is to look at their childhood and how they did in school. Some people with adult ADHD will have had or do 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.

Adult ADHD can also cause a lot of work related impairments in the present day. For instance those with adult ADHD change employers often and perform poorly and they probably have fewer job achievements.

Some social problems that may come up with adult ADHD are driving violations such as speeding, lower economic status, use of illegal substance, smoking cigarettes, and psychological maladjustment. Those with adult ADHD in their relationships have signs too. These signs of adult ADHD in relationships for example are; they have more marital problems or multiple marriages and have a higher incidence of separation and divorce.

Adult ADHD can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy. For instance many people with adult ADHD are prescribed drugs such as Adderall XR, Concerta, Focalin, XR, and Vyvanse. All of these medications are stimulants. There is one medication for adult ADHD that is not a stimulant, known as Strattera and it is approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult ADHD.

• Some behavioral treatments for adult ADHD include:
• Behavioral and cognitive therapy to help with self-esteem
• Relaxation training and stress management
• Job coaching or mentoring to support better working relationships and on the job performance
• Family education and therapy

Adult ADHD is usually accompanied by other conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, learning disabilities and OCD. Therefore if you think you may have adult ADHD is probably best to talk to a doctor or therapist and get an in depth assessment to see what kind of therapy and treatment is necessary for you.

If you or someone you know needs treatment for their Substance Addiction and Adult ADHD please call us at 800-951-6135 or visit us online at www.palmpartners.com.