Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is generally thought of as a childhood disorder, but its symptoms regularly affect adults. Adults can have any of the three types of ADHD--inattentive type, hyperactivity-impulsive type or a combination of the two--but more often than not adults tend to display symptoms of inattentive ADHD. Adults are generally treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Basics
ADHD is generally diagnosed in children and can continue into adulthood. There are times when an adult has the mental health disorder of ADHD, but it was never diagnosed. According to HelpGuide.org, this person may have been labeled by teachers and parents as a dreamer, a troublemaker, a goof-off or a bad student. Also, many adults who never received a diagnosis of ADHD as a child are able to compensate for their symptoms, but as the responsibilities of their life increase, with work, family and running a house, the symptoms of ADHD begin to take hold, notes HelpGuide.org.
Signs and Symtoms
ADHD in adults can appear very different than it does in children. According to HelpGuide.org, the symptoms of ADHD in an adult might include trouble concentrating, inability to remain focused, overlooking details, poor listening, becoming easily distracted, inability to organize, tendency to procrastinate, lateness, poor time management, forgetting appointments, trouble starting or finishing projects, interrupting others, poor self-control, restlessness, tendency to take risks, craving excitement and addictive tendencies. Adults with ADHD may also display emotional difficulties related to their disorder including a sense of underachievement, inability to deal with frustrations, becoming easily stressed, irritability, explosive temper and low self-esteem, reports HelpGuide.org.
Considerations
ADHD can place strain on relationships due to the poor listen skills, lack of follow through and forgetfulness. HelpGuide.org reports that untreated ADHD can lead to compulsive eating, substance abuse, anxiety, chronic stress, tension and low self-esteem. People with the disorder may forget doctor's appointments, ignore medical instructions and forget to take necessary medications. Work and financial problems can result with adult ADHD. These adults may have trouble with rules, deadlines and schedules associated with regular jobs, contributing to job loss or underachievement, notes HelpGuide.org. Also, ADHD can make it hard to properly manage finances; the individual may lose bills, forget to pay bills and impulsively spend, reports HelpGuide.org.
Medications
According to MayoClinic.com, stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are most commonly used to treat ADHD; they stabilize mood-altering brain chemicals. Atomoxetine and antidepressants are also used in the treatment, but are generally only used for a person who cannot take stimulants due to health problems or a history of substance abuse; these drugs take weeks to become effective, notes MayoClinic.com.
Solutions/Prevention
Medications that are used in the treatment of adult ADHD are generally more effective when used in combination with psychological counseling or behavioral coaching. These options can provide the adult with an education and understanding of ADHD, which will help her put her life experiences and behaviors into perspective. Also, through counseling, adults will learn techniques and skills to help them succeed with ADHD, something medication cannot do alone.
