Attention deficit disorder is a mental disorder that is common in children, but attention deficit disorder can also occur in adults. Symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder are different from symptoms of childhood attention deficit disorder. The inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder interfere in the patient's life, which can impact work productivity. Patients can choose from medication and therapy to control their symptoms, though medication does have potential side effects.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of adult attention deficit disorder is done with the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," abbreviated as DSM-IV. The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" is the psychology profession's manual for diagnosing psychological disorders. To be diagnosed with adult attention deficit disorder, the patient must have six inattention symptoms and six hyperactivity or impulsiveness symptoms for at least 2 weeks. In addition, symptoms must interfere in the patient's life and his ability to function.
Inattention
Adult attention deficit disorder has more pronounced inattention symptoms compared to childhood attention deficit disorder. As a result, a patient with adult attention deficit disorder has problems with work. Both concentration and organization problems are signs of adult attention deficit disorder. Concentration problem symptoms include being easily distracted and forgetful, trouble following conversations, not finishing tasks and zoning out. Organization problem symptoms include being cluttered and messy, procrastinating and losing things.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity symptoms in adult attention deficit disorder are notably different from hyperactivity symptoms in childhood attention deficit disorder, according to the authors of the article "Adult ADD/ADHD: Signs, Symptoms, Effects and Getting Help." Symptoms include continuously talking, being bored, irritability, having mood swings and being restless and full of nervous energy.
Impulsiveness
A patient with adult attention deficit disorder has difficulty controlling her impulses, which impacts her decision-making and relationships with other people. Impulsiveness symptoms in adult attention deficit disorder are making sudden decisions, not listening to others, difficulty following a conversation, blurting out, interrupting others and answering before a question has been asked.
Treatment
A patient with adult attention deficit disorder has multiple options for treatment. Medications are often used, but they do have side effects. Ritalin, a popular stimulant medication for attention deficit disorder, has the potential for abuse. The authors of the article "Adult ADD/ADHD: Signs, Symptoms, Effect and Getting Help" suggests therapy for an adult patient. Therapy helps the patient control the symptoms of attention deficit disorder. In addition, family therapy can help the patient's family adapt to the disorder.
