Could You Have Adult ADHD?

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is one of the most common developmental disorders in the American population. In fact, between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD, and around 60 percent of those who have it as a child will continue to struggle with it as adults. Even though it’s commonly known, many adults are not receiving medical help for this condition and struggle with doing simple things like following directions (whether driving or cooking), staying organized, completing tasks by their due dates, and remembering specific information. Their behavior can also be affected, which can lead to having problems socializing with others.

Symptoms

Here is a list of common symptoms associated with adult ADHD:

• Arriving late constantly
• Forgetfulness
• Impulsive and has a hard time controlling anger
• Procrastinates
• Hard time reading and understanding what was read
• Often anxious
• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Difficulty maintaining relationships

Adults with ADHD are likely to have had problems when they were a child as well including not getting very good grades, getting into trouble often with teachers, having to repeat a grade, or possibly having dropped out of school. Now as adults, they often are not able to perform well at their job, often use drugs or smoke, and often have marital problems as well.

Treating Adult ADHD

One common way to treat adults who have ADHD is with the use of a medication that will provide chemicals that the patient is lacking. These medications include Dexedrin, Adderall, Focalin, Vyvanse, and Concerta. Often the medication will wear off, which makes concentrating at night difficult.

Another treatment that can help adults with ADHD is behavioral therapy which includes stress management techniques, which can help reduce anxiety and stress, job coaching, and counseling.

For those who struggle with ADHD, the most important thing is to get help and stick to the therapies. Take medication as directed, learn techniques that can help control impulses and help in staying organized, and get help from wherever it’s needed. There are experts out there who can help you learn to cope with ADHD.