Alan: In my own experience of ADHD adults, I notice that relentless fretfulness, impulsivity, distractability and chronic lateness are primary characteristics. In some adults, I have noticed that the use of extensive "lists" enables successful management -- or masking? -- of underlying disorganization. One ADHD sufferer in my circle of friends has sublimated his hyperactivity with hyper-productivity and, as a result, is highly-regarded by his professional peers. Unaware of his affliction, this same fellow blithely projects unreasonably high expectations of hyper-productivity onto his spouse - with profoundly corrosive impact on the quality of their marriage. (N.B. Children whose mothers smoked and drank during pregnancy are unusually prone to ADHD.)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: ADHD in Adults
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most well-recognized childhood developmental problems. This condition is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is now known that these symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. That translates into 4% of the U.S. adult population, or 8 million adults. However, few adults are identified or treated foradult ADHD. What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
If you have adult ADHD, medications can bring about huge improvements in your life, restoring your focus and giving you back a feeling of control. But for some people, these drugs come with a price – side effects. Most of the time, ADHD medication side effects are mild -- like upset stomach or insomnia -- and fade after a few weeks or months of treatment. Other times, side effects can be more problematic. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do – on your own and with your doctor...
ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks, or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational, and academic problems.
Adult ADHD Statistics
- ADHD afflicts approximately 3% to 10% of school-aged children and an estimated 60% of those will continue to have symptoms that affect their functioning as adults.
- Prevalence rates for ADHD in adults are not as well determined as rates for children, but fall in the 4% to 5% range.
- ADHD affects males at higher rate than females in childhood, but this ratio seems to even out by adulthood.
Common Behaviors and Problems of Adult ADHD
The following behaviors and problems may stem directly from ADHD or may be the result of related adjustment difficulties:
- Chronic boredom
- Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating when reading
- Difficulty controlling anger
- Employment problems
- Impulsiveness
- Low frustration tolerance
- Low self-esteem
- Mood swings
- Poor organization skills
- Procrastination
- Relationship problems
- Substance abuse or addiction
These behaviors may be mild to severe and can vary with the situation or be present all of the time. Some adults with ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are interested in or excited about what they are doing. Others may have difficulty focusing under any circumstances. Some adults look for stimulation, but others avoid it. In addition, adults with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial, or they can be overly social, going from one relationship to the next.
School-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD may have:
- Had a history of poorer educational performance and been underachievers
- Had more frequent school disciplinary actions
- Had to repeat a grade
- Dropped out of school more often
Work-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
- Change employers frequently and perform poorly
- Have less job satisfaction and fewer occupational achievements, independent of psychiatric status
Social-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
- Have a lower socioeconomic status
- Have driving violations such as being cited for speeding, having their license suspended, and being involved in more crashes
- Rate themselves and others as using poorer driving habits
- Use illegal substances more frequently
- Smoke cigarettes
- Self-report psychological maladjustment more often
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Adult ADHD Slide Show:
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/ss/slideshow-adhd-in-adults?ecd=wgt_taboola_nosp_adultadhd_ad1