

Adult ADD/ADHD
to operating about 50 percent. A few examples might be not remembering where we put our keys, leaving for work without those documents we were determined not to forget, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, making an impulsive decision that just didn’t turn out as planned, or not being able to complete anything we start.
Many people have symptoms of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but don’t realize that what is happening to them is a legitimate condition rather than a personal shortcoming of some sort. They may feel hopeless, worthless, and bored without cause. They may be easily distracted and impulsive. They may be so hopelessly disorganized and consistently absentminded that their condition could result in every area of their lives bending under the strain, or even breaking. Examples might be job loss or personal relationships concerns including divorce. It was once thought that ADHD was found only in children but now we know that this conclusion couldn’t have been further from the truth with an estimated 7 percent of the adult population facing the challenges that go hand in hand with adult ADHD. Additionally, it is estimated that only 15 percent of adults who have ADHD are ever diagnosed or treated. One factor sparking the silent epidemic of adult ADHD is that adults continue to be diagnosed on the criteria that were developed for children with the disorder over a decade ago, which do not truly reflect the disorder’s effects on adults. In addition, many adults struggle for years with undiagnosed adult ADHD never being aware they are being sabotaged by a condition that can be diagnosed and treated. For those who have done their homework and believe they are one of the 7 percent of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis can be complicated by an overlap between the symptoms of ADHD and a myriad of other common psychiatric conditions, including clinical depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many adults have modified their lives with a series of coping mechanisms to reduce the impact of their symptoms, sometimes maybe even risking their health or even their lives to create the illusion of being more like the general population. It is not unusual for adults with ADHD to spend many extra hours at work to keep up with the competition or to stay up all night cramming for a test their classmates easily prepared for in an hour. To hide symptoms of inattention, anxiety, sluggishness, and depression, many suffers also fall victim to drug and alcohol abuse. Some become so proficient at hiding their symptoms that their family, friends, and medical doctors never have reason to suspect they have a problem until the situation inexplicably unravels into behavior that can no longer be ignored. Most adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder live highly chaotic lives as they struggle daily with associated problems ranging from poor sleeping habits and high risk behavior to associated psychiatric conditions including depression, drug abuse, and learning disabilities. Inconsistent work performance accounts for billions of dollar of lost earnings and adults with ADHD tend to change jobs much more frequently than what would be considered normal. It is not easy for an adult to live with ADHD and it may be difficult to live and work around someone with this disorder. The good news is there are many treatments which can help. Additionally, it is also important to point out that two or more compatible treatments will generally produce better results than any one treatment or treatment method. |
