ADHD—It’s Not Just for Kids
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is widely known as a children’s disorder, but the fact that as many as 15 million American adults are also struggling with the brain disorder seems to be much less known.
“We used to think that ADHD was prevalent only among children, but now we know it can be a persistent problem that continues into adult life,” says Joseph Biederman, MD, Chief of the Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD at MGH. “What’s more, there exists an additional group of people whose ADHD symptoms do not appear in childhood, but instead appear many years later in young adult life. These individuals are only lately gaining recognition.
“Technically, if a person’s symptoms start at 21, the individual is unclassified, and does not qualify for diagnosis or treatment and the insurance may deny coverage. Moreover, adult ADHD is not much discussed in medical school: Many doctors are largely unaware of it or its symptoms. We need to improve our ability to diagnose adult ADHD in the primary care setting, so patients can take advantage of medications and other effective treatments.”
WHAT YOU CAN DO
These simple steps may make life easier for adults with symptoms of ADHD:
- Seek professional help to establish if you have ADHD (diagnosis).
- Get professional treatment that involves regular ADHD assessments.
- Take your medications consistently. Ask for help if you need reminders to take your medications.
- If you are not satisfied with your medications, speak with your doctor about trying another drug.
- Do your best to establish structure in your life, both at work and at home.
- Get advice or help when dealing with tasks that you find frustrating.
- Educate yourself by reading self-help books and visiting ADHD websites.
- Join a support group. For a group near you, contact Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), 4601 Presidents Drive, Suite 300, Lanham, MD 20706 Tel: 301-306-7070 or http://www.chadd.org/About-CHADD/Contact-Us.aspx (click on “Find a Support Group”).
Recognizing adult ADHD
Much like children with ADHD, adults with the disorder may display symptoms that involve inattention/distractibility or hyperactivity/impulsivity, or—most commonly—a combination of the two types.
- Inattention/distractability: This group of ADHD symptoms tend to emerge when trying to engage in a boring or uninteresting task. They include short attention span and/or difficulty paying attention; being easily distracted; having difficulty organizing, planning, initiating and executing tasks; having difficulty completing tasks in a timely fashion; shifting activities frequently and prematurely; daydreaming; frequent forgetfulness; and losing track of what others are saying in conversations.
“These symptoms are context-driven,” says Dr. Biederman. “Individuals with adult ADHD may be able to focus attention when they are interested in something, such as a sporting event, but have greater difficulty paying attention to a boring meeting.”
- Hyperactivity/impulsivity: These ADHD symptoms are also context-driven and are characterized by symptoms such as having difficulty curbing immediate reactions; rash decision-making; risk-taking; feelings of internal restlessness; impatience; and being easily frustrated.
“For example, the individual may fire off a response to an email without reading it through, or react without careful thought in personal relationships,” Dr. Biederman says.
Major Consequences
ADHD symptoms in adults commonly interfere with the ability to handle the complex demands of work, family and other life responsibilities. Adults with ADHD tend to have more interpersonal problems (affecting relationships with spouses, children, bosses, and colleagues), and they often suffer feelings of low self-esteem. They are at greater risk for motor vehicle accidents, traumatic brain injury, and visits to hospital emergency rooms. They are more likely to engage in cigarette smoking, and substance abuse and to experience addiction, conduct disorders and major psychological issues, including depression and anxiety.
“The wide range of complications caused by ADHD can have significant adverse effects on individuals’ lives that tend to compromise their educational and occupational achievement,” Dr. Biederman says. “Adults with ADHD are less likely to finish high school and more likely to be underemployed or unemployed than people without ADHD.
“Since most adults with ADHD have had the condition all their lives, becoming aware that these common symptoms may indicate ADHD is an important step forward. ADHD can be very serious, but the good news is that it can be effectively treated with medications, sometimes in conjunction with other therapies.”
See What You Can Do for tips on dealing with ADHD.
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