Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults

Only recently has the mental health profession begun to recognize not only the possibility, but the frequency, of ADD in adults. We are only now beginning to understand that people don't "grow out of ADD." That means if you had ADD as a child, you still have it as an adult. It will manifest itself differently than it did in childhood, but it's still there.

With the new openness to this diagnosis comes a new freedom for many adults who previously could only wonder why they couldn't seem to function like "normal" people. Now proper diagnosis and management will allow these adults to use their unique strengths and capabilities to live exciting, fulfilling lives.

SYMPTOMS OF ADD IN ADULTS

An ADD adult may have problems in achievement, organization, perseverance, social skills, and emotional control. Specific symptoms may include:

Organizational problems

• forgetfulness
• time management --always late, taking longer than expected to complete a task
• financial disorganization--checkbook unbalanced, bills late
• problems with paperwork

Perseverance problems

• taking on too many projects then not completing them
• frequent moves and job changes
• inability to stay in a long-term relationship--history of divorce and remarriage
• history of taking up multiple interests then dropping them
• pattern of making major decisions without appropriate planning

Achievement problems

• history of under-achievement in school and career
• difficulty concentrating

Emotional control problems

• prone to depression
• pattern of substance abuse
• low tolerance for frustration
• difficulty controlling temper

Social skills problems

• interrupting others when speaking
• speaking without thinking of potential reactions
• prone to "care-taker" relationships

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

In considering the possibility of ADD in an adult, remember first that the patterns must have been present in childhood. There is no such thing as adult-onset Attention Deficit Disorder. Although the specific symptoms may have changed in adulthood, the patterns of inattention, impulsiveness, and possibly hyperactivity must have started earlier.

Realize also that the presence of any, or even most, of the symptoms listed above does not in itself confirm a diagnosis of ADD. Self-diagnosis of this or any other disorder is not reliable.

An individual may be able to identify in herself, or in a relative or friend, certain characteristics that point to ADD, but an actual diagnosis requires a professional. The personal physician may be a good starting point, though the diagnosis cannot usually be made by a family doctor but must be made by a psychologist.

Individuals should also be aware that some family practitioners still do not recognize the possibility of ADD in adults. Many family counseling centers are equipped to provide the guidance needed in obtaining a diagnosis.

Approaches to controlling ADD in adults may include both counseling to teach the ADD adult coping skills, and medication to control the chemical aspects of the disorder. There is considerable difference of opinion about the effectiveness of medication for adults. Doctors who agree on the validity of medication differ on the most effective medicine to use. An adult who has been diagnosed with ADD should feel free to discuss the issue of medication openly with his doctor.

Even without a diagnosis, an adult who recognizes several of the typical symptoms in herself can benefit from reading some of the self-help books available. Coping strategies that work for people who do suffer from the disorder may also be effective for others who have some of the characteristic behavior patterns but do not actually have the disorder.

SUGGESTED RESOURCES

ADD in Adults Workbook, Lynn Weiss; publ. Taylor. Daily, practical, hands-on method of dealing with ADD; includes a diagnostic self-quiz

ADD in Adults, Lynn Weiss; publ. Taylor.

Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder, video, Thomas Phelan, publ. Child Management, Inc. To order call 1-800-442-4453.

All About Attention Deficit Disorder, video & book, Thomas Phelan, publ. Child Management, Inc. To order call 1-800-442-4453.

Attention Deficit Disorder (audio tape), Janis Miller. Order from author: 1501 Merrimac Cir. Ste 200, Fort Worth, TX  76107, 817-332-3600.

You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy, Katy Kelly and Peggy Ramundo; publ. Tyrell and Terem Press (ADD in Adults).