Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - What is it?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a well known childhood developmental problem. This condition is characterized by impulsiveness, inattentiveness and hyperactivity. Now it is known that these symptoms carry on into adulthood in about 60% of children suffering from ADHD. This is about 4% of the adult population in the US or about 8 million adults. Yet, not in many adults these symptoms are recognized or treated for adult ADHD.

ADHD – In adults

Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to follow directions, concentrate, remember information, finishing work within time limits or organize tasks. In case these difficulties are not appropriately managed, they could lead to related emotional, behavioral, vocational, academic and social problems.

Adult ADHD – Statistics

ADHD troubles around 3% to 5% of school-age children and probably about 60% of such children will retain the disorder into adulthood.

* Occurrence rates for ADHD in case of adults are not well estimated as the rates for children, but are roughly in the range of 1% to 5%.
* In childhood, ADHD affects males more than females. However, this percentage appears to become even by adulthood.

Adult ADHD - Common behaviors and problems

ADHD may result in the listed behaviors and problems or they could be the result of associated adjustment problems:

* Persistent lateness and absentmindedness.
* Low self-esteem.
* Anxiety.
* Employment difficulties.
* Low frustration tolerance.
* Relationship problems.
* Relationship problems.
* Trouble controlling anger.
* Depression.
* Rashness.
* Addiction or substance abuse.
* Mood swings.
* Procrastination.
* Bad organization skills.
* Constant boredom.
* Trouble in concentrating while reading.

These behaviors could range from mild to severe. It could vary according to the situation or be there all the time. Some adults with ADHD could concentrate if what they are doing interests or excites them. Few others may find it difficult to concentrate in any situation. Some adults seek stimulation, whereas others shun it. Additionally, adults with ADHD may be antisocial and withdrawn, or they could be excessively social and incapable of being alone.

Adults with ADHD might have:

* Had a history of inferior educational performance and could have been underachievers.
* Had to repeat a grade.
* Had repeated school disciplinary actions.
* Often dropped out of school.

Adults with ADHD are more possible to:

* Change employers often and perform badly.
* Have had less occupational accomplishments, regardless of psychiatric status.

Adults with ADHD are more liable to:

* Have had driving violations, for instance, have their licenses suspended; cited for speeding; rate themselves and others as having poor driving habits or be involved in more crashes.
* Have a lower socio-economic status.
* Smoke cigarettes.
* Frequently use illegal substances.
* More often self-report psychological maladjustment.

Adults with ADHD are more possible to:

* Have more problems in their marital life and multiple marriages.
* Have higher occurrence of separation and divorce.
* A lot of this functional impairment reduces with remission of the disorder and could be alleviated by suitable treatment.