Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the continuation of the childhood developmental disorder known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) that generally manifests before the age of seven.

Fact

• According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, between four percent and eight percent of the United States population suffers from adult ADHD, translating to roughly eight to nine million people. WebMD states states that 60 percent of all children with ADD will develop adult ADHD.

Effects

• People with adult ADHD display inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. These conditions lead to an inability to concentrate, failure to follow directions, difficulty listening when spoken to directly, losing or forgetting important things, fidgety movements, excessive talking, anxiety, and even low self-esteem.

Identification

• In order to be diagnosed with adult ADHD, a person must exhibit the behavior in an excessive manner over a long period of time. The actions must also create a real hindrance in two aspects of a person's life, such as their schooling, work environment and home or social interactions.

Cause

• Adult ADHD is most likely due to biological factors influencing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. The condition can be hereditary, with a 25- to 35-percent chance of another family member developing adult ADHD as opposed to the four- to six-percent frequency in the general population.

Misconception

• Developing adult ADHD is not due to poor parenting, inadequate teachers or schools, or watching too much TV. There remains debate as to the role diet plays in contributing to the condition.

Treatment

• Effective adult ADHD treatment involves counseling and therapy to teach coping skills and adaptive behaviors. Medication may also be prescribed.