Identifying ADHD in Adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that not only affects children but also adults. Some physicians and researchers believe that adults who have ADHD developed the condition in childhood. ADHD can be difficult to identify in children and even harder to diagnose in adults. Once a diagnosis is made, however, adults with ADHD often can cope with this disorder more effectively by employing behavioral strategies and medical interventions.

Signs and Symptoms

• The following symptoms are characteristic of adult ADHD:

  1) The inability to control impulsive behavior
  2) Problems paying attention
  3) Difficulty starting a project and/or finishing one
  4) Restlessness and agitation
  5) Forgetfulness
  6) Impaired ability to organize and prioritize
  7) Tendency toward depression and substance abuse

  An adult with ADHD doesn't necessarily have every symptom, but he often possesses a collection of signs from this list.

Diagnosis

• The diagnosis of adult ADHD is not foolproof. There is no definitive scientific test. Physicians look at a variety of information in order to make a deduction about the possibility of this condition. A doctor usually starts with a medical exam, followed by a review of the family and personal history of the patient. Family members and close friends may be questioned in order to record their observations concerning the patient's behavior. Doctors may use a general checklist of symptoms combined with a specific set of criteria set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR).

Management

• Once adult ADHD has been identified, physicians can suggest a management plan. The condition cannot be cured, but individuals who suffer from ADHD can be assisted in coping with symptoms. Family physicians, psychiatrists, therapists and family members can assist in this coping process. Often a person with ADHD will be advised on ways to structure her environment so that she can behave and work in more positive ways. Medications such as psycho-stimulants and antidepressants may be prescribed to treat the chemical component of this disorder.