How to recognize adult ADHD

ADHD is one of the most well known and recognized childhood disorders. We all have this image in our head of what a child with ADHD is like. At least I know I do, bouncing off the walls, no attention span, etc. But what about adults with the same disorder? What does adult ADHD look like? Most people don't even have an image that comes into their mind when thinking about ADHD in adults.

Instructions

• 1

  ADHD afflicts approximately 3% to 5% of school-age children and an estimated 60% of those will maintain the disorder into adulthood.
  Prevalence rates for ADHD in adults are not as well determined as rates for children, but fall in the 1% to 5% range.
  ADHD affects males at higher rate than females in childhood, but this ratio seems to even out by adulthood.

• 2

  The symptoms of ADHD are as follows:
  Being chronically late or forgetful
  Anxiety
  Low self esteem or self image
  Problems with keeping a job
  Having a problem controlling anger
  Impulsive behavior
  Addictions (gambling, drugs, alcohol, etc)
  Unable to organize
  Constant procrastination
  Being easily frustrated
  Easily bored
  Finding it difficult to concentrate while reading
  Mood swings
  Relationship issues
  Depression

  These behaviors may be mild to severe and can vary with the situation or be present all of the time. Some adults with ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are interested in or excited about what they are doing. Others may have difficulty focusing under any circumstances. Some adults look for stimulation, but others avoid it. In addition, adults with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial, or they can be overly social and unable to be alone.

• 3

  If you feel that you have ADHD or know a loved one who displays this type of behavior, help is out there. Although it's a bit more difficult to diagnose, a mental health professional can help.

  There are lots of different medications out there that can seriously improve the quality of life for someone who suffers from ADHD. Mostly, stimulants are prescribed. Below are a list of the most commonly Rx drugs used in the treatment of adult ADHD.

  Adderall
  Catapres (clonidine)
  Cylert (pemoline)
  Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
  Dextrostat (dextroamphetamine)
  Ritalin (methylphenidate)