Characteristics of Adult ADD

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, formerly referred to as attention-deficit disorder, or ADD, is a psychological disorder that begins in childhood but was not diagnosed until later in life. Left untreated, ADHD affects an individual's ability to work productively and maintain healthy relationships with family and friends. Once the diagnosis of ADHD is made, there are several treatments available to address the symptoms.

Symptoms

• ADHD is named for its two most common symptoms: lack of attention and hyperactive or impulsive behavior. ADHD can be manifested by ongoing difficulties with work duties, particularly meeting deadlines and following through with tasks.Other symptoms include excessive anger, moodiness, disorganization, unstable relationships and misplaced priorities. Adults with ADHD may have all or only a few of these symptoms. In addition, many individuals who do not have ADHD can have one or more of these characteristics.

Diagnosis

• Professional help should be obtained when the above symptoms occur in excess and begin to interfere with other aspects of life. Differential diagnosis is important because these symptoms are consistent with other mental disorders including anxiety and depression. ADHD can be diagnosed by a family physician, neurologist, psychiatrist or psychologist, and the diagnosis is made according to specifications provided by the American Psychiatric's Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). Patient evaluation usually includes the use of questionnaires and a thorough history of behaviors and emotions affecting different aspects of life.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Although the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, there are several contributing factors that have been identified. Brain scans performed on individuals with ADHD reveal less activity than normal in the area of the brain that controls attention. Exposure to toxins such as lead, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs while in the womb or early in life has been shown to correlate with the diagnosis of ADHD. In addition, if a family member has ADHD, the likelihood is high that it will be passed on to future generations.

Treatment

• ADHD is typically treated with a combination of medications and behavioral intervention. Stimulant medications including methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine are most commonly prescribed for the treatment of ADHD. As with any drug, there may be negative side effects, such as nausea, weight loss, mood swings or seizures.

  Behavioral intervention for ADHD includes general psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The goal of behavioral intervention is to decrease impulsive behaviors, problem-solving training, anger management and the development of appropriate coping mechanisms. Counseling frequently includes other family members as well. Individuals are taught practical ways to improve the areas of life affected by the disease. These include written organization and reminder systems, development of a routine and learning to request help when needed.