Do you have difficulty maintaining attention, or suffer with persistent hyperactivity and impulsive behavior?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or AD/HD or ADD) is a neurobehavioral developmental compilation. ADHD is characterized by “the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior rarely occurring alone”.
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition. Adults with it suffer from a panoply of problems including unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, and low self-esteem.
ADHD always starts in early childhood. It is not always diagnosed in childhood. Sometimes it’s not diagnosed until later in life. At one time it was the opinion was that ADHD was limited to childhood. But symptoms frequently persist into adulthood. For some people, adult ADHD causes significant problems. It’s good news to those who suffer from this disorder that treatment causes improvements.
Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to treatment for childhood ADHD, and includes stimulant drugs or other medications, psychotherapy, counseling, and treatment for any mental health problems that occur along with adult ADHD.
Adult ADHD symptoms may include:
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Low frustration tolerance
- Frequent mood swings
- Hot temper
- Trouble coping with stress
- Unstable relationships
Many adults with ADHD aren’t aware they have it — they just know that everyday tasks can be a challenge. Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.
All adults with ADHD had ADHD as children, even if it was never diagnosed. Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, while others continue to have significant symptoms as adults.