PostsSome of the diseases and physical ailments we experience are readily apparent to family and friends while others are more hidden or discreet. This is even true when discussing various conditions impacting the mind. One that can sometimes be more obvious to onlookers than the person experiencing the malaise is ADHD.
The symptoms of attention deficit disorder may appear obvious. Those afflicted with it seem to be in perpetual motion. They can’t sit still, hate waiting and are constantly interrupting. Derailed by the slightest distraction, they rarely stick with a task long enough to finish it. Daily life can seem exasperating and exhausting.
But, are these hyperactive youngsters? No, they’re adults. Though attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most common diagnosis in child psychiatry, it can also be very prevalent in adults, and the symptoms are often either harder to spot or chalked up to daily stress. To learn more about adult ADHD, including its symptoms and where to go for help, keep reading.
Prevalence of Adult ADHD
Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects approximately 5 million American adults. These impacted individuals have trouble controlling their impulses or their ability to concentrate and focus.
Symptoms of attention deficit disorder are often harder to spot and diagnose among adults than among children.
The Symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
-Constant fidgeting, moving, shifting or restlessness
-Inability to engage in a focused activity such as reading
-Extreme distractibility, forgetfulness, absent-mindedness
-Difficulty focusing on conversations or speeches, particularly at work
-Difficulty waiting, extreme irritation when stuck in traffic
-Daily or hourly mood swings, ranging from depression or discontent to cheerfulness and excitement
-Disorganization, inability to finish tasks
-Difficulty solving problems or managing time
-Aggressive or irritable personality reflected in a hot and easily flared temper
-Impulsiveness in decision making and in starting or ending relationships
-Easily frustrated and unable to handle stress and everyday hurdles
-Poor body image and low self esteem coupled with an inability to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise
-Lack of Maturity
Instead of running around the room, breaking things and throwing toys on the floor like a child with ADHD may do, an adult with the disorder will simply constantly be in motion. They’ll often tap their feet, fidget with their hands or move around in their chair.
Steps to Treating an Adult
There are support groups and medical professionals out there who can help you get treatment for your disorder. You can try contacting physicians in your area that work with children suffering from ADHD or you call the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. They can often refer individuals to qualified and experienced professionals in their area.
Remember, many people mistake the symptoms of attention deficit disorder for either daily stress or possible mental illness. Avoid misdiagnoses by talking to your doctor about your concerns. Adult ADHD can be treated, often with the same drugs and treatment methods used to treat childhood ADHD.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!