Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

Until recently, it was always thought that Attention Deficit Disorders existed only amongst children. However, it has been proven by doctors that attention deficit disorders also exist amongst adults, and this condition is called Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADDD).

Adult attention deficit disorder is a condition marked with inattentiveness, procrastination, organization problems, and facing difficulty in getting things done. However, as treatment for ADD is focused for children suffering from it, they often go undiagnosed. In fact, adults don’t actually realize that they are suffering from AADD until their own child is diagnosed with it as this is a condition that is carried on from childhood. When seeking treatment for their child, these parents may recognize the same behavior in their own past or present.

The symptoms faced by adults suffering from AADD are that they find it hard to stay organized, trouble maintaining relationships and controlling their moods, face difficulty in completing a task, are very impulsive, and practice poor financial management. Adults suffering form AADD have a poor attention span wherein there is a chance of them making careless mistakes, ignoring details in their work, difficulty in listening and may be forgetful in their work. Some adults also tend to become fidgety, talk too much, are always in constant motion, and always interrupt other people. They may also display a sense of physical restlessness in the mannerisms.

There is no fixed, or miracle cure for AADD. Treatment is availed by the adult learning to manage the condition successfully. The first step in the treatment of AADD lies in making an accurate diagnosis of the condition. Once the diagnosis is done, the patient should be able to educate himself about the condition. In the treatment of AADD, self knowledge is the best means of learning to cope with the condition.

Physicians usually prescribe antidepressant medication to the patients suffering from AADD. If these antidepressants don’t work, stimulant drugs are also tried. However, it has been seen that adults suffering from AADD successfully reduce their condition by making suitable changes in their diet, exercise and lifestyle. They have to be taught the right time management and planning skills with perhaps some daily planners and task lists. Family members should provide support by helping the patient stay organized.

Adults suffering from AADD should choose jobs that suit their interests and personalities, and not venture to do something that emphasizes their weaknesses. They should do jobs that focus on their energy and those who get restless should perform regular exercise and work breaks incorporated in their schedules. These changes in the adult with AADD may result in some improvement in their condition.