What is "Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?" 

       Adults with ADHD have:

            Inattention, restlessness, and impulsive behavior.

            Distraction by noise and activities.

            Difficulty meeting deadlines and finishing tasks.

            Procrastination.

            Disorganized work habits.

            Forgetting appointments.

            Frequent conversation shifts.

            Problems with organizational skills and planning.

            Not following details or rules during social activities.

            Mood swings, tardiness, and risk for substance abuse.

            Marital problems.

            Fidgeting, impulsiveness, poor focus.

            Initiating conversations at inappropriate times.

     Impulsivity could lead to accidents such as knocking over objects or bumping into people.When one family member is diagnosed with Adult ADHD, there is a twenty five to thirty five percent likelihood that another family member will have the same condition.

      About seventy seven to eighty seven percent of people with Adult ADHD have mood and anxiety disorders.

 Coping strategies:

 A planner or smart-phone for daily appointments.

Conscious effort to control impulsive behavior.  Taking a deep breath before acting or reacting.

Minimizing distractions, such as moving to a quieter location.

Noise cancelling headphones or earplugs.

Hobbies that involve physical motion, such as walking and aerobics.

Practicing “sleep hygiene.” This includes getting up and going to bed at the same times. Light reading before sleep is helpful. Turn off the TV before going to sleep. Remove pets from the bedroom.

Cognitive and behavioral therapy to improve self-esteem.

Relaxation training and stress management.  

 Medicines to treat Adult ADHD:  These include “stimulant medicines.” Examples are Adderall XR, Concerta, Focalin XR, Quillivant XR, Straterra, and Vyvanse. Possible side effects include insomnia, nausea, “tics,” dry mouth, dizziness, and irritability. Titrating the dose to nimize side effects is helpful.

Blood testing for thyroid disease may be helpful. Brain wave testing (encephalography) is sometimes considered. In rare cases, CT or MRI brain scanning might be indicated to detect brain abnormalities.

For further information, log on to  http://www.add.org/?page=ADHD_Fact_Sheet

Questions or comments? Contact Dr. Clem at  Clementhanson.blogspot.com