Medical Edge Newspaper Column

ADHD Can Affect Adults

August 27, 2007

Readers:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition not limited to childhood. According to a recent issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter, more than half of children with ADHD can expect to contend with the condition as adults. ADHD in adults is often more subtle than in children but it still can be troublesome. It usually presents itself in one of two ways or a combination:

• Inattention: Prioritizing and focusing on tasks can be challenging. Organizing work or following instructions may be more difficult than it is for others.
• Excessive levels of activity or difficult-to-control impulses: Adults with ADHD may experience ongoing feelings of restlessness or have trouble relaxing. An adult may always feel the need to be on the go. Impulsivity may show up as impatience, mood swings, intense anger outbursts or trouble with relationships.

Tip-offs that a medical evaluation is needed include:

• A history of academic or career underachievement.
• Inconsistent work performance, such as frequently quitting or losing jobs.
• Difficulty managing daily responsibilities, such as paying bills on time or completing tasks.
• Difficulty with relationships, perhaps related to such behaviors as forgetfulness or being easily angered.

Interviews and detailed medical and behavioral histories are usually keys to diagnosis. Tests to measure attentiveness and concentration could be part of the evaluation.

Adult ADHD is generally managed with some combination of medication, psychotherapy or life coaching. Many adults with ADHD find counseling helpful. Counseling alone may be sufficient treatment for many adults with this illness.