ADHD: An Overview
AD/HD is not a result of lack of discipline or will power!
AD/HD is a neurobiological, behavior disorder,
and though it is not curable, its symptoms can be managed.
For the diagnosis of AD/HD, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), identifies three major symptoms:
Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
How Do I Know if I have ADHD?
Three types of AD/HD are also identified:
- AD/HD Combined Type: displays both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms
AD/HD Predominantly Inattentive Type: primarily inattentive symptoms; does not display significant hyperactive/impulsive behaviors.
AD/HD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: primary symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity; does not display significant attention problems.
All adults have symptoms sometime; But when an adult has a significant amount of symptoms that impair her/his daily living, then s/he may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Distractibility;
- Inattention;
- Have many projects going on at one time and rarely complete them;
- Impulsivity
- Difficulty staying on task;
- Irritability
- Difficulty getting to sleep / waking up
Overview of adult AD/HD:
AD/HD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) is a common, neurologically based, behavior disorder. It is characterized by problems caused by symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. For numerous children, these problems are developmentally inappropriate and cause difficulty in daily life.
At one time, AD/HD was considered a disorder of childhood. Until the mid 1980's, it was widely believed by physicians and psychologists that AD/HD was outgrown and symptoms diminished by the time a child hit adolescence. However, well-documented research has shown that a significant number of individuals carry their symptoms and impairment into the adolescent years and on into adult life. It is now accepted by most in the medical community that childhood AD/HD does indeed continue into adulthood.
Some adults with AD/HD are lucky enough to have learned to compensate for their poor attention span, impulsivity, and distractibility by finding a good career match. Others, married spouses who have been able to help structure their home lives. However, numerous adults are still struggling, trying to figure out why they cannot seem to work up to their potential. Worse, many adults with undiagnosed AD/HD find themselves living a life of shame and poor self esteem.
What should I do if I have many symptoms?
READ - ask questions! There are a lot of quality research studies published in recent years (see "links" for websites). AD/HD can mimic other disorders, like depression, anxiety, and some medical problems, like hypothyroidism. It is also fairly common for there to be a co-morbidity, that is, AD/HD accompanied by another disorder. If after your reading and research you still wonder, then it is quite possible that you may have AD/HD. You should consider going to your doctor or psychiatrist for an evaluation if:
- Multiple symptoms are displayed,
- behaviors are more severe than what others experience
- symptoms/behaviors have been evident for some time, and/or
- symptoms negatively impact at least two areas of one's life (school, home, job, relationships)