Adults who suffer from Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADHD) often fail to complete tasks, fail to maintain attention, and fail to meet deadlines. They also struggle to maintain organizational skills and struggle with long-term mental effort. The symptoms of ADHD are often noticeable to family and friends and can be challenging for those who are affected by the disorder.
Various types of tests can help diagnose the disorder. Psychostimulants, for example, are used to treat patients with ADHD. These medications are only used for short periods and must be closely monitored. Other tests can detect co-existing conditions. When a person has symptoms of ADHD, it can negatively impact two major areas of their lives: work and school. Adults with the disorder may also have trouble keeping organized or paying bills.
Adults with ADD may also experience problems with self-motivation. Some of these symptoms are common in adults with ADHD, while others are specific to children. Inattentive symptoms of ADHD include rushing through quizzes or skipping sections of homework. Adults with ADD may have trouble completing work assignments or proofreading work documents. This can lead to more problems. Symptoms of Attention-Deficit Disorder can also negatively impact a person's social life.
While ADHD is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome, it is a common childhood and adolescent problem. It is characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity that can significantly impair the lives of affected individuals. Two major diagnostic manuals, the DSM-IV-TR and the World Health Organization's ICD-10 require at least two of these symptoms in order to diagnose ADD.
Some research on adolescents with ADHD shows that some types of drugs have a positive impact on addressing symptoms. For example, one study found that a woman with ADHD who had been prescribed antidepressants was able to reduce her symptoms by improving her attention and mood. She was also treated with stimulant medication, which reduced her moodiness and irritability. Interestingly, the antidepressants remained effective even after a year of treatment.
Another way to manage ADHD is through coaching. Coaching is a relatively new approach that can help people with ADHD cope with the daily challenges of their lives. Coaches encourage people with ADHD to work on their goals and provide feedback. They can also help people deal with the stress of ADHD by providing practical solutions to help them achieve their goals. For example, adults with ADHD can ask for a quiet workspace or switch to an office with an unused conference room. They can also use earphones to block out office noise.
The symptoms of ADHD are often difficult to recognize and may appear to be symptoms of another disorder. For instance, many of the same symptoms are present in children with mood, anxiety, and dissociative disorders. This is because children with ADHD are also at risk of developing other mental disorders. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than two-thirds of children with ADHD have other mental illnesses. This means that it is critical to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.
The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months and must impair social, academic, or occupational functioning. In addition, the symptoms must interfere with a person's ability to wait in line or use other people's things without permission. In addition, it is important to consider whether an ADHD child is prone to substance abuse, as these disorders often result in problems with attention.