Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD is a real disease that is caused by observable changes in the brain.

Adults with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD have a history of failure at school, on-going problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. Many have had multiple traffic accidents. Adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to do several things at once, most of them unsuccessfully.

ADHD people also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. It is estimated that 2.5% of adults have ADHD.

ADHD responds well to medications and is probably the easiest psychiatric disorder to treat. When properly diagnosed, it is very effectively treated with medications. There are many medications used to treat ADHD, with Psychostimulants being th medications of choice. Improvement of symptoms usually occurs quickly.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty staying focused and paying attention
• Difficulty controlling behavior and impulses
• Hyperactivity (over-activity)

This scan of the brain shows clear differences between a normal brain and an ADHD brain. Notice the areas with different shapes and colors.