AD/HD In Adults

Gordon McInnis, MA, LPC

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a treatable disorder most often associated with children. Many people think that children grow out of AD/HD during their teens. Professionals estimate that 50% of those diagnosed with AD/HD when young have symptoms into adulthood.
Various studies estimate that between 1.5 million and 14 million American adults have ADHD. If you have been recently diagnosed with AD/HD then you have likely had some symptoms since childhood and you are coping reasonably well.

Researchers do not know what causes AD/HD, but they have identified things that don’t cause the disorder. Diet, too much sugar, too much TV, or bad schools don’t cause AD/HD. It’s a better use of your time to deal with your AD/HD productively than to look for a cause.

There is no single screening test that indicates whether you have AD/HD or not. There are three common types of behavior. The first ADHD symptom is inattention. An inattentive person quickly gets bored with tasks that aren't highly enjoyable. This lack of focus makes it hard to think ahead or to learn something new. Signs of inattention include:

• Easily getting distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds
• Failing to pay attention to details and making careless mistakes
• Rarely following instructions carefully and completely
• Losing or forgetting things

The second ADHD symptom is hyperactivity. Hyperactive people can't sit still. They fidget and squirm or even roam about the room. They may try to do several things at once, accomplishing none.

The third ADHD symptom is impulsivity. Impulsive people don't think before they act. They may blurt out inappropriate comments or rush into the street without looking. It's hard for them to take their turn or to wait for things they want. Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity are:

• Feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming
• Running, climbing, or leaving a seat, in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected
• Blurting out answers before hearing the whole question
• Having difficulty waiting in line or for a turn

Not every inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive adult has ADHD. Nearly everyone acts these ways from time to time. But people with ADHD consistently exhibit these behaviors over a period of time.

AD/HD cannot be cured in the traditional sense of the word, but there are effective treatments. It's possible to adapt to ADHD and live a happy, productive life. The three main areas of focus for treatment are Education, Medication and Accommodation. It is important to become educated about AD/HD, its symptoms, and effect on oneself and others around you. There are various medications both stimulants and non-stimulants that have shown to be effective in controlling the symptoms of AD/HD. Lastly, one must learn ways to accommodate for the
disorder. This is usually accomplished through behavioral therapy, emotional counseling and practical support to help cope with daily needs.

"Many people with AD/HD even feel that their patterns of behavior give them unique, often unrecognized, advantages. People with ADHD tend to be outgoing and ready for action. Because of their drive for excitement and stimulation, many become successful in business, sports, construction, and public speaking. Because of their ability to think about many things at once, many have won acclaim as artists and inventors.” (National Institute of Mental Health)

Gordon McInnis, MA, LPC is the Clinical Director for the Alice Sisson Counseling Center.

For more information on AD/HD:

Attention Deficit Disorder Association
P.O. Box 543
Pottstown, PA 19464
Phone: (484) 945-2101
www.add.org

Attention Deficit Disorder Resources
223 Tacoma Ave S #100
Tacoma WA 98402
Phone: (253) 759-5085
www.addresources.org

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AD/HD In Adults