ADHD

Research in Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has, for many decades, been dominated by a focus on measuring and improving its core symptoms. However, a new conceptual direction has been developing that focuses on measuring and seeking ways to improve function, both overall and in specific academic, social, and other domains that have major impacts on the lives of children and their families. In tandem with this shift toward function is a new treatment goal that goes beyond improvement of symptoms to full remission of impairment. Typically, adults with ADHD are unaware that they have this disorder-they often feel it is just impossible to get organized, to stick to a job, and go to an appointment. The everyday tasks of getting up, getting dressed and ready for the day's work, getting to work on time and be productive on the job can be major challenges for adult ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in an adult:

The diagnosis of adult with ADHD is not easy. Many times when a child is diagnosed with the disorder, a parent will identify that he or she has more of the same symptoms as the child and for the first time, begin to understand some of the features that gave him trouble for years - distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness. Other adults will seek professional help for depression or anxiety and discover that the root cause of some of their emotional problems is ADHD. They may have a history of failures or problems with school work. Often they have been involved in frequent automobile accidents.

Being diagnosed with ADHD, an adult must have the symptoms of childhood-onset, persistent, and currents. The accuracy of diagnosis of adult ADHD is of utmost importance and should be made by a clinician with expertise in the area of attention dysfunction. For an accurate diagnosis, a history of behavior of the patient's childhood, and an interview with her life partner, parent, close friend or other close associate, is required. A physical examination and psychological tests should also be given. Comorbidity with other conditions may exist as specific learning disabilities, anxiety, or affective disorders.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief. The individual has brought into adulthood many negative perceptions of themselves that may have led to low esteem. Now he can begin to understand why it has some of its problems and can begin to face them. This may mean not only treatment for ADHD but also psychotherapy that can help them cope with the anger he feels about the lack of diagnosing the disorder when he was younger.

Treatment and therapy for adult ADD / ADHD:

Therapy for adults with ADD/ADHD can be helpful for both the emotional issues related to the disorder and practical, day-to-day issues.

Talk therapy:Adults with ADD/ADHD often struggle with issues stemming from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure, academic difficulties, job turnover, and relationship conflict. Individual talk therapy can help you deal with this emotional baggage, including low self-esteem, the feelings of embarrassment and shame you may have experienced as a child and teenager, and resentment at the nagging and criticism you receive from people close to you.

Marriage and family therapy:Marriage and family therapy addresses the problems ADD/ADHD can create in your relationships and family life, such as conflicts over money problems, forgotten commitments, responsibilities in the home, and impulsive decisions. Therapy can help you and your loved ones explore these issues and focus on constructive ways of dealing with them and communicating with each other. Therapy can also improve your relationship by educating your partner about ADD/ADHD.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy:Cognitive-behavioral therapy encourages you to identify and change the negative beliefs and behaviors that are causing problems in your life. Since many individuals with ADD/ADHD are demoralized from years of struggle and unmet expectations, one of the main goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy is to transform this negative outlook into a more hopeful, realistic view. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also focuses on the practical issues that often come with ADD/ADHD, such as disorganization, work performance problems, and poor time management.