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What Should I Know About Attention Deficit Disorder?
Though attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been heavily diagnosed in school-aged children in recent years, many adults are unaware that the symptoms of this disorder can continue into adulthood, or may not even appear until adulthood. Many adults mistake the symptoms of ADHD for laziness, depression, anxiety, or simple "lack of focus" in themselves or their loved ones. Adult attention deficit disorder is characterized in many patients by severe indecision, procrastination, difficulty multitasking or focusing for long periods, and difficulty initiating tasks or managing time effectively. Many, though not all, adults diagnosed with ADHD have been found to have other mental health issues coinciding with or caused by their ADHD symptoms, such as depression, anger management problems, or substance abuse. Obviously, many individuals present these symptoms at some point in their lives, but ADHD is characterized by the persistence of these damaging symptoms, and by ongoing problems with everyday life functions due to their effects. Difficulties with focusing or initiating tasks can lead many individuals with attention deficit disorder to have great difficulty in school or in the workplace, and problems with time management or following through on tasks often lead to issues in or dissolution of romantic, friendly, or family relationships. There is a great deal of debate among scientists and medical researchers as to the causes of attention deficit disorder. It is, however, now viewed almost exclusively as a neurological issue, and is thought by many to be caused by dysfunction of chemicals in the brain which lead to difficulty with executive functioning in the frontal lobes. ADHD is also fairly widely recognized as being linked to genetics, and many individuals diagnosed with the disorder have relatives who also suffer from it. Treatments for adults with attention deficit disorder have shown great improvements in recent years, with the outlook improving for those diagnosed. Treatment with prescription stimulants has proven most effective for the majority of adult ADHD sufferers. Clinical therapy along with medication is the typical treatment for adults with ADHD, and doctors generally prefer to avoid treating patients with medication alone. Counseling for those with attention deficit disorder has proven far more effective than for adults than for children, and can help patients learn focusing and time management techniques, as well as ways to improve interpersonal relationships and to cope with the stress, low self-esteem, and depression that can often occur with ADHD.
What causes hyperactivity?
Hyperactivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry imbalances, environmental factors, and certain medical conditions. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common cause of hyperactivity in both children and adults. Stimulants and certain medications can also sometimes cause hyperactivity as a side effect.
Can adults develop autism?
Some adults might not be diagnosed as having autism until they are adults. Autism is generally believed to have a genetic component, which means a person is born with it. If a person has a mild case of autism or was misdiagnosed, it might not be correctly diagnosed until adulthood.
Conduct disorder?
DefinitionConduct disorder is a disorder of childhood and adolescence that involves chronic behavior problems, such as:Defiant, impulsive, or antisocial behaviorDrug useCriminal activityCauses, incidence, and risk factorsConduct disorder has been associated with:Child abuseFamily conflictsGenetic defectsParental drug addiction or alcoholismPovertyThe diagnosis is more common among boys.It is hard to know how common the disorder is, because many of the qualities necessary to make the diagnosis (such as "defiance" and "rule breaking") can be hard to define. For an accurate diagnosis, the behavior must be far more extreme than simple adolescent rebellion or boyish exuberance.Conduct disorder is often associated with attention-deficit disorder. Both conditions carry a major risk for alcohol and/or other drug dependence.Conduct disorder also can be an early sign of depression or bipolar disorder.Children with conduct disorder tend to be impulsive, difficult to control, and unconcerned about the feelings of others.SymptomsAntisocial behaviors, such as bullying and fightingBreaking rules without apparent reasonCruel or aggressive behavior toward people and animals (fights, using dangerous weapons, forced sexual activity, mugging, or purse snatching)Destruction of property (deliberately setting fires, breaking and entering, destroying other people's property)Heavy drinking and/or heavy illicit drug useLying to get a favor or avoid obligationsRunning awayTruancy (beginning before age 13)VandalismSigns and testsSome of the common signs of conduct disorder are:BullyingFightingStaying out at night without concern for curfew or other limitsThese children often make no effort to hide their aggressive behaviors and have difficulty making close friends. The diagnosis is made based on a history of these kinds of behaviors.TreatmentSuccessful treatment requires close involvement of the child's family. Parents can learn techniques to help manage their child's problem behavior.In cases of abuse, the child may need to be removed from the family and placed in a less chaotic environment. Treatment with medications or talk therapy may be used for depression and attention-deficit disorder, which commonly accompany conduct disorder.Many "behavioral modification" schools, "wilderness programs," and "boot camps" are sold to parents as solutions for conduct disorder. These may use a form of "attack therapy" or "confrontation," which can actually be harmful. There is no research support for such techniques. Research suggests that treating children at home, along with their families, is more effective.If you are considering an inpatient program, be sure to check it out thoroughly. Serious injuries and deaths have been associated with some programs. They are not regulated in many states.Expectations (prognosis)Children who have severe or frequent symptoms tend to have the poorest outlook. Expectations are also worse for those who have other illnesses, such as mood and drug abuse disorders.ComplicationsChildren with conduct disorder may go on to develop personality disorders as adults, particularly antisocial personality disorder. As their behaviors worsen, these individuals may also develop significant drug and legal problems. Depression and bipolar disorder may develop in adolescence and early adulthood.Calling your health care providerSee your health care provider if your child:Continually gets in troubleHas mood swingsIs bullying othersIs being victimizedSeems to be overly aggressiveEarly treatment may help.PreventionThe sooner the treatment for conduct disorder is started, the more likely the child will learn adaptive behaviors and prevent some of the potential complications.ReferencesConduct disorder. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2004:chap 24.Thomas CR. Evidence-based practice for conduct disorder symptoms. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006;45:109-114.Whittinger NS. Clinical precursors of adolescent conduct disorder in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007;46:179-187.
What do you call adults who are sexually attracted to adolescents?
Adults who are sexually attracted to adolescents are called pedophiles. It is important to note that pedophilia is considered a mental disorder and is illegal due to the age difference and power dynamics involved in such relationships.
How does the attention deficit disorder manifest in adults?
The symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) include being hyperactive and lacking attention. Similarly, people who suffer from this may appear to daydream or be distracted.
What has the author Sari Solden written?
Sari Solden has written: 'Women with attention deficit disorder' -- subject(s): Attention-deficit disorder in adults, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Women, Adult
How many adults in the United states have attention deficit disorder?
100,000
What has the author Jacqueline Sinfield written?
Jacqueline Sinfield has written: 'Untapped brilliance' -- subject(s): Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Attention-deficit disorder in adults
What are phytostimulants?
Phyto-stimulants are drugs used for treating persons with ADHD symptoms. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder. Both children and adults are treated for this type of disorder.
What has the author Kathy Ellison written?
Kathy Ellison has written: 'Buzz' -- subject(s): Humor, Diagnosis, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Attention-deficit-disordered adults, Biography, Attention-deficit-disordered children
What has the author Richard A Fowler written?
Richard A. Fowler has written: '\\' -- subject(s): Family relationships, Popular works, Attention-deficit disorder in adults, Communication in marriage, Attention-deficit-disordered adults 'Serenity'
What are the symptoms of adult ADD and how does an adult get diagnosed with ADD?
Symptoms of attention deficit disorder in adults are similar to symptoms in children. Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and distraction are main symptoms. A true diagnosis should be made by a neurologist through simple interviewing.
What mental illness causes short tension span and poor concentration in adults?
Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
What has the author Thom Hartmann written?
Thom Hartmann has written: 'We the people' -- subject(s): Comic books, strips, Politics and government, Political culture, Democracy, Right-wing extremists, Political and social views 'Beyond ADD' -- subject(s): Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder 'The Prophet's Way' 'The Best of the Desktop Publishing Forum on Compuserve' 'Attention deficit disorder' -- subject(s): Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Attention-deficit disorder in adults 'Think Fast' 'Healing ADD' -- subject(s): Popular works, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Attention-deficit disorder in adults, Neurolinguistic programming 'Unequal Protection' 'Walking Your Blues Away' 'ADD' 'Eine andere Art, die Welt zu sehen. Das Aufmerksamkeits- Defizit- Syndrom' 'The ADDED DIMENSION' 'Censored 2004' 'The last hours of ancient sunlight' -- subject(s): Human ecology, Philosophy, Environmental protection
What has the author Rachel Gropper written?
Rachel Gropper has written: 'Working memory and academic achievement in college students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder' -- subject(s): Academic achievement, College students with disabilities, Short-term memory, Attention-deficit disorder in adults
Where can I find a ADHD treatment center?
There is the Denver CHADD. This stands for Children & Adults w/ Attention Deficit Disorder. They meet at the library in Denver.
