Treatment Considerations for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity

Now that it’s been firmly established that Attention Deficit Disorder is a “lifetime” condition rather than purely a disorder of childhood, extensive research is being conducted to determine the most effective treatment protocols for adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity.

In essence, adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity exhibit the same symptoms as children do, only on an “adult scale.” They are significantly impaired in social relationships, intimate personal relationships, and lack essential occupational skills. Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder with hyperactivity inevitably fail in social relationships because others find them so unpredictable, impulsive, disruptive, and just plain annoying.

They have great difficulty sustaining relationships long-term and frequently marry and divorce. Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity are unable to hold a job for long. Bosses and co-workers consider them lazy, rude, self-centered, irresponsible and ill-mannered. They seem to be in constant physical “overdrive” but seldom complete and finish assigned tasks.

They are easily distracted and bored. Inside, these adults have very poor self-esteem, are very lonely, and often suffer from Major Depression. They simply cannot control their behavior and endure failure after failure. Thus, they are at serious risk for suicide.

Treatment for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity

Until a few years ago, adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity were treated with the same medication that children were given for symptom relief. The amphetamine-like stimulant drugs, Ritalin, Cylert, and Dexedrine, helped these adults to focus and concentrate, to listen and be attentive, to avoid annoying others with excessive talking/interrupting and finish assigned occupational tasks. However, adults are more prone to abusing stimulant drugs and developing an addiction to them.

Today there’s a “new kid on the block;” a medication that has become the first-line treatment for children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity. Strattera is not an FDA controlled substance, is not a stimulant drug, and has no abuse or addiction potential. Strattera provides outstanding symptom relief without the troublesome side effects of the stimulant drugs.

In addition to medication, adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity benefit from psychotherapy to help them learn age-appropriate social, interpersonal, and occupational skills. These adults didn’t learn these skills as children solely because of their disorder; in treatment, they are eager to learn how to get along well with others at home and at work.

By learning not to alienate and annoy others, their lives improve dramatically; they’re able to function in interpersonal relationships and in an occupational setting. Thus, adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity finally discover that they are likeable people; their self-esteem improves with each success in their lives, decreasing their depressive symptoms and risk for suicide. Finally, they have hope.