A New Concept: Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults

For many decades, Attention Deficit Disorder was considered as a childhood disorder, one that children would eventually outgrow when they became adults. It was thought to be a behavior disorder that could be “cured” with strict parental discipline. However, as the years passed, these kids grew to adulthood and still, their symptoms persisted. Adults were thought of as lazy, lacking in self-discipline, and as having a low intelligence level. Finally, medical science “got it.” Attention Deficit Disorder in adults is very real, and fortunately, very treatable.

What are the Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults?

This is a “life-span” condition, with a childhood onset and continuing into adulthood. Adults have many of the same symptoms as children, but in a “grown up” environment such as personal relationships and occupational situations. Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder in adults include poor attention span, easy distractibility, physical restlessness, impulsivity, procrastination, difficulty starting and completing tasks, losing things, poor time management and organization, and excessive forgetfulness.

Attention Deficit Disorder in adults, if undiagnosed and untreated, can cause havoc in personal relationships and in job environments. Adults with this disorder tend to have chaotic romantic and parenting relationships because of their unpredictability and inconsistency. At work, bosses and co-workers become so frustrated with affected adults that they’re often unable to keep a job for long. Others see them as inattentive daydreamers, unintelligent, undependable, and overly-talkative. They always seem to be in “overdrive.” Thus, Attention Deficit Disorder in adults is quite impairing unless it’s correctly diagnosed and treated.

How is Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults Treated?

This condition is treated in two ways: (1) medication and (2) social skills training. Most medications prescribed for this disorder in adults are of the stimulant class of drugs that modify the neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain. However, amphetamine-like drugs like Ritalin, Cylert, and Dexedrine are FDA approved only for treating childhood Attention Deficit Disorder. When a physician prescribes one of these amphetamine-like drugs for an adult, he/she does so “off label,” meaning that the drug’s effect on adults in unknown.

Since these stimulants that help focus and concentration are classified as controlled substances, there is the possibility that an adult will abuse them and become physically addicted to them. However, there is no conclusive evidence that adults with Attention Deficit Disorder who take psychostimulants are more prone to subsequent substance abuse problems.

Strattera, a non-stimulant drug, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of children, adolescents and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. It has no abuse or addiction potential and isn’t a controlled substance. Strattera’s efficacy is extremely promising, and it has become a first-line treatment in this disorder.

The second component in treating adults with Attention Deficit Disorder is psychotherapy that teaches the patient social skills that he/she was unable to develop as a child or adolescent because of the disorder. Simply put, adults with Attention Deficit Disorder don’t realize that they’re annoying others with their hyperactive and irresponsible behavior.

They talk just fine; too much, in fact and are constantly interrupting others. A routine therapist’s response is “Excuse me for talking while you were interrupting!” These adults must learn to listen, to wait their turn to speak or act, to control their impatient body language, to finish tasks and follow instructions, and to be polite and appropriate when interacting with others.

Thus, when adults with Attention Deficit Disorder are correctly diagnosed and treated, they can enjoy a better quality of life.