ADHD in Adults
ADHD, or attention deficit disorder, is a commonly undiagnosed mental disorder in adults. According to data provided by The American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of children in the America have ADHD; however, other studies indicate rates as high as 11%. According to other sources, the childhood ADHD continues into the adulthood for nearly 50% of the individuals. From the National Comorbidity Survey, about 4.4% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD who are between 18 years old and 44 years old. That means 1 out of 25 adults in the U.S. has ADHD.
Also, it has been remarked that almost all adults who have now ADHD, had ADHD when they were the kid, but not diagnosed. This is the main reason for adult ADHD. A report shows that, among all the adult ADHD patients, about 20% of adults only have been diagnosed plus treated. This is because of lack of information and awareness plus the presence of specific disorders like mood, anxiety and stress in the adults with ADHD. While ADHD symptoms are overlooked, adults are more prone to be diagnosed and treated for those disorders in place of ADHD.
What Causes Adult ADHD
Environmental Agent
The presence of high levels of lead can help to cause ADHD. Usually, lead is now no longer permitted in paint plus it can only be seen in the older buildings. So, the kids who use to live in the older buildings, where the lead may exist in the paint or the pipe have the chance to get ADHD.
Brain Injury
According to one early research, ADHD can be caused by the brain injury. Those who have experienced accidents resulting in brain injury may display some signs and symptoms of behavior same like that of ADHD. However, only a few people experienced ADHD due to traumatic brain injury.
Use of Cigarettes and Alcohol
Studies have revealed that a possible relationship between cigarette smoking and consuming alcohol during pregnancy can result in a child having ADHD.
Genetics
ADHD also can be caused by the genetic influences. Researchers indicate that 25% of the children have got ADHD from the close relatives. The total rate is around 5% in the overall population. Lots of studies now reveal that a powerful genetic influence usually exists in the ADHD.
Sign and Symptoms
- Trouble in giving attention or concentrating properly
- You face trouble making organized.
- Restlessness
- You suffer from your relationships. You have usually been blamed of not hearing and honoring promises by your surrounding people that you care about.
- Impulsivity
- Express angry outbursts
- Trouble in completing your tasks
- Thoughtless
- Disorganization
- Confused
- Constant mood swings
- High temper/ Hot temper
- Difficulty dealing with stress
- Stay always worried
- Low frustration tolerance
Diagnosis
Diagnosis depends on the sign and symptoms of the patient. Adult ADHD diagnosing can become more challenging compared to children. The professional will do The Jasper-Goldberg Adult ADD Screening Examination before giving any medications.
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD, then the regular treatment is medication plus behavioral therapy. Usually, stimulants are applied to treat the ADHD. They increase the release of your neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine as well as slow down the rate of their reabsorption. The five stimulants that are used for managing the adult ADHD are Concerta, Quillivant XR, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, and Focalin XR. Ritalin is usually used for treating the children with ADHD, but it is also effective to manage the adult ADHD symptoms. The one and only non-stimulant medication which is used to treat the adult ADHD is known as Strattera.
