What is Adult ADD?

The general public still has a way to go in understanding adult ADD. ADD is not just a childhood disorder. It is estimated that between 30 and 70 percent of children with ADD continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood. Often times, the hyperactive behaviors common with children decrease with age, but symptoms of restlessness, distractibility, and inattention continue. Read more about understanding symptoms of adult ADD.

Many adults who were never diagnosed as a child, struggle to understand why they cannot organize themselves and keep on task with careers. They have difficulty keeping appointments and are often late because of time management issues. Projects may get started, but often so many are going at once that none ever get finished. It may be hard to fall asleep and get needed rest.

Adults with ADD may face negative attitudes about their supposed laziness, poor motivation, carelessness, and selfishness. Self-esteem plummets. Long term relationships may be hard to maintain. Feelings of shame, isolation, and depression may run rampant.

Do You Have Adult ADD?

If you think you may have adult ADD but are uncertain, there is a self-screening questionnaire that you can use to determine risk. The Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener can be used as a starting point to help you recognize the signs and symptoms of adult ADD. The ASRS is comprised of 6 questions that are ranked on a scale of 0 to 4. If you have at least 4 of these 6 symptoms significantly, you may be at risk for ADHD. Learn more about the Adult Self-Report Scale Screener

Testing for Adult ADD

If you find that you do indeed have many of the possible signs of adult ADD, what is the next step? The next step is to connect with your physician or specialist experienced in assessing and treating adult ADD for an evaluation. Learn more about the adult ADD assessment

Just Diagnosed, Now What?

If you are an adult who has finally been accurately diagnosed with ADD after a lifetime of struggles, frustration and self-doubt, the ADD diagnosis can be the first step in initiating the healing process. Often a great burden is lifted as things finally begin to make more sense. As you learn more about ADD, you can reframe issues with more clarity. You are not lazy and unmotivated. You are not slow or unintelligent. You are not weak, flawed, or damaged. Learn more about coping with your diagnosis

Treatment for ADHD

There is no "cure" for ADHD, however, many treatment approaches may alleviate or significantly decrease ADHD symptoms. As a result, improvements are evident in work performance, relationships with others improve, and self esteem increases. No single treatment works for every individual. Treatment options should be explored with a health care provider who will consider your needs, and family, medical, and personal history. Some people respond well to medications, some to behavioral interventions, many respond to a combination of the two. Counseling, education, and support services are often helpful. Typically, a multimodal approach to treatment works best. Read more about ADHD treatment.