Add in adult

Reprinted with permission from ADDitude Magazine. Studies show that adult attention deficit disorder ADD ADHD is treated successfully with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. But not all adults diagnosed with attention deficit embrace ADHD treatment. Many see their ADD-related traits of creativity, ability to multi-task, and entrepreneurial energy as germane to who they are and their successes in life. As it was for the thousands of Americans who lived this scenario last year, an ADD diagnosis in adulthood rarely comes as a complete surprise, and often carries with it a mixed bag of emotions. At the same time, most adults with ADD know that they have more difficulties than others with organization, focus, and productivity.

Do I have ADD? Roughly two-thirds of people who experienced ADHD symptoms as a child will continue to experience ADHD symptoms as an adult , though its manifestations tend to shift and change with age. But many people with attention deficit — particularly its inattentive symptoms — are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as children. They may suffer serious psychological consequences after a lifetime of blaming themselves for ADHD symptoms.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD affects about 5 percent of children, and about half of them will carry those symptoms into adulthood, says the American Psychiatric Association. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that numbers are even higher in smaller community samples. On top of that, many adults with ADHD have never been diagnosed. Untreated ADHD can cause numerous mental and physical problems that can put a strain on relationships and cause difficulties in many aspects of everyday life. Keep reading to learn about the symptoms.

The disorder interferes with the quality of life by intruding on day-to-day functioning. These are:. Adults who have significant problems with inattention, but exhibit few or no symptoms of hyperactivity, are said to have the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD.