Diagnosing Adhd In Adults: Recognizing Adult Adhd Symptoms And
Evaluating Options For Treatment

By Tess Thompson
Although it is commonly believed to be a condition that
primarily affects children, it is estimated that 12 to 15
million American adults also suffer from Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder But because child ADHD treatment and
symptoms can differ slightly from adult ADHD and treatment, and
because research into adult ADHD is still in its early stages,
many adults do not know how to evaluate whether they are
suffering from the disorder
There is no single test that will identify ADHD, and there are
no specific genetic or biological indicators that will lead to a
diagnosis Instead, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will
conduct a comprehensive evaluation which will include extensive
examination of past behavior, and should also include a physical
exam to rule out any other possible source of the symptoms
ADHD symptoms differ from person to person, but according to the
American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, which is often used in ADHD research
studies, they can include:
-Difficulty organizing tasks and activities -Often losing things
necessary for tasks or activities -Often easily distracted by
outside stimuli -Not listening when spoken to directly
-Difficulty awaiting turn -Difficulty playing or engaging in
leisure activities quietly
All of the symptoms listed by the APA (and these are just a few)
are meant to describe those found in children, but they can be
used as a general guideline for adults as well However, adult
symptoms can manifest themselves in more subtle ways, and the
hyperactivity seen in children is often less evident in adults
Instead, adults may be restless, on edge, and have trouble
relaxing
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is made more complex by the variety of
conditions which can share similar symptoms These conditions
include drug or alcohol dependency, depression and thyroid
dysfunction
Although recognizing adult ADHD symptoms can be difficult, once
diagnosed, adults have many options for treatment Stimulant
drugs such as Ritalin, which are often prescribed for children,
have not been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults They
may still be effective, but can potentially produce unwanted
side effects Certain homeopathic remedies have also been found
to be extremely effective in some patients Homeopathic
ingredients such as Avina Sativa (Green Oats) and Gingo Biloba
are among those which can help alleviate symptoms
Many studies agree that medication should be just one facet of
treatment Behavioral and psychological treatment, or what is
called a “multimodal” approach, should be considered as well
Armed with good information and a certain amount of patience,
you should be able to obtain an accurate diagnosis and explore
effective treatments for your condition
Webmaster: You are authorized to reprint this article
providing the author bio/resource box is left completely in tact
- including all hyperlinks

Tags | activities, adhd, adults, attention, dependency, disorder, disorders, hyperactivity, psychiatric, result, statistical, symptoms, thompson