ADHD in adults: A real and treatable medical disorder

Nearly everyone knows friends, co-workers or family members who are disorganized, always late for appointments and constantly starting tasks and not finishing them. Some people may even recognize these behaviors in themselves and may sometimes feel that people think they're lazy, unfocused or irresponsible, when they know that's not the case.

Such people may have a real medical disorder called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a psychiatric behavioral disorder that is estimated to affect 4.4 percent of U.S. adults ages 18 to 44, or nearly 10 million adults in the United States.

The symptoms of ADHD— inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity—make it difficult to pay attention, be organized, complete tasks and maintain relationships.

While many people think of ADHD as a childhood disorder, up to 65 percent of children with the disorder may still exhibit symptoms into adulthood.

However, many adults may not know that the symptoms of ADHD tend to present differently in adults than in children. In adults, inattention may present as difficulty completing and changing tasks, hyperactivity as inner restlessness and impulsivity as finishing others' sentences during conversations.

"The symptoms of ADHD may impact millions of adults at work, at home and in relationships," said Dr. Lenard A. Adler, director of the Adult ADHD Program at New York University Langone Medical Center, associate professor of psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, and author of "Scattered Minds: Hope and Help for Adults with ADHD."

"Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatment plans available that may help successfully address ADHD symptoms. It's important to speak with a doctor if you think you may have the disorder."

To help raise awareness of ADHD in adults as a real and treatable medical disorder, a coalition of organizations have joined together to develop the national multimedia public service announcement campaign "Adult ADHD Is Real." The campaign aims to encourage those who think they may have the disorder to take the World Health Organization adult ADHD selfscreener at the campaign website AdultADHDisReal.com, and to speak with their doctor about an evaluation and possible diagnosis.

The website also offers:

•Information about the symptoms of ADHD in adults and how they manifest differently in adults than in children.

•Resources to help people choose an ADHD professional.

•Links to coalition patient support groups for additional information and assistance in managing ADHD in adults.

Fortunately, it's never too late for adults to seek an ADHD diagnosis. The right treatment plan can help control their symptoms so they can stay focused and organized, get things done at home and work, and help improve relationships.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.