Attention Deficit Disorder

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a combination of symptoms that start in children that are considered a developmental disorder. It is sometimes not diagnosed until adulthood. For a diagnosis of Adult ADHD symptoms must be present at age 12 or younger. Many clients are not diagnosed in childhood and suffer from symptoms for years. Common symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Emotional, behavioral, social and work functioning can all impaired due to these symptoms.

What are the different types of ADHD?

An expert in the mental health can diagnose and treat ADHD. American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) is used to diagnose ADHD.

The following are the different types of ADHD:

– Inattentive Type

– Hyperactive Type

– Combined type with both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms

In what ways might ADHD be treated?

ADHD treatment methods include:

  • ADHD medication.
  • Counseling 

What are the symptoms of Adult ADHD:

 
  • carelessness and lack of attention to detail
  • continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
  • poor organizational skills
  • inability to focus or prioritise
  • continually losing or misplacing things
  • forgetfulness
  • restlessness and edginess
  • difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn
  • blurting out responses and often interrupting others
  • mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
  • inability to deal with stress
  • extreme impatience
  • taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, driving dangerously