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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) In Adults

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) In Adults

Affects of ADD on brain

Affects of ADD on brain

According to an article published in emedicinehealth, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a well known childhood disorder, has also started to be diagnosed in the adult population, in increasing numbers.

This is partly because ADHD now, is not only considered a problem with poor attention but also a problem with moderating emotions and effective self regulation. People who suffer from ADHD not only have poor attentiveness, but they have very little control over their emotions. For example they might respond to small events with excessive behavior but might not notice big events. When children who are diagnosed with ADHD grow up, most of their classical ADHD symptoms usually diminish, but this doesn’t happen in all cases. The children who grow up with ADHD face psychiatric problems like borderline and impulse personality problems, substance abuse, and a significant risk for depression and anxiety disorders.

The Pathophysiology of ADHD

ADHD develops from both genetic inheritance and life experiences. Biologically ADHD is a neurochemical and a neuroanatomical disorder. People with this disorder may not have certain chemicals in their brains in the right quantity, or balance.  These chemicals may work sometimes but not always. Also some nerve groups may be a bit out of position in brain, causing delays or accelerations of nerve signals.

Symptoms of ADHD

Adults with ADHD have a longer delay in refocusing, when their attention is misdirected, and they have difficulty in switching tasks. On neuro-psychological tests, these individuals often have trouble with sustained effort, planning, organization, visual tracking, and listening attentively. These individuals not only have attention problem, but also have hyperactivity and lack of fit between expectations and performance.

Exams And Tests for ADHD

Several reports and questionnaires are available for assessment of adult ADHD. But the diagnostic power of these tests is still being determined, so adult ADHD is mainly diagnosed from qualitative data instead of quantitative tests.


There is no cure for ADD/ADHD, but many treatment methods can decrease or alleviate the symptoms. Single treatments do not work for most patients, so health care providers have to check for patient’s needs, and family, medical and personal history. Medication, behavioral interventions, counseling, education and support services are often helpful. Multimodal approach to treatment works best.

Listed below are some clinical trials for ADHD. See if you qualify in them

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  2. Diagnosis of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and DSM Criteria
  3. Famous Media Celebrities with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  4. Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
  5. Treating/Managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)