ADHD and ADD

Are You Concerned You May Have Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Do You Have Adult ADD or ADHD? When most people think of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they associate it with children who have too much energy and are unable to focus in school or at home. However, the reality is that ADHD affects 4.4% of adults as well. The main symptoms of ADHD include inattention, distractibility, and impulsivity. In most cases, these symptoms are present in childhood but don’t become problematic until adulthood.

Think you might have Adult ADHD? Atlanta ADHD psychiatrist Dr. Hege at 770-458-0007 today for the expertise and relief you need!

Many Factors in Our Lives Can Stimulate the Possibilities of ADHD

As we advance into adulthood, most people’s lives become more complicated and stressful. An increasing number of burdens, such as marriage, family, a job, and finances, can hinder the brain. You can experience any of the following symptoms…

• Being Overwhelmed
• Depression
• Feelings of Anxiety
• Constant Stress

These symptoms can cause you to turn to alcohol, drugs or medication abuse.

Criteria for ADHD

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistics Manual, criteria for ADHD include one of the two following situations:

For inattention, at least 6 of the following inattention symptoms must have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with the person’s developmental level:

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school, work, or other activities
• Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• Often does not seem to listen to what is being said to him/her
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
• Often has difficulty organizing tasks or activities
• Often avoids or strongly dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (i.e. school assignments, pencils, books, tools, etc.)
• Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• Is often forgetful in daily activities
• At least 4 of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level.For hyperactivity, the person:
  • Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in their seat
  • Often leaves their seat in their classroom, work, or in other situations in which remaining seated as expected
  • Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in where it is in appropriate (in adolescents or adults)
  • May be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness
  • Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

  For impulsivity, the person:

  • Often blurts out answers to questions before the questions have been completed
  • Often has difficulty waiting in lines or awaiting their turn in games or group situations
  • Onset no later than age 7
  • Symptoms must be present in two or more situations (school, work, at home, etc.)
  • The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning
  • Does not occur exclusively during the course of PDD, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorders
  • Is not accounted for by Mood, Anxiety, Dissociative, or Personality Disorder.

Diagnosing and Treating Adult ADHD

Diagnosing this condition can be challenging because the symptoms of ADHD often overlap other disorders. In fact ADHD and bipolar disorder occur together 30% of the time. The adult version of ADHD typically has a higher focus on inattentiveness instead of hyperactivity so medication is the predominant treatment suggested. However, psychotherapy may be suggested to help resolve some of the psychological and social consequences of the disorder. Dr. Hege has extensive experience diagnosing ADHD and treating it with the best choice of medication. He is familiar with the side effects that can occur with these medications and enjoys seeing the deepening satisfaction in patient relationships and careers when the correct medicine, optimal dose, and best timing of dosing are discovered. There are many different types of ADHD medications, including long acting ones. One of the medications recommended for ADHD is Adderall. Adderall side effects can include nausea and headaches – read on for more information about Adderall and Adderall Generic.

More about the new ADHD medications

If you or someone you know is concerned about the possibility of adult ADHD, contact Dr. Hege immediately!