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What is Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder?
This disorder has four defined subtypes:
- ADHD - Inattentive type -
an individual must experience at least 6 of the following
characteristics:
-
Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless
mistakes
-
Difficulty sustaining attention
-
Does not appear to listen
-
Struggles to follow through on instructions
-
Difficulty with organization
-
Avoids or dislikes requiring sustained mental effort
-
Often loses things necessary for tasks
-
Easily distracted
-
Forgetful in daily activities
- ADHD - Hyperactive/Impulsive type -
an individual must experience at least 6 of the following
characteristics:
-
Fidgets with hands/feet
-
Difficulty remaining seated
-
Feelings of restlessness
-
Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
-
Talks excessively
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Blurts out answers before questions are completed
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Difficulty waiting in turn taking situations
-
Interrupts or intrudes upon others
- ADHD - combined type
is defined by an individual meeting
both sets of inattentive and hyperactive criteria.
- ADHD - not otherwise specified
is defined by an individual who
demonstrates some characteristics but an insufficient number of
symptoms to reach a full diagnosis. These symptoms disrupt everyday
life.
Problems with Diagnosing ADHD in
Adults
- Many adults were not diagnosed with
ADHD as children. Therefore, they are not aware of their disorder
and its consequences.
- Diagnosing as an adult requires an
examination of childhood, academic, and behavioral history.
- ADHD is often undiagnosed or
misdiagnosed in adults. Which can lead to low self-esteem, increased
frustration, and educational/workplace failure. Can lead to
depression and alcoholism or substance abuse
Treatment
Education of this disorder needs to be first and foremost, then
other treatment methods can include:
- Structuring of the environment; use
of an appointment book, a personal
computer, or tape recorder. Making a list of tasks, setting
schedules, learning
time management skills, and setting up a self-reward system can also
be helpful.
- Psychostimulant medications have
shown to have positive effects 70-80%
of the time.
- Vocational counseling designed to
identify employment well-suited to the
individual's strengths and skills can help ensure success.
- Exercising regularly.
- Cultivating a healthy sense of
humor.
- Eliminating negative self talk.
- Avoiding or reducing alcohol and
drug use.
- Enlisting friend, relative, or
spouse to help remember commitments and to provide feedback
- Psychotherapy may help address
moodiness, personal relationships, and alleviate guilt and
frustration.
Source: National Mental Health
Association
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