Slideshow: ADHD in Adults

ADHD: It's Not Just for Children

Most people think of children when they hear the term attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But 30%-70% of kids with ADHD continue having symptoms when they grow up. People with ADHD have an imbalance of neurotransmitter activity in areas of the brain that control attention. In adults, the inability to stay focused can derail careers, ambitions, and relationships. Many adults don't realize they have the disorder, leaving them mystified about why their goals always seem to slip out of reach.

Adult ADHD Symptoms

ADHD in adults follows a slightly different pattern than in children. Adults may be chronically late to work or important events. They may be disorganized, restless, and have difficulty relaxing. Some people with ADHD have trouble concentrating while reading. Mood swings, low self-esteem, and poor anger management are also common problems.

Adult ADHD on the Job

Holding down a job can be tough for people with ADHD. They often have trouble breaking down tasks and following directions, staying organized, and making deadlines. They're also prone to tardiness and careless mistakes. According to a national survey, only half of adults with ADHD were able to maintain a full-time position, compared to 72% of adults without the disorder. When they do work, they tend to earn less than their peers.

Adult ADHD and Marriage

Besides undermining job potential, ADHD can sabotage marriage and other relationships. The condition makes it difficult to remember social commitments, birthdays or anniversaries, finish household chores, and pay bills on time. Adults with ADHD may lose their tempers easily or engage in reckless behavior. This leads to a higher incidence of separation and divorce.

Adult ADHD: Who's at Risk?

ADHD does not develop spontaneously in adults. All people with ADHD had symptoms as a child. Many adult patients remember doing poorly in school, even if they were not diagnosed with ADHD at the time. During childhood, the condition is more common in boys than girls, but this ratio appears to even out by adulthood.

Diagnosing ADHD in Adults

Many adults don't learn that they have ADHD until they get help for another problem, such as anxiety or depression. Discussing poor habits, troubles at work, or marital conflicts often reveals that ADHD is at fault. To confirm the diagnosis, a doctor must verify that the disorder was present during childhood. Old report cards or conversations with relatives can document childhood behavior problems, such as poor focus and hyperactivity.

Medications for ADHD

The same medications that help children with ADHD can benefit adults as well. Stimulants sharpen concentration and increase the activity of the brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine, which are believed to be imbalanced in adults with ADHD. The FDA has approved several stimulants for the treatment of adult ADHD. Non-stimulant options also exist.

Counseling for ADHD

Most adults with ADHD improve when they start medication, but they may continue to struggle with poor habits and low self-esteem. Counseling for ADHD focuses on getting organized, setting helpful routines, repairing relationships, and improving social skills. Research is limited, but this type of therapy appears promising. One study suggests medication combined with counseling can ease ADHD symptoms and improve management of daily tasks.

Job Coaching for ADHD

People with ADHD may be able to boost their performance in the workplace through job coaching or mentoring. The mentor will help with organization skills, such as taking notes, keeping a daily planner and prioritizing a to-do list. Patients may do better in a quiet workspace with few distractions. ADHD is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means employers must make adjustments to support a worker's needs.

ADHD Diets

Some experts believe foods that provide quality brain fuel could reduce symptoms of ADHD. High-protein foods, including nuts, meat, beans, and eggs, may improve concentration. Replacing simple carbs with complex carbs, like whole-grain pasta or brown rice, can help ward off mood swings and stabilize energy levels.

Outlook for Adults With ADHD

Adults with ADHD don't outgrow the condition, but many learn to manage it successfully. Long-term treatment can reduce problems at home and at work, bringing patients closer to their families and their professional goals.