Symptoms and Care for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

The symptoms of attention deficit disorder may appear obvious. Those afflicted with it seem to be in perpetual motion. They can't sit still, hate waiting and are constantly interrupting. Derailed by the slightest distraction, they rarely stick with a task long enough to finish it. Daily life can seem exasperating and exhausting.

But are these the symptoms of a youngster suffering from ADHD? No, they're the evidences of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. And though Adult ADHD is extremely prevalent amongst adults, particularly those who suffered from the disorder as a child, it's often either difficult to spot or attributed to stress or immaturity. To find out more about this disorder, including how it's treated and it's symptoms, read on.

How Common is Adult ADHD?

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects approximately 5 million American adults. These impacted individuals have trouble controlling their impulses or their ability to concentrate and focus.

Symptoms of attention deficit disorder are often harder to spot and diagnose among adults than among children.

The Symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

-Constant fidgeting, moving, shifting or restlessness

-An inability to sustain any form of focused activity (like reading) for a long period of time

-Extreme distractibility, forgetfulness, absent-mindedness

-Difficulty focusing on conversations or speeches, particularly at work

-Difficulty waiting, extreme irritation when stuck in traffic

-Pronounced mood swings that run from depression and unhappiness to high energy excitement and happiness

-Failure to stay on a single task, and instead jumping from task to task

-Difficulty solving problems or managing time

-Aggressive or irritable personality reflected in a hot and easily flared temper

-Impulsiveness in decision making and in starting or ending relationships

-Easily frustrated and unable to handle stress and everyday hurdles

-Clumsiness, poor body image, little sense of direction

-Lack of Maturity

Rather than scooting around a room or throwing a temper tantrum the way a child with ADHD may act, hyperactive adults will fidget excessively, tapping their fingers or jiggling their feet. And though some may appear calm, they can't seem to concentrate long enough to read a paragraph or follow a list of directions.

Getting Help With the Adult Onset

There are support groups and medical professionals out there who can help you get treatment for your disorder. You can try contacting physicians in your area that work with children suffering from ADHD or you call the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. They can often refer individuals to qualified and experienced professionals in their area.

Remember, many people mistake the symptoms of attention deficit disorder for either daily stress or possible mental illness. Avoid misdiagnoses by talking to your doctor about your concerns. Adult ADHD can be treated, often with the same drugs and treatment methods used to treat childhood ADHD.