Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, sometimes shortened to AADD, is the term typically used to describe ADD symptoms when they are present in adults. Originally labeled as a childhood disorder, it wasn't until the 1970s that mental health professionals and researchers realized that many children with ADD or ADHD did not outgrow the condition. They also began to notice that many parents of ADD children were exhibiting some ADD symptoms themselves.
Inattentive-Type Adult ADD
The symptoms of inattentive-type Adult Attention Deficit Disorder are similar to those seen in children with ADD. Adult sufferers have a hard time starting, pursuing and finishing any tasks they find unpleasant or uninteresting. Many ADD adults come across as either impulsive or indecisive when making choices. Planning and prioritizing activities can be a real challenge for those with Adult ADD. Sufferers typically have a poor sense of time, and tend to run late for work, social events and scheduled appointments.
Hyperactive-Type Adult ADD
Although most patients with Adult Attention Deficit Disorder tend to have inattentive-type ADD, there are adults who are predominantly hyperactive. Symptoms of hyperactivity in adults include choosing physically active or mentally stimulating careers, working long hours or holding down two jobs. A majority of those with AADD actively avoid sedentary work or any activities that require a lot of sitting or standing still. Hyperactive adults might come across as impatient, irritable, moody, easily bored and quick tempered. Males are far more likely to exhibit symptoms of hyperactive-type Adult ADD than females.
Diagnosis
Many individuals diagnosed with Adult Attention Deficit Disorder aren't even aware that they have a medical condition until their children are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Mental health professionals and physicians typically follow the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) put out by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), which currently lists the same diagnostic material for ADD in both children and adults. Most clinicians will interview the patient and her family members to determine whether the patient exhibited ADD symptoms as a child. ADD symptoms must have consistently interfered in life areas such as school, work and relationships.
Treatment
A successful Adult Attention Deficit Disorder treatment plan typically includes prescribed medication, counseling, behavioral therapy, social skills training and life coaching. The medicine prescribed to ADD sufferers is the same that is given to children, which is typically a stimulant medication containing methylphenidate or amphetamines. Social skills training can provide some of the essential communication skills many ADD adults never acquired because of their condition. Counseling might help adults cope with the anxiety and stress that results from having ADD. Life coaches can aid ADD adults in organizing their lives and setting realistic goals.
Effects of AADD
A majority of people with Adult Attention Deficit Disorder have a hard time planning and organizing their lives. They tend to be fired from jobs, have unsuccessful relationships, receive many traffic tickets and get into accidents. It is no wonder that Adult ADD patients typically have low-self esteem. As these individuals become overwhelmed, a high number of them turn to alcohol, illicit drugs or cigarette smoking to help them cope with the stress. A number of individuals with AADD also suffer from mental and emotional conditions, such as depression, anxiety, alcoholism or drug abuse.
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