adultsattention deficit / hyperactivity disorder
General Information about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Symptoms of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during adulthood are sometimes less evident than in childhood because they often coincide with other problems such as occupational and relationship difficulties, substance abuse, low self-esteem, poor time management, risk-taking behaviors, anxiety, and depression. As a result, despite increased public awareness of ADHD, many adults are not evaluated or treated for it. ADHD includes symptoms of inattention as well as symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, and you may show signs mostly of inattentiveness, mostly of hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination of both. In addition to the associated problems listed above, ADHD is characterized by:
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· | trouble paying attention and focusing on one task or activity |
| · | difficulty following through on instructions | |
| · | avoidance or dislike of tasks that require sustained attention | |
| · | distractibility | |
| · | restlessness | |
| · | organizational difficulties | |
| · | frequent loss of things such as keys, glasses, and materials required for school or work | |
| · | overall forgetfulness | |
| · | fidgeting or squirming | |
| · | interruption of others or blurting out of answers | |
| · | excessive talking | |
| · | difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly | |
| · | impatience | |
| · | troubled peer relations |
Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD focuses on helping you to improve your organizational, time management, and social and problem-solving skills, all of which can lead to improved self-esteem and occupational, academic, and interpersonal efficacy. For some adults, receiving the diagnosis and learning about ADHD can be invaluable as they begin to understand that there may be a reason for many of their current and past difficulties. Please visit the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder website for additional information on ADHD and its treatment.