ADD and ADHD - How It Affects Adults

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a mental disorder that is most commonly diagnosed in children. Many believe that ADD and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are merely cries for attention, or the result of parents spoiling their children. This is not the case. ADD and ADHD are very real mental disorders that affect the way individuals think, focus, and act.

What many do not know is that ADD and ADHD affect not only children, but adults, as well. Adults suffering from ADD or ADHD may have had the disorder from childhood, or may have been undiagnosed through their childhood and adolescent years. Many adults don't find out they have ADD or ADHD until their children are diagnosed with one of these disorders. It is believed that ADD and ADHD are hereditary.

Individuals suffering from ADHD find that they have trouble concentrating and performing simple tasks. They are hyperactive and very easily distracted. People with ADHD have a hard time paying attention, even when trying their best to concentrate. They often have difficulty following direction, remembering details, and sometimes lose control of their behavior. People with ADHD often have problems getting along with their family and peers. This odd behavior can have a negative affect on family life, work performance and other social environments.

ADHD is very difficult to diagnose in adults. There are several reasons an adult can exhibit the symptoms of ADHD, including anxiety disorders and underlying physical ailments. For this reason, a complete physical and psychological examination is performed before any diagnosis is made. Your doctor may ask you questions regarding your home and work life and your relationships with others. Your doctor might also ask questions about your past and family to rule out any post traumatic stress or determine whether or not you might have an inherited mental illness.

ADD is another common child illness that can also manifest itself in adults. ADD usually goes undiagnosed for some time before the individual suffering from this disorder is able to get the help they need. Some of the symptoms of adult ADD are lack of productivity, confusion, lack of concentration or "spacing off", and difficulty staying organized. People suffering from ADD often procrastinate in their work and home life. It may take them much longer than it normally would to complete as simple a task as cleaning a bedroom. People with ADD are distracted very easily, which can make getting any job done more difficult than it should be. For individuals with ADD, boredom is almost intolerable. They will constantly search for something to occupy their time and draw their attention, even for a little while. Individuals with ADD often know they have a problem and want to get help for it. Sometimes, the answer is as simple as making a few lifestyle changes.