ADHD: a common problem
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, often referred to as ADHD, is a developmental condition that affects a person's ability to focus their minds on what they are doing. People with ADHD who don't receive treatment may experience difficulties in many aspects of their lives. From childhood through adulthood, ADHD can negatively impact a person's ability to perform in the classroom, maintain a job, trust their friends or have health relationships with loved ones. Fortunately, treatments are available to help people with ADHD live nearly normal lives.
Many people don't think of ADHD as a disorder that affect adults. The condition usually develops during childhood, often before the age of 7. The condition may also develop during the teenage years in response to prolonged stress. The treatments prescribed to help people with ADHD are similar regardless of age. Often, doctors recommend a mix of medications, therapies and lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise.
Many people who develop ADD or ADHD during childhood continue to cope with the symptoms into adulthood, even if they are receiving treatment. There are also many adults who aren't aware they have ADD or ADHD. An estimated 8 million American adults suffer from ADHD, according to data found in the publication U.S. Pharmacist.
Is ADHD on the rise?
The number of people who have been diagnosed with ADHD has increased significantly during the past decade, but does this mean that more people are actually developing ADHD? Not necessarily, according to many medical researchers. While it may be true that instances of ADHD have increased, doctors are also far more knowledgeable about ADHD than they were 10 years ago. The increase in cases may be the result of increased awareness, leading to more diagnoses of the condition. There may have been just as many people with ADHD 20 years ago, but many of those people may not have received the help they needed.
ADHD diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADD and ADHD by the same criteria used to diagnose children. Symptoms of the disorders may manifest differently in adults, but the root problems – lack of focus, inattention and hyperactivity – remain the same.
If you think you have adult ADD or ADHD, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. Many adults go their entire lives without being properly diagnosed, and because of that they struggle needlessly their entire lives. The treatment for ADD and ADHD is often successful.
