AADDS - Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Support

ADD/ADHD

Introduction to ADD / ADHD

(ADD) Attention Deficit Disorder or (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological condition that initially shows itself in childhood and may continue into adult life, although the symptoms are often modified. Hyperactivity may be a continuing feature, though not necessarily. Some people with severe ADD symptoms, e.g. Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill and Einstein, have achieved great success. However, if undiagnosed and unmanaged ADD/ADHD symptoms provide added stress and fewer resources to all areas of a person’s life: physical, emotional, educational and work.

The Symptoms

For a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD the symptoms have to be persistent and severe. Not all the symptoms may be present in all adults with the diagnosis. The range of symptoms include:

Hyperactivity.
Poor attention.
Easily distracted from tasks.
Quick tempered.
Impulsive.
Rapid changes in mood.
Inability to tolerate stress.

These symptoms result from a biological cause, and ADD/ADHD often runs in families. These symptoms may affect up to 2-3% of the adult population, to a severity and persistence to warrant diagnosis and management.

The accumulated effect of these symptoms that start early in life result in:

Low self esteem and depression.
Fewer relationships.
Less assertiveness.
Feeling "out of step" with others.
A sense of never reaching one’s potential at work or school.
Difficult relationships with co-workers and employers "often many jobs".
Financial disorganisation.
Increase in family tension.
Increased risk of drug abuse.
Increased risk of alcohol abuse.

ADD Symptoms result in:

1. Problems with Concentration

Often cause an inability to read well due to distractions.
Often result in the information "not sinking in", a need to read and re-read frequently.
Often can only do "one thing at a time".

2. Problems with Emotional Control

Often immediate, erratic and intense emotional reaction and easily frustrated.
Poor motivation.

3. Problems of Impulsiveness

Will often break "the rules"
Tend to "act before thinking".
Often "accident prone".

4. Problems of Activity

Either always "on the go" physically or mentally, ie: (ADHD).
Being in a "dream world", vague or missing the point, this is often associated with underactivity.

5. Problems with Organisation

Often forgetful in daily activities.
Often loses things.
Often starts activities, frequently does not complete them.
Inability to see consequences of "one's actions".

Diagnosis

This will need to be made by a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or a Paediatrician for children. ADD/ADHD is increasingly being diagnosed in adults. More doctors and other health workers recognise that treatment is likely to improve the future and outcome of sufferers. Professor Russell Barkley, who is a leading authority on ADD/ADHD, has carried out research on many adults, which has enabled the criteria for diagnosing ADD/ADHD. These guidelines are now available for use by Psychiatrists and Paediatricians.

Management of ADD

The symptoms of ADD/ADHD can be managed using:

Medication.
Diet.
Behavioural management.
Education (of self and the system).
Psychological management.
Marital and family management.