Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Skyrockets

Today more and more adults are looking at their newly

diagnosed ADHD children and seeing a bit of themselves in the

symptoms. More and more adults are looking at the ADHD

advertising aimed toward adults and putting the pieces of a

distracted childhood into perspective. And today, more and

more adults are flocking to the doctors office looking for

help in managing their ADHD symptoms.

In fact, according to recently released data from Medco Health

Solutions, one of the countries largest prescription benefit

manager, adult use of ADHD medications has doubled since the

year 2000.

According to IMS Health, a pharmaceutical information and

consulting firm, sales of ADHD drugs soared from $759 million

in 2000 to $3.1 billion in 2004. As drug makers continue to

make receive approval specifically to market to adults, the

market for ADHD drugs could easily double.

Doctors currently treat about 1 percent of adults, which

translates to nearly 1.5 million Americans aged 20 and older

who take ADHD medicine. These figures, as well as other

studies, dispel the earlier beliefs that children with ADHD

would outgrow their ADD by adolescence. It is estimated that

about 50 percent of adults still have problems with ADHD that

affect their present functioning. And now, many are staying on

their medication beyond adolescence.

Attention Deficit Disorder, which is more commonly diagnosed

in children, has become a growing problem in the workplace.

Chances are, if you work in an office setting, you've spotted

a few of them. They may have symptoms that include fidgeting,

difficulty staying “on task” and missed deadlines. The ADHD

adult might seem uncomfortable at meetings that require

sitting still for extended periods of time. Their desks are

often in disarray and interrupting colleagues is a common

annoyance.

Below is an adult symptom test with a symptom list unique to

the Attention Deficit Disorder adult. Test yourself with this

self symptom test, along with the Attention Deficit Disorder

symptom test for children. This self symptom test is not a

diagnostic test but a source of information for the adult

trying to determine if Attention Deficit Disorder might be

present in their adult life.

_ An internal sense of anxiety. _ Impulsive spending habits. _ Frequently misplace the car keys, your purse or wallet or

other day-to-day items. _ Lack of attention to detail. _ Frequent distractions during sex. _ Family history of ADD, learning problems, mood disorders or

substance abuse problems. _ An attitude of "read the directions when all else fails." _ Frequent traffic violations. _ Impulsive job changes. _ Trouble following the proper channels or chain of commands. _ Trouble maintaining an organized work and/or home

environment. _ Frequently overwhelmed by tasks of daily living. _ Poor financial management and frequent late bills. _ Procrastination. _ Chronically late or always in a hurry. _ Spending excessive time at work due to inefficiencies. _ Inconsistent work performance. _ Frequent mood swings. _ Trouble sustaining friendships or intimate relationships. _ Sense of underachievement. _ "Thin-skinned" - having quick or exaggerated responses to

real or imagined slights. _ A need to seek high stimulation activities. _ Transposing numbers, letters, words. _ Tendency toward being argumentative. _ Addictive personality toward food, alcohol, drugs, work

and/or gambling. _ Tendency toward exaggerated outbursts. _ Tendency to worry needlessly and endlessly.

According to a 2005 Harvard Medical School study, Attention

Deficit can have a very significant economic impact on

employees. According to this study, household income for high

school graduates with ADHD is almost $11,000 less than a

person without ADHD. And college graduates who suffer from

ADHD have an income nearly $4,000 less than their counter

parts.

Adequate treatment can greatly improve many facets of the ADHD

adult's life, including relationships, parenting skills, job

performance and even sex lives. That said, ADHD treatment does

not always include the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Using

natural approaches to treat ADHD are highly suggested for

adults who have tried the ADHD drugs to little satisfaction,

adults with a history of drug or alcohol abuse and adults who

simply want a more healthful and less damaging way of managing

their health.

The Attention Deficit Disorder adult can find help naturally

without the side effects of ADHD medication by incorporate

diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications.

Regular and vigorous exercise can be very helpful for the

Attention Deficit Disorder adult. To keep the brain

functioning at top performance, an ADHD diet packed with brain

boosting essential fatty acids and amino acids is a must. The

ADD adult can also meet these crucial dietary requirements for

Attention Deficit Disorder by taking a high-quality

nutritional supplement to ensure that they are giving the

brain the fuel it needs to function properly.

An adult with Attention Deficit Disorder might find it

beneficial to enlist the help of a coach. A coach is a close

and trusted friend, co-worker or therapist whose specific

function is to help the Attention Deficit Disorder adult stay

organized, on track and focused while providing encouragement.

If you or someone you love experiences problems with

impulsivity, disorganization, procrastination and

hyperactivity and other symptoms from the following list that

significantly impact daily life, seek out a safe treatment

plan to alleviate the problems. You won’t be sorry.

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