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INFOBITS
According to epidemiological data, approximately 4% to 6% of the U.S. population has ADHD.1
Approximately 3 to 5% of children of the U.S. population have ADHD.2
Between 10-35% of children with ADHD have a first degree relative with ADHD.3
ADHD usually persists throughout a person's lifetime. It is NOT limited to children. Approximately one-half to two-thirds of children with ADHD will continue to have significant problems with ADHD symptoms and behaviors as adults, which impacts their lives on the job, within the family, and in social relationships.4
Several studies done in recent years estimate that between 30 percent and 70 percent of children with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms in the adult years.5
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What’s the difference between ADHD an ADD?
The difference primarily is on terminology. The “official” diagnosis in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) for the neurological condition characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD. In the DSM IV-TR, ADHD is categorized into three types: Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, Predominantly Inattentive Type, and Combined Type.
As for the term “ADD”, experts used it in the 1970’s as a generic term to describe all three types. Since then, it has gained popularity and people have used ADD and ADHD interchangeably. In either case, the term refers to the same condition.
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Predominantly Inattentive Type
Adults with ADHD have experienced hyperactive, impulsive and / or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment before they reached 7 years of age. However, because many adults are unaware that they have had ADHD since childhood and therefore have not been diagnosed, contacting a health care provider may be best if the following symptoms are experienced for at least 6 months in two or more settings, such as home and work.
Keep in mind that that although these symptoms are part of normal human characteristics, those with ADHD have them to an extreme degree and have great difficulty controlling them.
Predominantly Inattentive Type
A neurological disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention including:
- Distractible
- Difficulty focusing on a conversation; “constantly aware of thing going on around the person, even when the individual is trying to filter them out”
- Difficulty finishing tasks that they are not interested in, switching from one task to another. (However, they may become obsessed for activities that they find enjoyable.)
- Poor planning and organizational skills
- Poor attention to details
- Often late or hurried
- Forgetful, often misplacing or losing things
- Daydreams excessively
- With the inattentive type of ADHD, the symptoms impair the social, occupational, and personal functioning of the individual.
The number of symptoms experienced and the severity of each will vary with individuals and changes over time.
ADHD is often accompanied by depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Substance abuse may also develop for some as a way to cope with the disorder. These serious mental health illnesses must also be included in the treatment plan.
"By the time I got help, I was looking for my fourth job within the last 12 months. According to my previous bosses, I didn’t have the focus to get the work done. During meetings, I couldn’t understand what people were saying; there was just too much going on outside in the halls. I would make careless mistakes in my reports, forget about things I needed to do and would fail to meet deadlines. With my treatment, I am hoping that this time will be different."
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Getting treatment for mental health issues is a team effort. In most cases, evidence suggests that ADHD can be successfully treated with a combination of medication, psychoeducation and certain kinds of psychotherapy such as life coaching and cognitive therapy. By working with your doctor and / or therapist, you can take control to find the approach that is the most appropriate for your needs. There are many avenues for treatment so if one does not work, you can try other methods. So do not lose hope.
Get help today, for tomorrow enjoy better living and brighter horizons.
Taking Medications
Here are a few things to remember if you are taking medications for your ADHD.
• If you are just starting to take medication, remember that they usually take effect 4 to 8 weeks to become fully effective. So be patient and don’t be discouraged.
• Work with your doctor for the right dosage and medication for your ADHD. If one medication does not work, you can try others. Don’t give up and continue to work with your doctor.
• Ask your doctor what the side effects are of the medication you are taking.
• There are medications that need to be tapered off so do not stop taking your medication abruptly. Ask your doctor how and when you will stop taking your medication.
Medications need to be taken regularly for the ADHD symptoms to be managed.
Although medications will not cure ADHD, they will help you manage the symptoms so you can lead a normal and productive life. Studies have shown that both medications and psychotherapy can successfully treat ADHD.
Get help today, for tomorrow enjoy better living and brighter horizons.
The following are additional resources for ADHD:
The Attention Deficit Information Network, Inc.
58 Prince St.
Needham, MA 02492
781-455-9895
http://www.addinfonetwork.com
Offers support and information to families of children with ADD, adults with ADD, and professionals through a network of AD-IN chapters.
ADD Warehouse
3200 Northwest 70th Ave., Suite 102
Plantation, FL 33317
800-233-9273
http://addwarehouse.com
A central location for ordering books, tapes, assessment scales, and videos carefully selected to help parents, educators, and health professionals assist people affected by developmental disorders, including ADHD and related disorders.
Call or write for catalog.
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD)
8181 Professional Place, Suite 150
Landover, MD 20785
800-233-4050
http://www.chadd.org
A major advocate for those with ADHD. Website has frequently asked questions section and offers information on legal rights. |
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