ADHD IN Adults

1. ADHD IN Adults What Is ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)? ADHD is characterized by a pattern of behavior, present in multiple settings that can result in performance issues in social, educational, or work settings.

2. Classified As? • ADHD is classified by the DMS-I-TR as a developmental disorder of age inappropriate inattention and hyperactivity that arises before 7 yrs. of age. • Disorder recognized by severe behavioral and cognitive symptoms that cause impairment in 2 or more settings.

3. What Does the DSM-V Say? • As in DSM-IV, symptoms will be divided into two categories of inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity • included behaviors are failure to pay close attention to details, difficulty organizing tasks and activities • excessive talking, fidgeting, or an inability to remain seated in appropriate situations.

4. How Does it Develop • Mostly diagnosed in the early stages of elementary school. • May occasionally develop in adolescence or adulthood. • Secondary to an acquired injury to the brain • Particularly injury to the frontal lobes

5. How Many Adults in the U.S. • 4.4% of adults have ADHD • 3.4% World-wide • In U.S. 1-10 Adults are being treated for disorder

6. Why’s so few treated? • It’s hard to diagnose in adults. • Diagnosis can’t be based solely of individuals believe they have ADHD • Evidence must show over their life time in patterns from their behavior. • Comorbidity meaning a existing prescience of multiple disorders can occur, but ADHD can only be a diagnosis if the other disorder does not account for the symptoms.

7. Problem with Diagnosing Adults • The DSM-IV criteria was developed for children • In Adulthood the hyperactivity and impulsive behavior tend to be internalized with age. • As adults they feel mental restlessness, but tend to adjust by starting projects, but never finishing. • Instead of behavioral impulsivity they tend to be verbally impulsive

8. How did they Identify Symptoms? • Study was done • 3 groups • Group 1-Subjects used were patients who were diagnosed with ADHD and referred to a clinic. • Group 2-Control Group thought they had ADHD-85% of which were diagnosed with disorders other than ADHD • Group 3-Communtiy Control Group • Study identified 9 essential symptoms for Adults with ADHD.

9. Proposed Criteria ADHD In Adults • Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli • Often makes decisions impulsively • Often has difficulties stopping activities or behaviors • Often starts projects without finishing • Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks • Difficulty with organization or doing things in proper order • Poor at following through on promises and commitments • Need too have 6 out of 9 symptoms to be diagnosed as an adult

10. Managing Comorbidity w/ADHD • It’s tough to see comorbidities because things can be covered up by the opposite disorder. • ADHD symptoms might conceal anxiety & learning disabilities. • ADHD can be concealed by the robust symptoms of bi-polar, depressive disorders, or substance abuse. • It’s important that things are distinguished for treatment • Comorbidity in Adults with ADHD is COMMON!