What is Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults is characterized by a combination of
persistent behavioral problems that interfere with daily functioning. These issues may include:
• Impulsiveness
• Difficulty focusing on a task
• Hyperactivity
• Poor time management skills
• Restlessness
• Poor planning
• Low frustration tolerance
• Trouble coping with stress
• Frequent mood swings
• Engaging in high risk behaviors
ADHD in adulthood is often associated with:
• Problems in the workplace
• Unemployment
• Financial difficulties
• Legal problems
• Unstable relationships
• Frequent car accidents and other injuries
• Learning disabilities
• Sleep issues
• Poor physical health
Mental health problems that accompany ADHD in adults may include:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Problems managing anger and other emotions
• Alcohol or other substance abuse
How is ADHD in Adults Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for ADHD in adults. As with ADHD in children, making a diagnosis will often include the following:
• The gathering of information, such as current medical issues, and personal and family medical history
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, and other people who know the person well
• ADHD rating scales or psychological tests that help collect and evaluate information
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation
• Behavioral criteria described in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
How is ADHD in Adults Treated?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the significant problems that often accompany ADHD in adults, are treated with a number
of therapeutic approaches, including the following:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing problematic or maladaptive patterns of behavior. This approach is based on the idea that most behavioral
problems are learned and can be unlearned and replaced by more adaptive patterns of behavior that enable people to get what they want out of life. Behavior Therapy has been found to be
helpful in adults with ADHD, as well as in the treatment of problems that often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and relationship issues.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that the way a person thinks and feels affects the way they behave. The goal of treatment is to help identify and change maladaptive
thought patterns in order to cope more effectively with difficult situations. In addition to the treatment of ADHD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used in the treatment of the mental health
issues that often accompany ADHD in adults.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why people behave the way they do. ABA consists of learning-based methods that are helpful in teaching adults how
to reduce or eliminate maladaptive patterns of behavior and learn important social and interpersonal skills. ABA may be of benefit in managing stress, anger, depression, anxiety, sleep
issues, and many other behavioral problems.
Life Skills Behavioral Therapy
Life skills are behaviors that enable people to cope effectively with the demands and challenges of life. Specific techniques of learning and training are used to teach people how to determine
and achieve personal goals. Life skills include social skills, decision-making, problem-solving, coping with difficult emotions and stress, self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills that
are necessary for success in the workplace.
Behavioral Self-Management Training
Behavioral Self-Management Training is especially useful in the treatment of ADHD in both children and adults. Specific methods of instruction and practice are used to develop more
effective organizational, time management, and coping skills.
Relaxation Training
Relaxation Training is a type of behavior therapy that helps people reach a state of calmness. It can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Examples of relaxation training include learning how
to relax muscles throughout the body, focusing the mind on positive images, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Marriage or Couples Counseling
ADHD in adults often leads to significant relationship problems. Marriage or couples counseling helps couples understand the nature of ADHD and the problems it causes. Couples learn to
communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and provide emotional support to the adult with ADHD.
Family Therapy
ADHD in adults can affect the entire family. In Family Therapy, problems related to ADHD are explained, and family members are taught specific ways of helping the adult with ADHD.
Medication
A number of medications are used in the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications are provided by a physician, or under the supervision of a physician.
What is Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults is characterized by a combination of
persistent behavioral problems that interfere with daily functioning. These issues may include:
• Impulsiveness
• Difficulty focusing on a task
• Hyperactivity
• Poor time management skills
• Restlessness
• Poor planning
• Low frustration tolerance
• Trouble coping with stress
• Frequent mood swings
• Engaging in high risk behaviors
ADHD in adulthood is often associated with:
• Problems in the workplace
• Unemployment
• Financial difficulties
• Legal problems
• Unstable relationships
• Frequent car accidents and other injuries
• Learning disabilities
• Sleep issues
• Poor physical health
Mental health problems that accompany ADHD in adults may include:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Problems managing anger and other emotions
• Alcohol or other substance abuse
How is ADHD in Adults Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for ADHD in adults. As with ADHD in children, making a diagnosis will often include the following:
• The gathering of information, such as current medical issues, and personal and family medical history
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, and other people who know the person well
• ADHD rating scales or psychological tests that help collect and evaluate information
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation
• Behavioral criteria described in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
How is ADHD in Adults Treated?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the significant problems that often accompany ADHD in adults, are treated with a number
of therapeutic approaches, including the following:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing problematic or maladaptive patterns of behavior. This approach is based on the idea that most behavioral
problems are learned and can be unlearned and replaced by more adaptive patterns of behavior that enable people to get what they want out of life. Behavior Therapy has been found to be
helpful in adults with ADHD, as well as in the treatment of problems that often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and relationship issues.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that the way a person thinks and feels affects the way they behave. The goal of treatment is to help identify and change maladaptive
thought patterns in order to cope more effectively with difficult situations. In addition to the treatment of ADHD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used in the treatment of the mental health
issues that often accompany ADHD in adults.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why people behave the way they do. ABA consists of learning-based methods that are helpful in teaching adults how
to reduce or eliminate maladaptive patterns of behavior and learn important social and interpersonal skills. ABA may be of benefit in managing stress, anger, depression, anxiety, sleep
issues, and many other behavioral problems.
Life Skills Behavioral Therapy
Life skills are behaviors that enable people to cope effectively with the demands and challenges of life. Specific techniques of learning and training are used to teach people how to determine
and achieve personal goals. Life skills include social skills, decision-making, problem-solving, coping with difficult emotions and stress, self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills that
are necessary for success in the workplace.
Behavioral Self-Management Training
Behavioral Self-Management Training is especially useful in the treatment of ADHD in both children and adults. Specific methods of instruction and practice are used to develop more
effective organizational, time management, and coping skills.
Relaxation Training
Relaxation Training is a type of behavior therapy that helps people reach a state of calmness. It can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Examples of relaxation training include learning how
to relax muscles throughout the body, focusing the mind on positive images, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Marriage or Couples Counseling
ADHD in adults often leads to significant relationship problems. Marriage or couples counseling helps couples understand the nature of ADHD and the problems it causes. Couples learn to
communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and provide emotional support to the adult with ADHD.
Family Therapy
ADHD in adults can affect the entire family. In Family Therapy, problems related to ADHD are explained, and family members are taught specific ways of helping the adult with ADHD.
Medication
A number of medications are used in the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications are provided by a physician, or under the supervision of a physician.