Adult ADHD: Disordered Attention
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder involving distractibility, poor self-control, and impulsivity that is most often diagnosed in school-aged children. Although symptoms of the disorder tend to improve as children age, 5% of adults meet criteria for the disorder.
Adult ADHD can have a wide array of negative effects when untreated.
Individuals often struggle to function in multiple areas such as school, work, money management, friendships, dating and marriage, and parenting. Impulsive decision making and poor planning may lead to driving violations, risky sexual activity, substance abuse, problems in maintaining steady employment, and a pattern of unstable relationships.
The social, emotional, and financial consequences that flow from these areas of dysfunction may be substantial.
Adult ADHD can have a wide array of negative effects when untreated. Individuals often struggle to function in multiple areas such as school, work, money management, friendships, dating and marriage, and parenting. Impulsive decision making and poor planning may lead to driving violations, risky sexual activity, substance abuse, problems in maintaining steady employment, and a pattern of unstable relationships. The social, emotional, and financial consequences that flow from these areas of dysfunction may be substantial.
The good news is that adult ADHD is a highly treatable disorder. In fact, it is more treatable than most other psychiatric disorders. This is important information for a person struggling with the symptoms and consequences of ADHD. Treatment often requires a combination of medication and CBT.
Unfortunately, many health care providers lack awareness about this condition, so adults with ADHD often do not get referred and diagnosed or have access to appropriate care.
Medications
According to Russell Barkley, a leading expert in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, medications are the most effective treatments currently available for managing ADHD in adults.
It is the core component of treatment and will enable 50-65% of individuals to return to normal functioning.
Medications include both stimulants and nonstimulants.
Individuals who are cautious or opposed to medications should consider the disadvantages of trying to function without the needed brain chemicals. It would be like operating a car without oil or asking a diabetic to function without insulin.
CBT
Although medications will often provide relief from the most problematic symptoms of ADHD, medications do not solve the problem of skills deficits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches valuable skills for improving executive functioning skills such as self-organization, planning, time management, self-restraint, emotional self-control, and problem-solving.
In CBT, an individual works with a therapist to identify maladaptive thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors and to replace these with more realistic or rational thoughts and productive behaviors.
Skills are taught and applied in a practical manner. When CBT is added to medications, most individuals experience greater improvements that are maintained over time.
Want more information?
Seek an ADHD evaluation from a mental health provider. Discuss treatment options.
Talk with your doctor about your diagnosis and symptoms.
If you take medication for ADHD but continue to experience symptoms and impairments in your functioning, consider a course of CBT. If you would like to learn more about CBT and your options, please contact me.
* The information and resources contained on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical and/or mental health disease or condition. The use of this website does not imply nor establish any type of therapist-client relationship. Furthermore, the information obtained from this site should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical and/or mental health evaluation by an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional. *
