Who is at greater risk for developing ADHD?
Male gender and a family history of the condition are both risk factors for developing ADHD. Further risk factors include low birth weight and low paternal education.
Which behaviors and problems are common in adults with ADHD?
Symptoms of ADHD in adults include problems with remembering information, following directions, organization, concentration, and adhering to time limits. These symptoms, when poorly controlled, can lead to issues like relationship difficulties, social problems, and educational or vocational problems.
10% of adults suffer from ADHD.
Among children with ADHD, about 60% will go on to have some symptoms of the condition in adulthood, and about 50% have symptoms severe enough to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood. Overall, ADHD is believed to affect 2 to 6% of all adults.
Fidgeting, nervousness, excessive movement often accompanied by difficulty concentrating describes...
Fidgeting, jumpiness, nervousness, or excessive movement are all symptoms of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity can be associated with other symptoms like problems with concentration, excessive talking, or staying focused on a task. Hyperactivity is a hallmark symptom of ADHD.
There are __________ types of ADHD.
Doctors classify ADHD into three types. The three types of ADHD are known as predominately inattentive type, predominately hyperactive/impulsive type, and the combined type (having symptoms of both types).
Adults with ADHD may have which of the following difficulties:
Behaviors and emotions such as low tolerance for frustration, boredom, and procrastination can be related directly to the diagnosis of ADHD or may result from adjustment difficulties often faced by those who suffer from ADHD. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can vary with the situation. Other symptoms that can occur in adults with ADHD are chronic lateness, forgetfulness, concentration disturbances, difficulty with anger management, impulsiveness, low self-esteem, mood swings, poor organization skills, and relationship problems.
Usually, how are adults diagnosed with ADHD?
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is usually established via a questionnaire or self-test. Examples of self-rating questionnaires that are used to establish the diagnosis of adult ADHD include Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale, or CAARS, as well as the Adult Self Report Scale. These are based on symptoms checklists for children and have been revised to screen for ADHD symptoms in adults.
ADHD in adults is treated with _____________________.
As with children and teens, stimulant drugs are the primary medical treatment for ADHD in adults. About two-thirds of adults with ADHD who take these medications show significant improvement in ADHD symptoms. Examples of stimulant medications that may be used to manage ADHD in adults include Adderall XR®, Concerta®, Focalin XR®, Quillivant XR®, and Vyvanse®.
What is "diversion" as it relates to ADHD treatment?
Diversion is a practice of transferring medication to another individual for whom it was not prescribed. Short-acting stimulant medications are the most common ADHD drugs at risk for diversion. Experimentation, help with studying, and improved alertness are among the reasons cited for the use of non-prescribed ADHD medications.
Those who are unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act are referred to as ______________.
Impulsivity is the apparent inability to curb one's immediate reactions or to think before acting. Those who are impulsive may behave inappropriately or act impatient as a consequence of this symptom. Impulsivity is a common feature of ADHD in adults and children.
___________ describes the tendency to intensely focus on one task or event that precludes focus on necessary tasks.
Hyperfocus is the practice of focusing intensely on one thing or event to the extent that focus on required or necessary tasks is lost. Hyperfocus can be a symptom of ADHD in adults and children.
It is possible that an adult with ADHD will show no symptoms.
Since adults are more mature than children and teens, they may be able to better control their symptoms of ADHD. As a result, they may display few to no recognizable symptoms of the condition.
Images provided by:
MedicineNet. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
WebMD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: ADHD in Adults.
MedTerms. Definition of Impulsivity.
MedicineNet. ADHD in Adults Slideshow.
Adderall XR® is a registered trademark of Shire Pharmaceuticals.
Concerta® is a registered trademark of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Focalin XR® is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Quillivant XR® is a registered trademark Pfizer Inc.
Vyvanse® is a registered trademark Shire LLC.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the eMedicineHealth Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.