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Adults and ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is mainly known as a
childhood health problem. But ADHD also occurs in adult. In fact, scientists
estimate that ADHD affects 30 percent to 50 percent of adult who had it as
children.

Signs and symptoms of adult ADHD can include:

Hyperactivity

Poor concentration

A hot temper

Impulsiveness

Disorganization

Mood swings

Emotional outbursts

An inability to complete tasks or tolerate stress

These are also signs and symptoms of other health problems, such as major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, thyroid problems and substance abuse. This overlap makes adult ADHD hard for doctors to diagnose.

Stimulants and antidepressants are the most common treatments for adult
ADHD. For many, these drugs help control impulsiveness and improved
concentration. Many adults with ADHD also benefit from psychological
counseling and skills training, such s learning to make lists or break large
tasks into more manageable chunks.

If you're concerned you may have ADHD, see your doctor for an evaluation.
This may include a lengthy interview about your behavior, both now and when you were a child, and tests to assess your attention, concentration,
distractibility and short-term memory.