Adult ADD treatment makes it possible to have a high quality of life while dealing with the disorder. Adult ADD is rarely discussed since ADD is often associated with children and young teens. This is a common misconception, but the truth is adults can suffer from ADD as well.
So, how does an adult get a condition that is commonly known to affect children? Well, if ADD goes untreated in childhood it continues into adulthood where it becomes more pronounced, in adult settings.
In childhood, ADD can be shrugged off as naughtiness or a 'spirited' personality. How can we spot it in adulthood?
ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder, and it is thus called because people who live with the condition tend to have short attention spans. Some tell-tale symptoms like hyperactivity become less severe with age or go away altogether.
In some cases, ADD symptoms affect a person so much that they get in the way of a 'normal' life.
Common symptoms of this condition are:
The confusing thing is that many people who do not have ADD also suffer from some of these symptoms, so how can a person tell if a symptom is simply a troublesome personality trait?
Simple. If a person has many of these symptoms and their life is greatly affected by them, then they have ADD. Luckily, treatment can improve the person's symptoms and, as a result, their quality of life.
Most doctors that treat adult ADD are specialists in mental health or neuropsychology. When a person sees their doctor, they will have to give a personal and family medical history. They will also have to give a history of their symptoms.
The doctor will proceed to perform physical and psychological tests to rule out other conditions.
Once the doctor confirms ADD, they will create a treatment plan that involves one or more of the following:
Medication: Depending on an individual's situation, a doctor may prescribe stimulant or non-stimulant medication, including antidepressants
Psychological counseling: The patient will undergo counseling to give them the skills and tools needed to deal with problems like time management and impulse control. They are taught to monitor themselves so as to catch themselves before they do something they are not supposed to
Couples and/or family therapy: This approach helps the patient improve on their relationships. It helps a patient's loved ones deal with the challenge of living with a person with ADD
Adult ADD does not have to take control of your life. With medical help and some life hacks, a person that lives with ADD can live a happy and fulfilled life.