Understanding ADD in Adults: Symptoms, Causes & Support

ADD or attention deficit disorder affects adults as well and children. Adults who have ADD most likely had it as children but were never diagnosed. ADD is a problem with the chemicals in the brain not functioning correctly and is not a matter of willpower.

Similarities

• Like ADD in children, adults have excessive inattentiveness, impulsiveness and hyperactivity.

Inattention Symptoms

• Adults with ADD will have trouble with concentration and organization. This can affect them in all areas of their lives.

Hyperactivity Symptoms

• Adults with ADD may find themselves easily bored and irritated with mood swings. They are often restless with nervous energy and are not able to relax.

Impulsivity Symptoms

• Adults with ADD often have a pattern of making sudden decisions and have difficulties in social situations and cannot follow a conversation because they get so easily distracted.

Treatment

• Stimulant medication like Ritalin is used in adults with ADD and antidepressants like Wellbutrin are sometimes used for the treatment of ADD. A behavioral coach can help adults learn skills like organization, time-management and teach them how to become motivated in order to stop procrastinating, which can be a problem for sufferers of ADD.

Risk Factors

• Adults with ADD are six times more likely to have a learning disorder or a mental illness.