Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (adult ADHD) is a mental health condition that causes inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD symptoms can lead to a number of problems, including unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, and low self-esteem.
Director of the Cognitive Therapy Center in the Department of Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center Dr. Ira Halper says, “A good way of looking at ADHD is there is a weakness in brain circuits that control the executive functions of the brain…short term memory, both verbal and non-verbal, emotional regulation, the ability to plan for the future.”
It was once thought that ADHD was limited to childhood. But symptoms can persist into adulthood. For some people, adult ADHD causes significant problems that improve with treatment.
Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to treatment for childhood ADHD, and includes medications, psychotherapy, and treatment for any mental health conditions that occur in conjunction with ADHD.
Signs and symptoms include:
Forgetfulness, anxiety, low self-esteem, employment and relationship problems, impulsiveness, substance abuse, and poor organizational skills, mood swings, depression procrastination and chronic boredom.
If you or a loved one experience symptoms of ADHD, see your health care provider. It is a medical issue and important to get proper treatment.
For more information on Adult ADHD, visit Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) or Rush University Medical Center.
