Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

21Jul09

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurologically based disorder.  People with ADHD/ADD have difficulty maintaining attention, act before thinking, and are hyperactive or restless. This person may think that their thoughts originate in his mouth.   Untreated ADHD can be problematic and disrupt  work performance, as well as social relationships.  ADHD  is a long term condition and continues  into adulthood.  More and more frequently this disease is recognized as occurring in adults.  There is no way to prevent ADHD; however,  identification and treatment are associated with good outcomes.

Causes It appears that ADHD results from a shortage of certain brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline.  Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that help nerve signals travel in the brain.  Researchers suspect that ADHD may be an inherited condition that forms in early brain development.  It can affect both boys and girls.  People with ADHD often begin to have symptoms before the age of seven.

Symptoms People with ADHD often have difficulty maintaining attention, demonstrate impulsive behavior (acting before thinking), and exhibit hyperactivity or restlessness.  Because the brain does not produce enough of certain neurotransmitters, people with ADHD try to stimulate themselves to produce the chemical with excess physical activity or by changing their focus frequently.  They may be restless and unable to “sit still.”    People with ADHD have difficulty paying attention, maintaining their focus on a task, and are easily distracted.  They may move from one task to the next without completing any of them.  Adults with ADHD may be labeled as undisciplined, unmotivated or impulsive, when actually they are not.  It can become problematic when it causes job hopping, sexual promiscuity, and thrill seeking behavior that disrupts daily life. ADHD is a long-term chronic condition that can continue into adulthood.  Untreated ADHD may interfere with an adult’s work performance.  They may miss deadlines, forget things, have difficulty following directions, and have difficulty staying engaged during meetings.  Adults with ADHD may not complete tasks at home and be very disorganized.  They may have a low frustration tolerance, poor social skills, and impulsive behaviors, such as an unpredictable temper, that cause conflict in relationships and with the law.

Diagnosis An adult should be evaluated for ADHD if it is suspected.  A Nurse Practitioner can begin to diagnose ADHD using questionnaires, psychological testing, developmental examinations, behavioral observation, and physical examinations.  Most ADHD in adults is treated by primary care providers, but can also be referred to a  psychiatrist.  A psychiatrist can also diagnose conditions that may accompany ADHD, such as depression, substance abuse, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and opposition defiant disorder.

Treatment Prescription medications can help relieve the symptoms of ADHD in adults.  In some cases, more than one medication trial may be necessary before the most appropriate medication or combination of medication is found.  Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful to learn coping strategies and social skills.  For most people, treatment is effective for ADHD, and people that are treated can lead full productive lives. If you think you have ADD or ADHD schedule an appointment with your PCP or if you are in the NYC  area you can arrange for an evaluation in the privacy of your home, office or hotel.

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

Metro Medical Direct is a web-based primary care NY medical house calls practice that takes the hassles out  of  going to the doctor by bringing the care you need to the privacy of your NYC home, office or hotel. You can request an appointment anytime for this conditon or any other health concern.

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Tags: ADD, ADHD, Adult ADD, NY Medical House Calls