Stress Management
Deconstructing Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
The disorder normally makes itself apparent during
childhood, with difficulties at school being one of the most common
hallmarks of the condition, which helps to explain why so much focus has
been on children with the disease. But children with attention deficit
disorder grow up to be adults with attention deficit disorder.
Adult attention deficit disorder is essentially the same
condition as the one children have. If you are an adult and you are
having trouble focusing at work, difficulty listening to people in
everyday conversations, find yourself interrupting people a lot, losing
things frequently, are easily distracted from tasks, are easily
frustrated or find yourself feeling over stimulated often, you may have
adult attention deficit disorder.
Treatment for adult attention
deficit disorder mirrors the treatments used for children with the
condition. The first step you need to take if you suspect you may have
an adult attention deficit condition is to of course see a doctor. There
are a bunch of other disorders that can mimic an adult attention deficit
condition, such as anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression,
or bipolar disorder, and its important that these be ruled out before
trying treatments.
Typically, most doctors today will begin your
adult attention deficit disorder treatment by prescribing a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, such as Prozac, Zoloft, or
Lexapro. SSRIs have been helpful for many in treating their adult
attention deficit disorders. If you aren’t getting any relief in your
symptoms with an SSRI, you may be prescribed a stimulant, such as
Ritalin, Adderall or Concerta. These should be taken with caution as
they are addictive drugs, and should be avoided entirely if you have a
history of substance abuse.
Most health professionals will agree
that there are also a number of non-medication based steps you can take
to alleviate some of your adult attention deficit disorder symptoms.
Getting regular vigorous exercise has been shown to help a lot of people
with adult attention deficit disorder. Also a diet high in lean protein
is recommended. Keeping lists, writing notes, breaking large tasks down
into smaller parts and taking other similar steps to counter your
disorder will certainly help as well.