ADHD In Adults Can Hurt Job Performance
Posted by Mark on September 17, 2007
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition not limited only to childhood.
According to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter, more than half of children with ADHD can expect to contend with the condition as adults. ADHD in adults often is more subtle than in children, but still can be troublesome. It usually presents itself in one of two ways or a combination:
Inattention: Prioritizing and focusing on tasks can be enormous challenges. Organizing work or following instructions may be more difficult than it is for others.
Excessive levels of activity or difficult-to-control impulses: Adults with ADHD aren’t likely to be as physically active as hyperactive children with ADHD. Instead, adults may experience ongoing feelings of restlessness or have trouble relaxing. An adult may always feel the need to be on the go. Impulsivity may show up as impatience, mood swings, intense anger outbursts or trouble with relationships.
Tip-offs that a medical evaluation is needed include:
– A history of academic or career under achievement.
– Inconsistent work performance, such as frequently quitting or losing jobs.
– Difficulty managing daily responsibilities such as paying bills on time or completing household chores.
– Difficulty with relationships, perhaps related to such behaviors as forgetfulness, being easily angered or not completing tasks.
Interviews and detailed medical and behavioral histories are usually keys to diagnosis. Tests to measure attentiveness and concentration could be part of the evaluation.
Adult ADHD is generally managed with some combination of medication, psychotherapy or life coaching. Many adults with ADHD find counseling helpful. Counseling alone may be sufficient treatment for many adults with this illness.
todd said
My mother reads your blog routinely. I wanted to share this article with you. It’s very interesting. By bringing out the good points, a doctor explains how nutrition is all anyone ever needs to fight ADD.
The doctor starts out by referring to Paris Hilton’s infamous run-in with a DUI felony. Paris has been on medication for ADD since she was a child and all of the drugs come with nasty side-effects. Dr. Sears directs patients to the “Modern Diet,” stating that nutrition works as an alternative solution.
He makes a convincing argument. Can society really have been duped by the medical prescription field for so long?
Check it out. I am anxious to hear your feedback. Thanks, -Todd