Today it is a known fact that ADD can continue from childhood into the adult years. But twenty years ago there was little or no orientation to this subject.
“The first person to recognize that ADD could be present in adults was Paul Wender, M.D., and his research yielded new insights and opened a new era for adults struggling with the condition.” (Web, 1)
What is Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Adult ADD is a condition in which psychological functions related to planning, managing, making thoughtful decisions are impaired.
ADD is associated with abnormalities in various parts of the brain, especially the frontal lobes. At the present time, there is no definitive test for the disorder.
The diagnosis is based on a thorough assessment of a person's present and past functioning and, daily behavior.
Affected individuals have serious problems in one or more of the following areas:
- Screening out distractions
- Starting and completing tasks
- Remembering and organizing information and belongings
- Being on time
- Keeping priorities in order
Symptoms
ADD first becomes evident in childhood although frequently the diagnosis is not made at the time. Many people are able to compensate for their symptoms until they are faced with especially challenging tasks in high school or college. Since ADD has a strong hereditary component, ADD in a child is an indicator that one or both parents may suffer from ADD and vice versa.
Easy distractibility: Attention problems as shown by easy distractibility, an inability to keep one's mind on the job and inability to remember.
Lack of organization: This is often accompanied with an inability to complete tasks. Tasks frequently are not completed, and there is disorganization in activities, problem-solving and organizing time.
Impulsivity: Decisions made hastily, without reflection, often to the disadvantage of the individual.......
