Something to Consider
Characteristics of Adults with AD/HD The growth of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) and a renewed interest in research have contributed to the increased recognition of this disorder in both children and adults. Still, many adults grew up at a time when clinicians, educators, parents and the general public knew very little about AD/HD or its diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, greater public awareness has led to an increased number of adults seeking evaluation and treatment for AD/HD and its associated symptoms. The current diagnostic criteria for AD/HD (reworded slightly to be more appropriate for adults) according to the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) are: 1. Fail to give close attention to details or make careless mistakes at work 2. Fidget with hands or feet or squirm in seat 3. Have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or fun activities 4. Leave seat in situations where seating is expected 5. Don’t listen when spoken to directly 6. Feel restless 7. Don’t follow through on instructions and fail to finish work 8. Have difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly 9. Have difficulty organizing tasks and activities 10. Feel “on the go” or “driven by a motor” 11. Avoid, dislike, or are reluctant to engage in work that requires sustained mental effort 12. Talk excessively 13. Lose things necessary for tasks and activities 14. Blurt out answers before questions have been completed 15. Easily distracted 16. Have difficulty awaiting turn (impatient) 17. Forgetful in daily duties 18. Interrupt or intrude on others Although other symptom checklists are sometimes used in assessing adults for AD/HD, the above DSM-IV criteria are currently considered the most empirically valid. These core symptoms of AD/HD frequently lead to associated problems and consequences that often co-exist with adult AD/HD. These may include: 1. Problems with self-control and regulating behavior 2. Poor working memory 3. Poor persistence of efforts toward tasks 4. Difficulties with regulation of emotions, motivation and arousal 5. Greater than normal variability in task or work performance 6. Chronic lateness and poor time perception 7. Easily bored 8. Low self-esteem 9. Anxiety 10. Depression 11. Mood swings 12. Employment difficulties 13. Relationship problems 14. Substance abuse 15. Risk-taking behaviors 16. Poor time management
- posted by G @ 5:22 PM