Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults (ADD)

What is ADD?
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD) is a neurological condition involving the underactivity in the frontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for the regulation of attention, impulse control and motor activity. This area also plays a role in the regulation of emotions. The condition is largely inherited and tends to run in families. The symptoms and problems begin in childhood and continue, in varying degrees, for many individuals throughout the adult life.

ADD and the Family
As with general intelligence, math skills, athletic ability, artistic talent, etc., many researchers believe that the abilities and limitations that comprise ADD are largely inherited and passed down from generation to generation. Some have suggested that as many as 80% of ADD cases are the result of genetics with the remainder caused by toxins, trauma or illnesses introduced during pregnancy, delivery or the newborn period. If a family member has been diagnosed with ADD, there is a greater possibility that a sibling, parent, child or blood relative also has ADD.

Until about the last decade, it was believed that ADD was a disorder limited to childhood which would disappear in adolescence. Research and clinical work have proven otherwise. It is now known that many individual's symptoms continue into adulthood and create significant problems in adult life. It frequently creates difficulties in managing the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of everyday life, such as work, school, marriage, running a household, parenting and interpersonal relationships. Unfortunately, perhaps millions of American adults have ADD and have not been identified or treated successfully.

Adult Indicators
Symptoms and problems are often unique and may vary in type, number and intensity from person to person. ADD is complex and no two individuals are exactly alike.
Some indicators that can be suggestive of ADD:

• Easily distracted; forgetful; daydreaming
• Procrastination; inability to complete things
• Disorganization; messiness; clutter
• Difficulty with making decisions
• Behavioral or verbal impulsiveness
• Difficulty with expressing thoughts in speech or in writing
• Significant periods of depression; low self-esteem
• A sense of failure; not living up to one's potential
• A sense of being different, unconventional
• A sense of internal restlessness; constantly active
• Difficulty with falling asleep or waking up alert
• Very sensitive to being told to do something, teasing, criticism, rejection or anger
• A sense that your mind is always active; thoughts jumping from one topic to the next
• Easily bored; intense need for excitement
• Difficulty with following rules
• Very impatient; low frustration tolerance
• Emotionally sensitive; easily upset, depressed, hurt or angered
• Difficulty with personal or work relationships
• Frequently late or rushed
• Difficulty in estimating how much time something will take
• Impulsive spending and money management problems
• Personal or family history of substance abuse, depression or anxiety
• Difficulty with reading comprehension or retention
• Frequently changing jobs, interests or activities
• Frequently losing or misplacing things
• Perfectionistic tendencies
• Strong need to control or have things your way