ADD or the Attention Deficit Disorder occurs in adults when the condition goes undiagnosed during childhood. However, there are methods of treatment for such individuals to help them cope with all the symptoms this condition exhibits, and to lead a normal and stress-free life. The treatment options have been listed in the following HealthHearty article.
If you think Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) affects only children, you are gravely mistaken. There are numerous cases of ADD in adults, diagnosis of which has been overlooked during childhood. Because parents and teachers have the common notion that children have a low attention span and are generally hyperactive, they fail to recognize that these children may be suffering from ADD. As such, these symptoms continue into adulthood when they start interfering with their daily lives. However, there is no reason for worry because there are some treatment methods that help overcome the symptoms and tackle all the responsibilities one has to deal with. However, before looking into these, we will understand what ADD is, by studying its symptoms.
Symptoms
ADD interferes in the lives of adults because it prevents them from easily achieving what their peers may be achieving. For example, pursuing a career requires a strong threshold for stress, and impeccable focus and organization. For adults, who have ADD, doing so may not be easily possible. When ADD has hyperactivity as a symptom, it is termed as ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Different individuals exhibit different symptoms, and they have been discussed here.
- One of the biggest symptoms of ADD is a short attention span or difficulty paying attention to anything for a long period.
- Such individuals are easily distracted by several other things in their environment.
- They face a lot of difficulty completing tasks on time and without errors because they have trouble paying attention to detail.
- Those affected by this disorder, are likely to phase out, where they go blank for short periods and are unable to pay attention to anyone or anything. Alternately, in some cases, they may also get deeply absorbed in different activities, that they find very pleasing. This is known as hyperfocus.
- Forgetfulness is another common symptom. Individuals affected, fail to remember conversations, and even little things like where they left their keys. Furthermore, they also tend to forget important appointments.
- Because they are so overwhelmed by the multiple activities that they are required to focus on, they are likely to be highly disorganized. This may show in the way they work and even the way they keep their desks.
- Another common sign is the tendency to assume that there is enough time to complete tasks and therefore constantly put off important tasks or delay them. They are also likely to be late most of the time.
- Because such individuals may be distracted, they may interrupt conversations without regard for the person speaking. It is a symptom and may not be a part of the individual’s nature.
- Though they may be overwhelmed by the numerous activities they are required to perform, individuals with ADD may want to do everything at once, because they seek excitement. This is one of the common symptoms, where they tend to get bored very easily due to their limited attention span.
- Such individuals may have low self-esteem because of the inability to complete the responsibilities assigned to them. They perceive themselves as underachievers.
- Adults with ADD are constantly agitated, have a short temper, and are prone to intense mood swings.
- They are prone to high levels of stress due to the multitude of situations they are unable to handle. This may also lead to depression and anxiety.
If ADD goes undiagnosed, it can lead to several relationship problems, health problems, and trouble handling finances and leading a comfortable life.
Treatment
The first step towards treating this disorder is getting the correct diagnosis from a professional. Also, while doing so, it is important that the affected individual be given immense love and support so as to bolster her/his confidence and self-esteem, and not feel lonely in this ‘battle’. The following treatment options may be used.
- Medication: Psychiatrists may prescribe some medication to treat the aforementioned symptoms. The best medication includes antidepressants and medicines that calm the hyperactive part of ADD, so that, some clarity of thought may be attained. The type of medication administered may differ greatly based on the symptoms that an individual is exhibiting.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This is a form of therapy that intervenes with the set pattern an individual may have developed due to ADD, and attempts to change these patterns for the better. This includes changing the thought process from negative to positive, and then dealing with individual symptoms to improve them. This process may take several sessions but is known to be extremely effective.
- Group Therapy: Adults may also be required to undergo group therapy, where several individuals affected with the same condition are asked to sit together, talk out their problems, and be given solutions to their problems. Group support always helps and doesn’t make the patients feel like they are the only ones suffering from this problem.
- Lifestyle Changes: Affected individuals are asked to make changes in their lifestyle to aid their treatment. This includes changes in the diet, which helps them feel calm, healthy, and positive. Further, they are also asked to exercise to expend the excess energy. Exercise also releases hormones that are known to help them feel good, thereby tackling the anxiety and depression that is known to accompany the disorder.
- Personal Changes: Those with ADD are asked to make changes in the way they deal with their lives by starting off on a small scale. For instance, they may be asked to keep a diary to be able to list the tasks they are required to perform in a day and perform them one by one in order to be able to complete them.
Apart from treating the affected individual, therapy is also provided to the family, to teach them how to deal with the individual, and what they can do to improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
As you can see, there are several methods of treatment for the attention deficit disorder. All it requires is faith and enough time to take effect. Things will definitely change thereon, and for the better.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of an expert.
