Saturday, December 21, 2024

Adult ADD/ADHD

Dear Suz, I was on meds as a kid for Attention Deficit Disorder but only took them during school which helped me concentrate and made me less fidgety. Now, in my 40s, things easily bore me and my wife complains I don’t pay attention. Could I still have ADD?

Dearie, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common developmental disorders, identified by the persistent characteristics of 1) inattention, 2) impulsivity, 3) with or without hyperactivity. There are very specific criteria to each of these 3 components that make the diagnosis, not to be confused incorrectly as laziness, defiance, etc. Often the hyperactivity decreases with age, but the inattention and impulsivity persist. See your doctor for a current diagnosis and treatment. Many adults report great improvement in symptoms and overall well-being (including self-esteem) when treated as adults. -SQ

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