Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD formerly known as ADD, is a neurobiological condition that consists of symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity that are significant enough to interfere with an individual’s functioning. While symptoms of this condition are evident in childhood, many adults today have not received proper assessment and treatment. A recent study found that 4.4% of adults in the US meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD yet fewer than 11% of these adults receive treatment.
Symptoms of ADD/ADHD
Symptoms of ADD/ADHD vary between individuals and can include the following:
- Fidgeting, restlessness, talking excessively, or constantly being in motion as if “driven by a motor”
- Difficulty with decision making; either having trouble finalizing decisions, or the opposite, acting on whims.
- Difficulty following a conversation, interrupting others, answering questions before they have been asked, blurting out statements they later regret.
- Difficulty completing tasks that require organization, failure to pay attention to details, and procrastination.
- Frequently losing things, being easily distracted, forgetful.
Not every person who receives a diagnosis has every symptom of ADD/ADHD or experiences the severity of symptoms to the same degree. Untreated ADD/ADHD symptoms can lead to many of the following: difficulty in personal and professional relationships, financial problems, substance abuse, poor work performance, health issues, and low self-esteem.