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What is Adult Attention Deficit Disorder?

Tess Thompson

Adult attention deficit disorder, known generally as ADD is a neurobiological condition that may be genetically transmitted or caused by external factors. The condition is marked by symptoms such as procrastination, difficulty in getting work completed, and problems with organizing work.

Howsoever mundane these symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder may appear to be, the persistent presence of these tantamount to ruining an individuals life unless he/she learns to manage and live with it, with or without adult ADD medication.

The level of occurrence of ADD in adults is unknown, but medical studies in transmission and control of diseases show that the symptoms of inattention, procrastination and organization exist in nearly 2-4% of adults.

Diagnosing ADD in adults becomes more difficult in cases where individuals do not report their symptoms themselves. Difficulties to complete even simple tasks and managing their lives become more noticeable and the inattentive trait of ADD patients usually takes a back seat. Moreover, symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder vary among individuals, through lifetime and are impacted by life experiences.

The most prominent characteristic of adult ADD patients is difficulty in executive functioning. Executive functioning is the ability of the human brain related to perception, learning and reasoning. This inability of executive functioning hampers processes such as planning, cognitive flexibility, abstract thinking, initiating appropriate and inhibiting inappropriate actions, and selecting pertinent sensory information.

In simple words, it is not a problem of paying attention only, but of regulation too. Adults not only need a goal-oriented attitude but also have to plan for the future as well as remembering things that need to be done.

The obvious outcome of such symptoms is that adults with ADD are more prone than others to develop depression or anxiety, being fired from jobs and getting divorced.

Adults can easily notice these symptoms but the inherent quality of adults with ADD symptoms is such that they are poor observers. Usually most adults are driven toward diagnosis and treatment when the sense of underachievement persists and face problems with relationships. With a conscious effort, the symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder can be managed. Managing adult ADD becomes easier if realization comes on its own and patients go for medical consultations on their own rather than on being forced by family and friends.

Despite the disturbing nature of the symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder, adults with ADD are known to have developed skills to cope with the disorder and have adopted behaviors that make them less conspicuous. Many historic and current well-known personalities, in different fields, are known to have used these very disabilities caused by ADD to their advantage.