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Natural Treatments for ADHD Symptoms in Adults

By Tess Thompson

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has gained publicity as a disorder that affects children. Contrary to the popular perception, children do not outgrow this condition and it is possible that between 30 to 70 percent of children diagnosed with this condition may continue to exhibit it even as adults. It is also possible that this condition may not have been diagnosed as children and becomes more prominent only when they grow older. The first condition is more prevalent in males whereas the second condition is more common in females. Though, this condition has been extensively studied in children, it is only now that attention is being slowly diverted towards adult ADHD. And therefore, now there are some specific prescription and natural treatments for adhd in adults.

Children with ADHD are often overactive, impulsive and inattentive. These symptoms are also true for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. However, with increase in age some of these symptoms change. Studies have suggested that with age hyperactivity reduces though the problem in concentration remains a constant. A young person, who is making a transition from the structured environment of school to a self-regulated life at college, normally faces difficulties with executive and planning abilities. Most of the times, adults who are afflicted with this condition are not aware of it and they learn to live with the problems that this condition poses without actually knowing that they are afflicted with ADHD. Such people commonly have a problem with independent adaptive functioning like getting organized, keeping an appointment or even getting to work on time. Problems with social skills can lead to high levels of stress in relationships, leading to a higher probability of family violence and divorce. The individuals who grow into adults with ADHD have many negative perceptions of themselves that leads to low self-esteem. Adults with ADHD are also prone to substance abuse and may even exhibit anti social behavior.

It is comparatively difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults and therefore, it is important to seek the help of a clinician who is trained in the field of attention dysfunction. A correct diagnosis is as important as administering ADHD treatment, be it pharmaceutical medicines, natural ADHD medicines, or herbal remedies for ADHD. Scientists have developed certain clinical criteria that help in identifying this condition in adults. This criterion is commonly known as the Utah Criteria. Other methods used for diagnosis are Connors Rating Scale and Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale. To be confirmed as an adult with ADHD, the onset of this condition should have happened in the childhood and should have been persistent.