Contrary to the fact that many physicians do not recognize ADD, it is and should be treated as a real cognitive disorder. It is important that ADD be treated at a young age because without treatment until later in life, adults tend to bring many more negative perceptions of them. Also, adult's who suffer from ADD have a significantly more difficult time dealing with treatment.
Based on studies over the past 100 years, the National Institutes of Health, the Surgeon General of the United States, and an international community of clinical researchers, psychiatrists and physicians have determined that ADD is a legitimate disorder. Adults with ADD have employment difficulties, suffer from depression and personality disorders, have multiple auto accidents, and have high rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancies compared to individuals without ADD. It is estimated that 4% of adults suffer from ADD. Despite popular belief, ADD is not caused by high sugar intake, food additives, extreme television viewing, poor parental control, poverty, or family chaos. (Help)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a highly publicized childhood disorder that affects approximately 3 percent to 5 percent of all children. What is much less well known is the probability that, of children who have ADHD, many will still suffer from it as adults. Several studies done in recent years estimate that between 30 percent and 70 percent of children with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms in the adult years. (Health)
It is also believed by others that ADD is not a disorder at all. While ADD does mirror some other disorders, a person suffering from ADD also has struggles that are not at all similar. Some of the struggles associated with ADD as well as other disorders are distractibility, forgetfulness, disorganization, procrastination, chronic lateness, chronic boredom, anxiety, low self-esteem, employment problems, restlessness, substance abuse or addictions and relationship problems. (Amen)
A few of the mirroring disorders are: anxiety disorder, thyroid disease, depression, and bi-polar disorder. While these disorders do have similar symptoms to ADD, they also carry their own symptoms that are inconsistent. (Advocate)
The true causes of ADD are unknown. Many doctors believe that ADD is a genetic disorder passed down from generation to generation, or a postnatal injury to the prefrontal region of the brain. Symptoms, as well as history, of Adult ADD are probably the biggest factors for determining whether or not the subject may, or may not have this disorder. Another factor in determining if ADD is the predominant disorder for the subject is that ADD would be consistent throughout the subject’s life. Most of the often confused disorders mirroring symptoms are not continual. These symptoms come and go, while the symptoms for ADD are never-ending. It is possible for other disorders to accompany ADD, but most times they should be treated as a separate condition. (Advocate) (Amen)
Adult ADD needs to be treated as its own disorder. It is easier than ever before to manage Adult ADD over the course of an adult's lifetime. Adults who are not treated may be plagued by frustration, social and academic failure, employment problems, a possible increase in the risk of later antisocial and criminal behavior, and by a resulting blow to their self-esteem. (Ledingham)
A correct diagnosis of ADD can bring a sense of relief to the individual. In all cases of adult ADD, with the exception of postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain, the sufferer has been carrying their symptoms with them since childhood. Not knowing why they aren’t able to function, only that they can’t, the individual has brought into adulthood many negative perceptions of themselves. Finally they can begin to understand why they have some of these problems and can begin to face them. (Health)
Brain studies have shown that when the ADD patient tries to concentrate, their brain works exactly opposite of how it should. In laymen terms, when the average person buckles down to finish a project they have started, even though they would rather not and are not interested, they are using the prefrontal cortex (PFC) part of the brain. For the ADD patient, while they may have the same desire to finish the task at hand, without stimulation when they try to concentrate, they experience what is referred to as prefrontal cortex deactivation. This part of the brain is necessary for normal everyday activities. When we are in a group carrying on a conversation we are using our PFC to absorb and filter the activity around us. We also use the PFC to process and reply appropriately. For this reason ADD patients tend to loose track of conversations and often speak without thinking. They tend to have poor social skills and over time try to avoid such situations. If the ADD patient finds employment that enables them to use the benefits of this disorder (being able to react quickly to stimulating situations) they can be very successful in their careers. But I’m sure you could imagine how the improper functioning of this necessary part of the brain can lead to employment problems in general. ADD sufferers have thoughts constantly and randomly flowing through their minds. When they try to sleep they usually have a difficult time “shutting down”. So after going to sleep much later that they would have needed to, the first thing they need to do in the morning is use their PFC to get them going. This is not a successful combination. These factors along with others are what often cause low self esteem and depression issues. The ADD patient may not be able to think clearly, but this in no way is a reflection of their intelligence. (Amen)
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Medication is the most common treatment for individuals suffering from ADD. It has been determined that stimulants are the most effective medications. Different people react to different stimulants in their own way. Consulting with a doctor and asking questions will help determine the best choice for the individual However, it is suggested that along with medical treatment, people with ADD also need help with organization. Daily schedules and keeping everyday needed items in its proper place are important requirements to help the individual focused and more in control. (Health)
Understanding that someone with ADD cannot just simply change their habits is one of the hardest things to believe. Research and a good doctor are the keys for success. My husband had gone through several doctors before finding one that was willing to listen to how he was feeling and experiment with different treatments. I will never forget the look on my husband’s face when the doctor told him that he suffers from ADD. It was like he had been holding back this overwhelming feeling of helplessness and now he finally knew not only that it wasn’t his fault, but that there was something he could do about it. As for the future, we can only foresee great things. If we hadn’t been adamant about learning the truth, we would still be living in chaos.
Determining the true symptoms and determining the disorder they belong to is extremely important in narrowing down the options for treatment. After much research and many trips to the doctors office, my husband and I have discovered how extremely important these questions are. If he had been diagnosed at a young age, he might have avoided the helpless feelings of not being in control of his life. Finding the right doctor along with the right treatment is a grueling process. Knowledge is the key to success.