ADHD

ADHD

ADHD

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a relatively common behavioral disorder affecting 3 to 7 percent of the school-age population. It is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is not typically observed in individuals of a comparable age. Behavioral characteristics of the disorder are observable from the preschool years onward. Assessment requires a careful, multisource approach as ADHD must be differentiated from a wide range of other psychiatric, developmental, and medical conditions. The effects of ADHD are life encompassing and, without treatment, may lead to a wide range of severe impairments including poor academic outcome, work difficulty, social rejection, driving accidents, increased risk of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, and poor self-esteem.

It was not until 1976 that research clearly demonstrated that while symptom presentation may have been altered by maturation and by improved cognitive ability and coping that accompanies maturation, most children with ADHD do not outgrow their symptoms. This entry describes current diagnostic and treatment strategies for adults with ADHD. Treatments are very effective and can bring about significant change in the quality of life for sufferers of adult ADHD. Treatments must be individualized, combining the strengths and needs of the ADHD adult. Perhaps most difficult for ADHD adults is to accept the help of others without viewing such help as a commentary on the ADHD adult's personal shortcomings. The ADHD therapist, coach, or spouse must try to keep the ADHD person focused on the objective, and not necessarily how the objective is attained. The degree to which ADHD symptoms will inhibit adult development is highly dependent on the patient's life context. The goal therefore is to make the world more ADHD-friendly (K. G. Nadeau, personal communication, 1999) and bring a degree of order, peace, and happiness to the ADHD adult's life.

Methodology

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is ...