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Adult Adhd

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Submitted By mrskt20
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Running head: ADULT ADHD

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Theresa D. Tolbert
PSY 692
Dr. David Hodges
September 19, 2012

After reading about the increase in diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, I wondered how ADHD affects lives of adults who have the disorder but have never received any treatment? I also wonder how ADHD affects adult relationships? This topic was of interest because I believe my sister has ADHD. She is a very bright and caring woman but she just cannot seem to get or keep her life on track.
The diagnosis of ADD and ADHD is running rampant. The known signs and symptoms of ADHD can be easily spotted in children but have also been notice in adults. It is not often one hears adults admitting to having ADHD or even claim to have had it in the past. Nadeau stated in an article that ADHD still remains under and misdiagnosed in adults. Many adults are diagnosed with anxiety and depression when ADHD is the actual underlying factor (2005).
ADHD involves the inability to concentrate and designate attention to particular tasks or activities when they are not entertaining or enjoyable. For adults, these activities can include planning projects, studying, paying bills, and listening to lectures (Ramsay & Rostain, 2008). ADHD is a chemical imbalance in the management systems portion of the brain.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD did not become wide spread until the mid nineteen-nineties. Even now the percentage of adults diagnosed with ADHD has only risen from 3.5% in the 90’s to 6.5% now (Benedek, 2009). In fact on 1 in 23 physicians admit to even considering adult ADHD when patients come to them showing signs of dysthymia.
Dysthymia is a mild form of depression and a common symptom in adult ADHD. Dysthymia can be very difficult to diagnosis because at times the symptoms are unnoticeable and can last for such a prolonged period of time. Dysthymia lasts for two years or longer.
The specific topics expected to be researched are: Regularities of adult ADHD, Cognitive functions of ADHD, The effects ADHD has on adult lives, How ADHD affect adult relationships, and medications for adult ADHD. The research questions expected to be answered are: * How does one acquire ADHD? * How can one find more diagnosis criteria for adult ADHD? * What type of treatment is used for adult ADHD? * How can ADHD treatment affect the lives of individuals with it and others associated with them? * Has this research been conducted and if so what were the results? * How can this research be used to help individuals with ADHD to take the important step to seek help?
One important piece of knowledge gained from this research will be that adult ADHD is not uncommon and receiving help is not complicated. Many individuals with untreated adult ADHD feel hopeless and like they have failed in life. The information provided in this research will prove to patients that they are not failures and there is help for them. Research will be done to identify the different types of ADHD treatment as well. It will be stated what the treatments are and how they are being used by adult ADHD patients. Percentages of ADHD treatment success will be provided as well.
The purpose of this research is to bring light to adult ADHD. It is hoped that this research will encourage individuals with adult ADHD to come forth and seek help for this disorder. No one should be ashamed of this disorder. ADHD is relatively no different than any other behavioral-cognitive disorder. It is also hoped that physicians will pay closer attention to symptoms collectively that are related to adult ADHD instead of diagnosing single symptoms as primary disorders. This research will also encourage young individuals with ADHD to continue to receive treatment throughout adulthood to ensure continuous functionality and personal organization. Adult ADHD is not fatal but treatment for this disorder can be the difference between a person living a successful life and a person living a life full of chaos. This research is somewhat personal but my hopes are for this research to be helpful to many.

Reference
Benedek, E. P. (2009). ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says. Bulletin Of The Menninger Clinic, 73(1), 69-74.
Buitelaar, J. K., Kan, C. C., Asherson, P. ADHD in Adults: Characterization, Diagnosis, and Treatment, New York: Cambridge University Press
Ishizaki, J., & Mimura, M. (2011). Dysthymia and Apathy: Diagnosis and Treatment. Depression Research & Treatment, 1-7. doi:10.1155/2011/893905
Nadeau, K. (2005). A Comprehensive Guide To Attention Deficit Disorder In Adults: Research, Diagnosis And Treatment, Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Ramsay, J. R., Rostain, A. L. (2008). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult ADHD: An Integrative Psycho. Rutledge, New York: Taylor & Francis.
Smith, D. H. (2009). ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says. Canadian Journal Of Psychiatry, 54(6), 423-424.

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