Adult ADHD Symptoms Are Different
Diagnosis: ADHD.
In some circles it’s still pretty controversial. And among some adults there’s a persistent resistance to the diagnosis. Many adults are totally appalled by the seemingly large number of children each year who have ADHD.
“We didn’t have this disorder when we were young,†almost arrogantly. “It’s a disease manufactured by the pharmaceutical companies and teachers who need to keep control of their classrooms.
Ah! Now, here’s some new research that stands ready – and quite capable – of rebutting this line of attack.
First, let me say, that just because ADHD wasn’t diagnosed some 30 years ago didn’t mean that it didn’t exist.
Listen to what the web site Psych Central reports about how ADHD just might surface in adults. No, adults don’t necessarily have to be hyperactive to be diagnosed with this disorder. In fact, some pretty diverse – and unexpected behaviors and social problems – may indicate an adult is suffering with this ADHD.
Chronic, persistent depression. Anxiety. Alcohol and drug addiction. Personality disorders. Certainly not your standard ADHD laundry list of problems, now is it?
The suggestion that these health and social problems may indicate an undiagnosed case of ADHD is important to me as a professional. But for family members dealing with this behavior, it may be a ray of hope.
This topic was recently brought up for discussion at the Annual meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. You can find the entire article here.
The College suggestions that for these individuals a Ritalin-type stimulant be used to help alleviate symptoms. Before any type of treatment can be recommended – let alone approved – more questions need to be answered, says Professor Phillip Asheron, professor of molecular psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry. “We don’t know whether these co-existing disorders are separate problems or whether these people are actually suffering from a form of ADHD that is presenting in a different way from the normal symptoms.â€
He believes that at least of a portion of these individuals, may indeed, have ADHD but instead are being diagnosed with an entire separate disorder.
There’s only one problem. Many doctors hesitate to prescribe stimulant medications of any kind for adults. In fact, it’s only recently that stimulants have been indicated for use in adults.
Prof. Asherson is serious about uncovering the truth. He’s initiating a study to identify adults with ADHD in addiction centers.
I’ll keep my eye on this continuing situation and let you know what develops.
Please share your thoughts and comments below.
Dr. Kenny
Technorati Tags: ADHD, Adult ADHD, ADHD Diagnosis
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Written by Dr. Kenny Handelman - The ADHD Doctor
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August 26th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Great to see this blog! I don’t often get a chance to browse for ADHD news but very glad I did!
I often get anything from uncomfortable silences (and stares) to comments very similar to what you mention here (”ADHD is just a cash grab from corporations and an excuse for bad behavior in kids and adults” comes to mind). People who know me can attest to this being SO untrue!
I have been an ADHDer since at least puberty (when the symptoms were clearly exhibited) until today. Diagnosed nearly 5 years ago (I’m 41) I have successfully for the most part been symptom controlled for the whole time (taking dexedrine spansules then and continuing to).
It’s very hard to find good online help with all the very slanderous and (to us anyway) obviously deceptive web “info” on ADHD and medication. Do a search with any web engine and you have to wade through page after page of lies to get to any real information. The anti-med groups have a very strong hold on the web. I shudder to think what I would have done when looking for help if I had not been skeptical and a 20-year computer tech and kept diving deep until I got past the lies and half-truths and hit paydirt.
Indeed as your quote of Professor Asheron mentions often ADHD adults are misdiagnosed. I too was nearly misdiagnosed (even during my self-diagnosis) with both depression and a form of schizophrenia. Both have some similarities with some ADHD symptoms but are very different.
Thankfully I took several online tests and saw that I matched nearly perfectly all symptoms of adult ADHD. Once I saw that I took the tests on paper and visited my GP who then referred me to a psychiatrist who then confirmed my suspicions and got me quickly on a med regimen and helped me find additional resources.
Glad to see you here Doctor!
I look forward to visiting often now that I know you are here.