Attention Deficit Disorder and Relationships
Attention Deficit Disorder is a real thing, many adults have it to some degree. The old thinking was that this was a disorder in childhood and teenage years that they would grow out of. We know better now. Many times Adults are diagnosed at a time that they take their children to a provider to be diagnosed. We know that there is a strong genetic component for ADD/ADHD.
Treatment varies with each individual, approximately 20% of individuals will respond to non stimulant medication: Straterra, Wellbutrin and Guanfacine. Most other patients respond to stimulants: adderall, ritalin, vyvanse, concerta or others.
Attention is not the only problem, we know that this disorder is pervasive and causes problems in every area of an individual’s life. Emotional dysregulation is an often overlooked phenomena with ADD. ED is characterised by problems with temper control ( feelings of irritability and frequesnt outburst of short duration), emotional over reactivity (diminished ability to handle typical life stresses, resulting in frequent feelings of being hassled and overwhelmed) and mood swings (short and unpredictable shifts from normal mood to depression or mild excitement) A complete diagnostic exam can help distinguish this from other disorders that share some of the same characteristics.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to be less educated, have poorer work performance and increased likelihood of dismissal from work or frequent job changes. They often have difficulties in maintaining long-term social relationships, and higher divorce rates, frequent and serious car accidents and criminality.
