ADHD in Adults

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ADHD in Adults

• Diagnosis and Treatment
• By Betsy Riley
• Used with permission

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History of the Disorder

• Mid-1800s symptoms noticed in children
• Previous names
• Minimal Brain Dysfunction
• Hyperkinetic Disorder of Childhood
• Hyperactivity
• DSM-III
• ADHD, Residual Type
• DSM-IV-TR
• ADHD

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Possible Causes

• Previous Theories
• Brain damage
• Learning disabilities
• Hyperactivity
• Current Theories
• Neurochemical deficiency
• Food and food additives
• Hunter traits

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Characteristics, Behaviors Symptoms

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Others

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Inattention

• Social situations
• Relationships
• Education
• Leisure activities
• Household chores
• Work

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The Inattention Paradox

• Individuals with ADHD may demonstrate an ability
  to focus for extremely long periods of time while
  involved in certain activities. This is referred
  to as HYPERFOCUSING.

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Hyperactivity

• Manifests differently in adults

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Impulsivity

• Characteristic often associated with most serious
  consequences.
• Social
• Financial
• Legal
• Romantic relationships

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Other Characteristics

• Stress/frustration tolerance
• Mood swings
• Quick temper
• Feelings of insecurity/instability
• Feelings of worry/anxiety
• Addictive behaviors
• Following authority/procedures
• Highly creative and intelligent

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Diagnosis

• Medication
• Professionals
• knowledge of ADHD
• developmental and life history
• client
• family member
• friend
• school records

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Misdiagnosis

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Learning Disabilities
• Bipolar D/O
• Caffeine
• Substance abuse
• OCD
• Situational disturbances

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Misdiagnosis

• Pathological gambling
• Tourettes D/O
• Seizures
• Hearing difficulties
• Thyroid problems
• Lead poisoning
• Sleep apnea
• Head injury

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Treatment

• Controversial Interventions
• Multimodal Approach

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Controversial Interventions

• Chiropractic
• Diet
• LCP Solution
• Feingold Diet
• Others
• Patterning
• Biofeedback

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Multimodal Approach

• Education
• Individual Therapy
• Marriage Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Medication

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Education

• Information about the disorder given to client
  and spouse/family members
• symptoms of ADHD
• possible side effects of medication
• ADHD resources
• Insight into reasons for behaviors

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Individual Therapy

• Directive and structured
• Deal with anxiety, depression and low self-esteem
• Life skills
• Cognitive-behavioral techniques
• REBT
• Task break-down
• Coaching

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Marriage Counseling and Support Groups

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Support groups

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Medication

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

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THE END!!!!!