Many people think Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated only with kids and children outgrow those symptoms. But 60% of children will still have symptoms of ADHD like impulsiveness and hyperactivity even as they become adults. It is believed that about 5% of young adults, both men, and women, in America are diagnosed with the symptoms.

Many children who are suffering from ADHD have it even as an adult.

But some adults get it diagnosed later in life because their symptoms may not have been noticed as a child. These symptoms do not develop later in the life. They develop and grow since childhood.

Symptoms of adult ADHD:
Adults who are suffering from ADHD find it hard to do the following tasks:
• Remembering information
• Following directions
• Finishing work on time
• Concentrating on the current activity
• Managing time
• Following traffic rules and driving safely

Challenges for ADHD adults:
Adults suffering from ADHD symptoms often find it hard to carry on with their activities at work and at home. But eventually, they learn to work around their weakness. Most of these adults find their strengths and become successful in their lives. Some of the challenges that adults with ADHD face include the following:
• Depression
• Forgetfulness
• Chronic boredom
• Trouble in controlling their anger
• Low self-esteem
• Impulsiveness
• Mood swings
• Procrastination
• Problems in maintaining personal and professional relations
• Getting into substance addiction and abuse
• Lower tolerance for frustration
• Always being late

No two persons have same ADHD symptoms, so the challenges faced by them also differ. If you are in school or college, due to attention problem, you may be underachieving and have to repeat grades. Due to problems in controlling anger and frustration, you may get into trouble a lot of times and some adults may even get dropped out of school for the same reason.

Treatment of adult ADHD:
Treatment for children with ADHD differs from adults with ADHD. Normal treatment includes medication, psychological counseling, and training. The most common prescribed medications are stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. These medications have chemicals called neurotransmitters that boost the levels of the brain. Other non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine and antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Bupropion, and others.

Counseling an ADHD-affected adult:
Treatment for ADHD also includes psychotherapy to help you. Counseling trains you on the following aspects:
• Organization skills and time management skills
• Improves problem-solving skills
• Reduces impulsive behavior
• Works on your relationships, both personal and professional
• Works on your failures (social, academic and professional)
• Develops self-esteem
• Anger management

Apart from medical intervention, it is also believed that mindfulness meditation can help you improve your attention spans and mood.