Children and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Throughout time, it has always been believed that attention deficit disorder was something that only affected school-age children. Today, it has been discovered that it also affects millions of adults of various ages, races, and backgrounds. Diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children is very difficult, but doctors are slowly working on ways to more effectively diagnose this disorder. It is believed that adult attention deficit disorder usually begins sometime during childhood and is carried over into the adult years.
Similar and Different Symptoms
Children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder usually experience similar symptoms. However, symptoms of childhood attention deficit disorder and adult attention deficit disorder are very different in many ways. As a child, the symptoms tend to be more external such as hyperactivity and the inability to concentrate. This affects their performance in school and in social activities.
However, as an adult, the symptoms tend to be more internal such as the inability to concentrate or the lack of interest in things that were once loved. Regardless of rather the symptoms are internal or external, children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder suffer from the inability to concentrate on one particular thing at a given time. Children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also suffer from depression, anxiety, fears, and other mental illnesses as a result of the disorder. It is believed that in some people, the symptoms decrease with age; however, they do not usually go away.
Many adults and some children also use their intelligence and a lot of determination to mask their adult and child attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Many highly intelligent people of different ages suffer from this disorder and pretend to be smart and well established, when the real truth is they are a psychological mess. They have very poor or low self esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and a lost of interest in all aspects of their lives.
Procrastination is also a very common symptom in adults and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They always seem to be putting off many important things in their lives. This is commonly seen in teenagers. Therefore, the symptoms can vary in many aspects, but they can also be very similar in other aspects.
In conclusion children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can suffer many of the same symptoms and they can also have symptoms that are very different. The disorder can affect anyone and will affect each person differently. However, it is important to realize that you are not alone. Consult with your doctor for treatment and care options.
