Diagnosing Adult ADD

So you think you have Adult ADD? Here's how to tell ...

ADD is an elusive condition that is hard to identify in children and harder to identify in adults. It is similar in nature to other conditions and has many of its symptoms masked or modified by other (comorbid) ailments. After 30 years or so of active study several reliable methods of identifying ADD in children have been developed. These usually involve a substantial question and answer survey given to the child's parents, teachers, or other involved personnel. Additionally, the American Psychiatric Association describes the symptoms and criteria for diagnosing mental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (APA Home Page).

For adults, however, the testing criteria are not so rigidly defined. Frequently, we hear the most about it from television advertisements. Strattera is the principal culprit here. The AdultAdd web site actually has a 6 question survey published by the WHO that purports to tell you that you might have ADD. This survey is next to worthless, IMHO, because it leads the taker into selecting the "correct" answers for a positive diagnosis.

Many adults first begin thinking about ADD when their children are diagnosed. I first saw this when I noticed in myself the symptoms that my ADD child has. My mother constantly states that as a child I acted just as my child does now. This is a clear indicator of ADD. Except in the unusual cases of head trauma induced ADD, ADD conditions must exist from childhood. If you are able to remember not having the symptoms, then you might not have ADD.

As we ADD children mature into ADD adults we learn to deal with the symptoms of ADD. We learn coping strategies that enable us to survive and sometimes prosper in the world that frequently looks down on us. Society considers inattentiveness to be rude, unfinished work to be a sign of laziness, forgetfulness to be the subject of jokes, impulsiveness to be a childish quality. Because we are frowned on, we will frequently develop anxiety or depression from dealing with negative self-image issues.

Because we have some ways for dealing with the ADD - mechanisms for coping with it - it is frequently harder to diagnose ADD in adults than it is in children. Additionally, there is a large backlash against ADD which seems to originate in overdiagnosis and overmedication of add/hyperactive children in the 70's. The truth or falseness of this claim is beyond the scope of this article. However, the feeling is definitely present from lay persons to doctors. Further, one of the primary medications for ADD is Ritalin, which is a stimulant, and is comparable to the drug "speed" when used by non-ADD persons. Many doctors are _quite_ reluctant to use Ritalin or its derivatives in treating ADD because of the fear of addiction or abuse.

The lack of tangible knowledge of ADD and treatments for it with respect to adults makes ADD more a self-diagnosed condition than many other ailments. Situations where an adult was referred to a psychologist or physician for ADD are rare. If you want to know if you have ADD you are going to have to seek professional advice with potential diagnosis in mind. ADD is frequently misdiagnosed as depression because the two conditions share many common symptoms. However, don't let that statement convict you that you don't have depression, because the two conditions are frequently seen together.

Your first step then, is to read up on ADD. See what the symptoms are. Take some tests to see if you might have Adult ADD. Do some research about the subject. If your tests and research seem to indicate that you might have Adult ADD, then you should proceed.

The second step is to talk with your psychologist or counselor. Your physician is the second step. Your psychologist or counselor will be more likely to be versed in Adult ADD issues and treatments because they are in the field directly and see more patients with these issues. Explain your thoughts, feelings, and symptoms. Be honest with your counselor and yourself. If you don't have a counselor, ask your physician for a recommendation. Frequently clinics that work with children and ADD will also have a program (though less developed) for adults.

Your counselor will suggest a course of treatment for you. This course will include physiological changes like diet, exercise, adjustments in sleeping, and psychological counseling. Additionally, a medication may be prescribed or recommended. The only FDA approved medication for Adult ADD is Strattera from Eli Lilly. However, Wellbutrin is another non-stimulant used in treating Adult ADD, depression, and even as a stop-smoking aid. Stimulant medications might include Ritalin or Concerta.

Your third step is to speak with your physician or family doctor. Get a complete physical, including blood work, to rule out or identify potential causes of your symptoms. In my case, a sleeping issue that I have was referred to a local clinic for a sleep study which revealed that I also have sleep apnea. The symptoms of sleep deprivation can sometimes mimic Adult ADD. Speak with your physician about the counselor's findings and recommendations. They should be willing to work with you on medication, particularly with the non-stimulant ones.

Now that you've received your diagnosis, it's time to do something about it. You have had changes suggested to you for your life, including such areas as diet, weight-loss, counseling, and medication. If you feel comfortable with the diagnosis and treatments, then get started. However, feel free to seek second or third opinions on this issue. You are your own best advocate. Speak up and challenge assumptions you are uncomfortable with. In the end it is your body and your mind that is being examined.

It is important to note that only a clinical psychologist, certified counselor, or physician is qualified to make an Adult ADD diagnosis. Feel free to take the tests, learn about the condition, and discuss the symptoms on internet boards. However, seek professional assistance before taking action.

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