Adult ADD Drug Use Increasing
Today more and more adults are looking at their newly diagnosed ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) children and seeing a bit of themselves in the symptoms. More and more parents are looking at the ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) advertising aimed toward adults and putting the pieces of a distracted childhood into perspective. And today, more and more adults are flocking to the doctors office looking for help in managing their ADD symptoms.
Recent Statistics:
* According to recently released data from Medco Health Solutions, one of the countries largest prescription benefit manager, adult use of ADD medications has doubled since the year 2000. Children are nipping closely at the heels of adults, with an increase in ADHD drug use of 56 percent during the same time.
* Women between the ages of 20 and 44 lay claim to the fastest growing segment, with use of prescription ADD drugs up 113 percent.
* Prescription ADD drug use increased 104 percent for women between the ages of 45 and 64.
* Adult women outpaced men in ADD drug use in both age categories.
* Spending on ADD drugs quadrupled.
According to IMS Health, a pharmaceutical information and consulting firm, sales of ADHD drugs soared from $759 million in 2000 to $3.1 billion in 2004. As drug makers continue to make receive approval specifically to market to adults, the market for ADHD drugs could easily double.
Doctors currently treat about 1 percent of adults, which translates to nearly 1.5 million Americans aged 20 and older who take ADHD medicine. These figures, as well as other studies, dispel the earlier beliefs that children with ADHD would outgrow their ADD by adolescence. It is estimated that about 50 percent of adults still have problems with ADHD that affect their present functioning. And now, many are staying on their medication beyond adolescence.
What exactly is ADD and ADHD?
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) or Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, a short attention span, and often hyperactivity, and interfering especially with academic, occupational, and social performance. Attention Deficit Disorder, which is more commonly diagnosed in children, has become a growing problem in the workplace. Chances are, if you work in an office setting, you've spotted a few of them. They may have symptoms that include fidgeting, difficulty staying “on task” and missed deadlines. The ADHD adult might seem uncomfortable at meetings that require sitting still for extended periods of time. Their desks are often in disarray and interrupting colleagues is a common annoyance.
According to a study conducted this year by the Harvard Medical School, Attention Deficit can have a very significant economic impact on employees. According to this study, household income for high school graduates with ADHD is almost $11,000 less than a person without ADHD. And college graduates who suffer from ADHD have an income nearly $4,000 less than their counter parts.
Adequate treatment can greatly improve many facets of the ADHD adult's life, including relationships, parenting skills, job performance and even sex lives. That said, ADHD treatment does not always include the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Using natural approaches to treat ADHD are highly suggested for adults who have tried the ADHD drugs to little satisfaction, adults with a history of drug or alcohol abuse and adults who simply want a more healthful and less damaging way of managing their health.
If you or someone you love experiences problems with impulsivity, disorganization, procrastination and hyperactivity and other symptoms from the following list that significantly impact daily life, seek out a treatment plan to alleviate the problems. You won’t be sorry.
I am an adult, how do I know if I suffer from ADD?
Below is an adult symptom test with a symptom list unique to the Attention Deficit Disorder adult. This self symptom test is not a diagnostic test but a source of information for the adult trying to determine if Attention Deficit Disorder might be present in their adult life:
An internal sense of anxiety.
Impulsive spending habits.
Frequent distractions during sex.
Frequently misplace the car keys, your purse or wallet or other day-to-day items.
Lack of attention to detail.
Family history of ADD, learning problems, mood disorders or substance abuse problems.
Trouble following the proper channels or chain of commands.
An attitude of "read the directions when all else fails."
Frequent traffic violations.
Impulsive job changes.
Trouble maintaining an organized work and/or home environment.
Chronically late or always in a hurry.
Frequently overwhelmed by tasks of daily living.
Poor financial management and frequent late bills.
Procrastination.
Spending excessive time at work due to inefficiencies.
Inconsistent work performance.
Sense of underachievement.
Frequent mood swings.
Trouble sustaining friendships or intimate relationships.
A need to seek high stimulation activities.
Tendency toward exaggerated outbursts.
Transposing numbers, letters, words.
Tendency toward being argumentative.
Addictive personality toward food, alcohol, drugs, work and/or gambling.
Tendency to worry needlessly and endlessly.
"Thin-skinned" - having quick or exaggerated responses to real or imagined slights.
How is Adult Attention Deficit Disorder treated?
The Attention Deficit Disorder adult can find help naturally without the side effects of ADHD medication by incorporating diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications.
Regular and vigorous exercise can be very helpful for the Attention Deficit Disorder adult. To keep the brain functioning at top performance, an ADHD diet packed with brain boosting essential fatty acids and amino acids is a must. The ADD adult can also meet these crucial dietary requirements for Attention Deficit Disorder by taking a high-quality nutritional supplement to ensure that they are giving the brain the fuel it needs to function properly.
An adult with Attention Deficit Disorder might find it beneficial to enlist the help of a coach. A coach is a close and trusted friend, co-worker or therapist whose specific function is to help the Attention Deficit Disorder adult stay organized, on track and focused while providing encouragement.
About the Author:
Jeannine Virtue is a journalist and freelance writer who focuses on health related issues. She created, researched and developed the "Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center", an online retail store, several years ago after her son was diagnosed with this syndrome. Visit www.add-adhd-help-center.com/ for indepth information, research, forums and effective natural treatments Jeannine has found over the years.
