ADD Diagnosis Can Spell Relief for Adults With Attention Problems

Adults who are forgetful, impulsive, easily frustrated and disorganized often stumble through life not realizing they have a treatable condition-attention deficit disorder.

"ADD was long considered a developmental disorder that children outgrew during adolescence," said Tim Butcher, co-director of the new Clinic for Adult Attention Problems at Baylor College of Medicine. "But now we know that simply is not true. ADD is a brain-based problem that can, and often does, persist into adulthood."

Although adults with ADD rarely exhibit the hyperactivity often associated with the disorder, they do tend to be easily bored and anxious, suffer from low self-esteem and have difficulty controlling their emotions and managing day-to-day responsibilities. This lifelong struggle can undermine their ability to achieve goals such as a solid career and close interpersonal relationships. And while some may seek psychiatric assistance, few have had their underlying attention disorder recognized or treated in the past.

"The treatment of adults with attention deficit disorder is relatively new to psychiatry," Butcher said. "But after watching children with ADD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder continue to struggle in college and later in life, we knew we needed to help."

The Clinic for Adult Attention Problems uses a team approach involving psychiatrists and psychologists who use a battery of screening and diagnostic evaluations to identify the underlying attention problem, which could also include learning disabilities, depression, and anxiety.

Butcher said that some adults seen at the Baylor clinic were diagnosed with ADD or ADHD as children, but were taken off their medication during adolescence and told they no longer had the condition. Others, particularly women, missed being diagnosed in childhood because, despite being "day dreamers," they did well in a structured environment and performed well on exams.

"Most busy people can have periods when they are frustrated, forgetful or have trouble concentrating. But for individuals with ADD, it's a lifelong and often lonely struggle," Butcher said.

Treatment for adults with ADD can include medication, time management and organizational skills training, family education, and individual, couples and family psychotherapy.

"Counseling helps family members understand how personal interactions might be affected when the adult with ADD begins to respond to their therapy, which is essential if family members are to be supportive," he said.

"For many adults with ADD, just knowing that they don't have a character flaw, but a treatable disorder, can be a life-changing revelation," Butcher said.

The Clinic for Adult Attention Problems may be reached by calling 713-798-4857.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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