My 12-year old son was recently diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Fortunately, medication and therapy are helpful for him. However, as I learn more about this disorder and the characteristics of those who have it, I’m beginning to recognize traits such as impatience and restlessness in myself. Is it possible that untreated childhood ADHD has followed me into my adult years? If so, are there unique treatment options available for adults?

You ask a very intriguing and insightful question, the answer to which has only recently been understood. The answer is YES, it is possible.

Let me explain. ADHD is a biologically-based, environmentally-influenced disorder. The biological underpinnings are believed to be in the genes. Once the specific gene is identified, the myths of ADHD being a result of character flaws, poor parenting or laziness will be dispelled. Given that a child’s genes are endowed by the mother and father, if a child has the gene for ADHD, then it is more than likely that gene also plagues the mother or father.

While adults with ADHD still have the core symptoms of the disorder, that is, inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, these symptoms are expressed differently in adults. For example, adults with ADHD are disorganized, have difficulty initiating and finishing projects, interrupt others when they are talking, or struggle with concentration. However, feelings of impatience and restlessness alone may not necessarily indicate ADHD. Identifying ADHD in adults is complicated because several other disorders such as depression, learning disabilities or thyroid disease have similar symptoms and can either disguise ADHD or cause a person to be misdiagnosed with ADHD. Visit your family practitioner, who may be able to answer your initial questions. Your doctor may then refer you to a neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in testing for the disorder. In the meantime, you may want to check out www.med.nyu.edu/Psych/training/adhd.html, which offers an Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale recently developed by researchers with New York University’s School of Medicine. This assessment tool allows you to consider the kinds of questions your physician may ask. Should the clinician inform you that you have ADHD, plan to gain control over the disorder.

Treatment interventions include education, behavioral therapy (tailored for each individual’s day-to-day activities) and medication. In fact, the FDA recently approved atomoxetine for treating ADHD in adults. Many adults have described the treatment of their ADHD as a turning point in their life, as they become more happy, productive and successful when the symptoms are controlled. Lucky for you, your 12-year-old son has given you some insight into your own genes. So maintain your "Open Mind" by educating yourself about the disorder, and then make an appointment with your primary care provider to explore your options.

David A. Duesenberg, M.D.
Staff psychiatrist, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center

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