September 27, 2005 – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is no longer just for school children. Thousands of adults also suffer from it, usually without knowing it.
ADHD in adults was first diagnosed about ten years ago. In the book My brain still needs glasses, published recently, Dr. Annick Vincent, psychiatrist at the Robert-Giffard Hospital Center, demystifies this problem still poorly understood by the general public and health professionals.
She explains, for example, that 4% of American adults suffer from ADHD, but that only 10% of them would be treated. How to recognize the symptoms? People affected show emotional hypersensitivity, impulsiveness, intolerance to the daily routine. They are thrill seekers and have difficulty starting and completing tasks.
Many adults are not diagnosed until they see a professional for their child’s ADHD. In fact, ADHD is transmitted from one generation to the next, according to scientific studies.
Pharmacological treatment for adults is similar to that for children, namely the usual drugs (Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, Strattera) at the appropriate doses. On the side of unconventional treatments, neurofeedback would have some effectiveness. Homeopathy, massage therapy and the Tomatis method should also be considered.
The number of adults diagnosed with ADHD is likely to increase over the next few years as healthcare professionals are able to recognize the symptoms.
It should be noted that children with ADHD see their symptoms persist and sometimes become even more disturbing in adulthood.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Medical news.
