by Tricia Gordon

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

ADHD can wreak havoc in the lives of those who have it, and those living with those that have it. It pervades every aspect of one's life, both personally and socially. It can strain relationships, sometimes to the breaking point.

The symptoms of ADHD are numerous and variable, and include two types: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. Some of the symptoms of inattention include forgetfulness, distractibility, and disorganization. Symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsiveness include incessant fidgeting, restlessness, talking too much, and interrupting others. While an official diagnosis must be from a professional, there are self-tests for ADHD to help determine if there is, in fact, a real problem. These self-rating scales can be found (often at no charge) on many mental health websites, or from community resources, such as the local Department of Mental Health.

The problems people with ADHD face can range from minor nuisance to dangerous outburst. Frequently interrupting others, butting into conversations or games when not invited, or answering someone before he or she has finished asking a question, are among the more annoying behaviors of those with ADHD. Such behaviors can cause others to avoid their company, leaving them socially isolated. Other behaviors can be more serious. Problems with impulsivity can lead to dangerous, even fatal consequences, as in cases of major road rage. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent such problems.

The most common treatments for ADHD are therapy and medication. Things like behavioral therapy, used to help patients identify and modify their troubling behaviors, and Social Skills Training, used to teach patients more appropriate social behaviors, can help people with ADHD to have more positive interactions and minimize problems. Medication is another way to do this. Medications for ADHD can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity, giving one better control over one's behavior. Ritalin is one of the oldest drugs used to treat ADHD. Other stimulants, like Dexedrine, Adderall, and Concerta, have become available in longer-lasting doses, eliminating the drawback of multiple dosing throughout the day.

Although the majority of people diagnosed with ADHD struggle with the disorder their entire life, there is hope. Advances in medicine have helped the disorder to become completely manageable; and as medical science improves, so does the prognosis of people afflicted with ADHD.

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