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Some of the diseases and physical ailments we experience are readily apparent to family and friends while others are more hidden or discreet. This is even true when discussing various conditions impacting the mind. One that can sometimes be more obvious to onlookers than the person experiencing the malaise is ADHD.

Though the symptoms of attention deficit disorder may seem obviously apparent, the disorder often goes undiagnosed in adults. People dealing with it might be constantly fidgeting, easily aggravated, chronically impatient or unable to focus on a task. They may jump from activity to activity or have trouble concentrating.

But are these the symptoms of a youngster suffering from ADHD? No, they’re the evidences of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. And though Adult ADHD is extremely prevalent amongst adults, particularly those who suffered from the disorder as a child, it’s often either difficult to spot or attributed to stress or immaturity. To find out more about this disorder, including how it’s treated and it’s symptoms, read on.

Prevalence of Adult ADHD

About 1 to 2% of adult men and women, or roughly 5 million Americans, have problems maintaining attention or controlling their movements and impulses. ADHD refers to a spectrum of difficulties in restraining motion and paying attention.

Unfortunately, the symptoms they suffer from are often harder to spot and will be missed by doctors and even the patient themselves.

The Symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

-Restlessness, fidgeting and squirming

-Inability to engage in a focused activity such as reading

-An inability to remember small details and constantly being distracted

-Difficulty focusing on conversations or speeches, particularly at work

-Difficulty waiting, extreme irritation when stuck in traffic

-Daily or hourly mood swings, ranging from depression or discontent to cheerfulness and excitement

-Disorganization, inability to finish tasks

-Difficulty solving problems or managing time

-Aggressive or irritable personality reflected in a hot and easily flared temper

-Impulsiveness in decision making and in starting or ending relationships

-Low tolerance for stress and otherwise ordinary hassles

-Clumsiness, poor body image, little sense of direction

-Immaturity

Instead of running around the room, breaking things and throwing toys on the floor like a child with ADHD may do, an adult with the disorder will simply constantly be in motion. They’ll often tap their feet, fidget with their hands or move around in their chair.

Getting Help With the Adult Onset

There are support groups and medical professionals out there who can help you get treatment for your disorder. You can try contacting physicians in your area that work with children suffering from ADHD or you call the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. They can often refer individuals to qualified and experienced professionals in their area.

And remember, though the symptoms of attention deficit disorder may seem similar to those often associated with stress, adults need to be serious about attending to this often debilitating disorder. It can be treated – and with the right drug treatment program administered by an experienced doctor, having adult ADHD treated is a life-changing experience.