Adult ADHD Drug Use Skyrockets
Adult ADHD Drug Use Skyrockets
The Strattera television depicted a distracted man forgetting
his car keys, arriving late to appointments and failing to
complete work assignments on time. In the forefront of many
adults' minds was, "Yeah, I can relate."
Today more and more adults are looking at their newly diagnosed
ADHD children and seeing a bit of themselves in the symptoms.
More and more adults are looking at the ADHD advertising aimed
toward adults and putting the pieces of a distracted childhood
into perspective. And today, more and more adults are flocking
to the doctors office looking for help in managing their ADHD
symptoms.
In fact, according to recently released data from Medco Health
Solutions, one of the countries largest prescription benefit
manager, adult use of ADHD medications has doubled since the
year 2000.
Children are nipping closely at the heels of adults, with an
increase in ADHD drug use of 56 percent during the same time.
Additionally, the Medco data also revealed the following; _
Spending on ADHD drugs quadrupled. _ Prescription ADHD drug use
increased 104 percent for women between the ages of 45 and 64. _
Women between the ages of 20 and 44 lay claim to the fastest
growing segment, with use of prescription ADHD drugs up 113
percent. _ Adult women outpaced men in ADHD drug use in both age
categories.
Doctors currently treat about 1 percent of adults, which
translates to nearly 1.5 million Americans aged 20 and older who
take ADHD medicine. These figures, as well as other studies,
dispel the earlier beliefs that children with ADHD would outgrow
their ADD by adolescence. It is estimated that about 50 percent
of adults still have problems with ADHD that affect their
present functioning. And now, many are staying on their
medication beyond adolescence.
Attention Deficit Disorder, which is more commonly diagnosed in
children, has become a growing problem in the workplace. Chances
are, if you work in an office setting, you've spotted a few of
them. They may have symptoms that include fidgeting, difficulty
staying "on task" and missed deadlines. The ADHD adult might
seem uncomfortable at meetings that require sitting still for
extended periods of time. Their desks are often in disarray and
interrupting colleagues is a common annoyance.
According to a study conducted this year by the Harvard Medical
School, Attention Deficit can have a very significant economic
impact on employees. According to this study, household income
for high school graduates with ADHD is almost $11,000 less than
a person without ADHD. And college graduates who suffer from
ADHD have an income nearly $4,000 less than their counter parts.
Adequate treatment can greatly improve many facets of the ADHD
adult's life, including relationships, parenting skills, job
performance and even sex lives. That said, ADHD treatment does
not always include the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Using
natural approaches to treat ADHD are highly suggested for adults
who have tried the ADHD drugs to little satisfaction, adults
with a history of drug or alcohol abuse and adults who simply
want a more healthful and less damaging way of managing their
health.
Below is an adult symptom test with a symptom list unique to the
Attention Deficit Disorder adult. Test yourself with this self
symptom test, along with the Attention Deficit Disorder symptom
test for children. This self symptom test is not a diagnostic
test but a source of information for the adult trying to
determine if Attention Deficit Disorder might be present in
their adult life.
_ An internal sense of anxiety. _ Impulsive spending habits. _
Lack of attention to detail. _ Family history of ADD, learning
problems, mood disorders or substance abuse problems. _ Frequent
distractions during sex. _ Frequently misplace the car keys,
your purse or wallet or other day-to-day items. _ Trouble
following the proper channels or chain of commands. _ An
attitude of "read the directions when all else fails." _ Trouble
maintaining an organized work and/or home environment. _
Chronically late or always in a hurry. _ Frequent traffic
violations. _ Impulsive job changes. _ Frequently overwhelmed by
tasks of daily living. _ Poor financial management and frequent
late bills. _ Inconsistent work performance. _ Sense of
underachievement. _ Procrastination. _ Spending excessive time
at work due to inefficiencies. _ Frequent mood swings. _ Trouble
sustaining friendships or intimate relationships. _ Transposing
numbers, letters, words. _ Tendency toward being argumentative.
_ A need to seek high stimulation activities. _ Tendency toward
exaggerated outbursts. _ Addictive personality toward food,
alcohol, drugs, work and/or gambling. _ Tendency to worry
needlessly and endlessly. _ "Thin-skinned" - having quick or
exaggerated responses to real or imagined slights.
If you or someone you love experiences ADHD other symptoms that
significantly impact daily life, seek out a treatment plan to
alleviate the problems. You won't be sorry.
Keep in mind though that treatment does not necessarily have to
include the use of pharmaceutical drugs, which can have negative
and potentially serious side effects. The Attention Deficit
Disorder adult can find help naturally without the side effects
of ADHD medication by incorporate diet, exercise and lifestyle
modifications.
An adult with Attention Deficit Disorder might find it
beneficial to enlist the help of a coach. A coach is a close and
trusted friend, co-worker or therapist whose specific function
is to help the Attention Deficit Disorder adult stay organized,
on track and focused while providing encouragement.
Regular and vigorous exercise can be very helpful for the
Attention Deficit Disorder adult. To keep the brain functioning
at top performance, an ADHD diet packed with brain boosting
essential fatty acids and amino acids is a must. The ADD adult
can also meet these crucial dietary requirements for Attention
Deficit Disorder by taking a high-quality nutritional supplement
to ensure that they are giving the brain the fuel it needs to
function properly.