Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of thosemental healthconditions that has become cultural shorthand in a prettyinappropriateway.
Not only that, it can further isolate those whodohave ADHD, since theyre often already misunderstood.
These differences were most obvious in children, but still existed for adults.
Hero Images/Getty Images
ADHD usually evokes images of children with boundless energy.
Whilechildrencan certainly have ADHD, this disorder can last well into adulthood.
In some cases, it may not even be diagnosed until adulthood.
That amounts to about 6.4 million kids in this age range.
Thats about 4 percent of the U.S. adult population, per2016 Census data.
Clearly, ADHD doesnt just go away once someone hits adulthood.
If youve been feeling particularly unmotivated at work for a few days, odds are its not ADHD.
(A child would need to experience at least six of each.)
You would also need to have experiencedthe symptoms, which youll find below, for at least six months.
In reality, being properly diagnosed requires diligent testing that includes an often lengthy evaluation.
So can learning disabilities.
The roots of the disorder have to lie in childhood, Dr. Adler says.
This starts in childhood.
This trend can continue into adulthood, too.
On the flip side, people without much of a strong family history can also have ADHD.
But there are lots of ways to get a handle on ADHD and live a great life.
There really is good help out there, Dr. Adler says.
CBT involves modifying negative behaviors, emotions, or thoughts.
The gold standard in ADHD medication is drugs likeAdderallthat include stimulants such as amphetamines.
Sometimes doctors will prescribeantidepressantsalone or in conjunction with stimulants, since they can also treat ADHD symptoms.
In our technology-obsessed world, its easy to lose focus.
With that said, technology can definitely exacerbate ADHD, Dr. Adler says.
That can make it easier to miss the fact that a person has ADHD.
Life is much more complex than doing things that you want, Dr. Adler says.
Drugs like Adderall can truly work for people.
For people without it, though, these stimulants act like straight up…well, stimulants.
The study authors examined data from three national surveys on stimulant prescriptions and stimulant-related emergency room visits.
They just make you believe that your cognitive powers are better.
