Two studies revealed that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be diagnosed in adults for the first time. It also found that the condition's symptom can be mistaken with Alzheimer's and Dementia-like signs.
ADHD In Adults
ADHD is usually identified in children but the two types of research published in JAMA Psychiatry revealed it is possible to detect in adults, who have no hints of ADHD as a child. According to Wall Street Journal, ADHD can be identified in adults when they showed the condition's symptoms at the age of 12 years on younger, as found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Is Adult ADHD Different From ADHD In Children?
The symptoms of ADHD vary between adults and children, but it has the same effects in different areas, Reuters reported. In children, it can affect their school activity, family and friend relationships and while for adults; it can also disturb their school, occupation, marriage and even their driving, as per Stephen Faraone, SUNY Upstate Medical University researcher and author of the study.
The researchers traditionally see ADHD as a brain disorder that starts in the early days of a child. It is usually left behind when a kid matures, but some symptoms stay, WSJ added.
ADHD is distinguished as a condition of lack of concentration, impulsiveness or hyperactivity that can get in the way of the bearer's activities. However, it can be treated with proper medication, behavioral therapy or a combination of both.
Adult ADHD Symptoms Can Be Mistaken With Alzheimer's Or Dementia
Adult ADHD symptoms can look likely an early stage of Alzheimer's disease or Dementia. But, CBS New York reported its CBS 2's Dr. Max Gomez explained that it might be an unspotted ADHD.
Today, adult ADHD is a common condition that is often not detected and less than treated. It is important to tell apart early signs of Alzheimer's or Dementia and ADHD to give appropriate actions, medicines and therapies.
World Health Organization has an 18-symptom checklist that can point out the difference between adult ADHD and Alzheimer's or Dementia. Monitoring the patient's history and the background is a vital need to pinpoint what the real problem is.
