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;
- Women between the ages of 20 and 44 lay claim to the fastest
growing segment, with use of prescription ADHD drugs up 113
percent.
- Prescription ADHD drug use increased 104 percent for women
between the ages of 45 and 64.
- Adult women outpaced men in ADHD drug use in both age
categories.
- Spending on ADHD drugs quadrupled.
According to IMS Health, a pharmaceutical information and
consulting firm, sales of ADHD drugs soared from $759 million in
2000 to $3.1 billion in 2004. As drug makers continue to develop
ADHD medications specifically for adults, the market
for ADHD drugs could easily double.
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.
If you or someone you love experiences problems with
impulsivity, disorganization, procrastination and hyperactivity
and other symptoms from the following list that significantly
impact daily life, seek out a treatment plan to alleviate the
problems. You won’t be sorry.
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.
_ Frequent distractions during sex.
_ Frequently misplace the car keys, your purse or wallet or
other day-to-day items.
_ Lack of attention to detail.
_ Family history of ADD, learning problems, mood disorders or
substance abuse problems.
_ Trouble following the proper channels or chain of commands.
_ An attitude of "read the directions when all else fails."
_ Frequent traffic violations.
_ Impulsive job changes.
_ Trouble maintaining an organized work and/or home environment.
_ Chronically late or always in a hurry.
_ Frequently overwhelmed by tasks of daily living.
_ Poor financial management and frequent late bills.
_ Procrastination.
_ Spending excessive time at work due to inefficiencies.
_ Inconsistent work performance.
_ Sense of underachievement.
_ Frequent mood swings.
_ Trouble sustaining friendships or intimate relationships.
_ A need to seek high stimulation activities.
_ Tendency toward exaggerated outbursts.
_ Transposing numbers, letters, words.
_ Tendency toward being argumentative.
_ 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.
The Attention Deficit Disorder adult can
find help naturally without the side effects of ADHD medication by incorporate diet, exercise and
lifestyle modifications.
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.
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.
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