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Treatment for adults with ADHD

Dear Dr. Roach: There is an extensive history of ADHD in my family. My son, who was formally diagnosed at 8 and is now 14, has just started taking meds. His transition to high school was difficult to manage. In looking at my own history, I can see the same patterns in my behavior (poor grades in school although identified as very intelligent, poor motivation, losing things constantly, forgetting things easily and being very easily distracted). I have been fairly successful at work by using coping mechanisms such as making lists and keeping everything perfectly organized; however, if one thing slips out of place, I see the behaviors come right back. It is noticeable enough for co-workers to comment (albeit nicely). I have recently turned down promotions because I felt I could not handle the newer workload. I am 48 years old. Am I too old to start meds for this condition? — M.F.

Answer: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common condition, affecting about 4 percent of adults in the U.S. The condition certainly may have been undiagnosed when you were a child and teen. I have had many adult patients who, after being diagnosed, got treatment and saw improved function.

The first step is establishing a correct diagnosis. The World Health Organization has created a self-administered screening test (available at add.org/adhd-test/) which can give an idea whether consulting an expert is reasonable.

I can’t comment on what the appropriate treatment might be. Medication is one option, but so is psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy.

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