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| 1-ADD has only recently been recognized as an adult disability. 30-70% of children with ADD will continue to have symptoms in adulthood. It has been conservatively estimated that 2-5 million adults are affected by ADD. |
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| 2-It is now recognized that adults with ADD have similar symptoms as do children with ADD. Many adults with ADD were never diagnosed as children. |
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| 3-Diagnosing ADD in the adult requires an examination of childhood, academic and behavioral history. |
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| 4-ADD in adults is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. |
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| 5-Most adults with ADD are restless, easily distracted, have difficulty sustaining attention and concentrating, are impulsive and impatient, have frequent mood swings and short tempers, are disorganized and fail to plan ahead. |
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| 6-Adults with ADD often experience career difficulties. |
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| 7-On the other hand, adults who learn to adapt to their disability and to harness the energy and creativity that often accompanies ADD can thrive professionally. |
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| 8-Education is the first strategy for intervention. |
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| 9-Adults can benefit from learning to structure their environment |
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| 10-Psychostimulant medications can be effective with adults who have ADD. |
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| 11-A primary goal of therapy with an adult who has ADD is to build on success. |
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| 12-Other intervention strategies include: scheduling regular physical exercise; maintaining a sense of humor; eliminating negative self statements; avoiding, reducing or eliminating alcohol or drug use & enlisting a friend, relative or spouse to help finish tasks and remember commitments, and to provide feedback. |
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