ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurological condition that affect both children and adults. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, general restlessness, and/or impulsivity. Adults with attention problems frequently make the following observations:
"I
can't stand waiting"
"I'm always late"
"I'm
constantly losing things"
"I'm bored easily"
"I
can't concentrate"
"I'm easily distracted"
"I
don't plan ahead"
"I'm unsure of myself"
"I
haven't lived up to my potential"
"I can handle only one thing at a time"
In addition, many adults with ADHD experience problems with memory, anxiety, and/or depression. Also, difficulties with relationships, a lack of advancement in one's career, an unstable job history, substance abuse problems, and a general pattern of obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, are frequently seen in adult ADHD. Furthermore, adults with the disorder often suffer from low self-esteem arising from a long history of difficulty meeting life goals.
What causes ADHD?The causes of ADHD are not fully understood. There is little doubt, however, that the disorder is highly hereditary. Also, head injury, premature birth, low birth weight, and prenatal exposure to smoking or alcohol are risk factors for ADHD. No well-controlled research supports the notion that ADHD stems from watching too much television, family chaos, sugar intake, or food additives.
What is the prevalence of ADHD?
Research indicates that 10 to 15 percent of adults might experience attention problems at some point in their lives, and approximately 4 to 6 percent of adults meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. Boys are 3 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, perhaps because girls with the disorder are more likely to be inattentive and not hyperactive, and not come to the attention of parents and teachers. However, among adults, 2 men are diagnosed for every 1.5 women who meet criteria.
What is the Clinic for Adult Attention Problems?
The Clinic for Adult Attention Problems (CAAP) is a multidisciplinary specialty clinic within the Baylor Psychiatry Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine. The primary mission of the clinic is to provide exemplary patient care through state-of-the-art assessment and treatment and to expand knowledge through research. The clinic is staffed by Baylor faculty, including:
A. Timothy
Butcher, M.Div., Ph.D.,
CAAP Director
Kristin Kassaw, M.D.,
CAAP Medical Director
George Ringholz, M.D., Ph.D.,
Neurologist/Neuropsychologist
Lois Friedman, Ph.D.,
Clinical psychologist
Assessment Services:
The Clinic for Adult Attention Problems provides comprehensive assessment services for adults experiencing attention problems (ages 16 and up) as described above.
Treatment Services:
Although ADHD cannot be cured, the symptoms of the disorder can be effectively
managed with the proper combination of treatments. Research has overwhelmingly
demonstrated that greatest improvement results from combined use of medication
and psychotherapy/coaching. However, just as there is no single test to
diagnose ADHD in adults, no single treatment approach is appropriate for
all adults with attention problems. For this reason, the multidisciplinary
CAAP staff uses assessment data to carefully tailor medical and behavioral
treatments to each patient's unique needs. For many, it can be healing
simply to receive the diagnosis and understand that many of their past
difficulties can be understood as fallout from this neurobehavioral condition.
Liaison Services:
Many adults with ADHD qualify for academic and/or occupational accommodations
under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This law prohibits
discrimination in academic and employment settings against individuals
with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more
major life activities--including learning and working.
