Adult Attention Deficit Disorder - Essay Example

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder 11/23/2009 Being focused on to the important aspects of life is one of the main functions of the brain. In some diseases or disorders this special function of the brain is either lost or diminished. One such disorder which diminishes the functions of the brain is the Attention Deficit Disorder. This disorder was initially considered to affect only children but this is a misconception as this disorder is also noticed amongst adults. This essay will focus upon the Adult Attention Deficit hyperactive disorder. Attention Deficit Disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition in which an individual is not able to concentrate or focus on a single aspect for a longer time. This leads to a lack of attention and it affects activities of an individual in everyday life. This essay would further revolve around the different psychological aspect of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder putting forward the characteristics of the disorder along with great emphasis on the medical treatment and other related issues. To be very particular this work will focus upon the therapies available for this condition (Grosenbach 2000 & Whiteman et al 1995) Keywords: Neuropsychiatric, treatment, brain, adults Adult Attention Deficit Disorder As the name implies adult attention deficit disorder is a psychological condition in which adults have a lack of attention and concentration on one particular thing. ADD usually occurs because of the impairment of the functions of the brain. Neurotransmitters which help in transmitting signals to and from the neurons are usually affected in this type of disorder which usually affects the chemical functions of the brain. Usually the adults who suffer from this disorder have been diagnosed previously in their childhood with the problems of attentiveness. The signs and symptoms of the disorder in the adult usually include anxiety, irritability, lack of concentration and having difficulties while trying to complete organized work. The individual would not be able to decide on his own self and would naturally want the help of others while completing the tasks in his life (Whiteman et al 1995 & Grosenbach 2000). All these things can have adverse effects on the life on the individual because of which the individual might even catch diseases. It has also been found that adults who ADD usually cannot tend to learn things in the same time as the normal individuals can. It is also seen that these individuals are not able to take care of themselves and they might face problems while choosing things for themselves. This can lead to problems if these individuals consume goods which are not hygienic for them and it would lead to other diseases. Individuals with the ADD are also not able to complete their tasks, activities and goals in their lives. It is normally seen that these individuals usually tend to make a mess of whatever work they are carrying out. Moreover these adults are also not seen to be successful in relationships as it is very difficult for these individuals to relate themselves to others (Grosenbach 2000). The basic component of this essay is the form of the treatment which has been designed for these people. It is normally seen that the individuals who suffer from ADD are not able to cope up with their cognitive skills with medications (Kassler et al 2008). And so in order to help these individuals cope up in life social therapies are suggested to these adults which can help them to excel in their life. These social therapies focus on the closest member of the family or friend to these individuals or to a group of professionals who can improve the individual’s condition. The goal of these social therapies is to encourage the adults suffering from ADD so that these individuals can have moral support and self confidence (Ackerman et al 2008) Through these therapies the impulsive behaviors of these individuals are controlled, their time schedule is managed, their goals are set up and they are relieved of the stress and anger. Talk Therapy, Marriage Therapy and Cognitive therapy are important therapies for these individuals. All these therapies can help the individual to cope up with the general problems that they are facing in their lives. Through talk therapy the individual is encouraged to participate in all the general activities of life even though if the individual is failing repeatedly in completing these activities. Marriage Therapy can help the individual to cope up with the problematic relationships that the adult is having. And finally cognitive therapy helps the person to realize his weaknesses and strengths (Kassler et al 2008 & Whiteman et al 1995). The person with ADD is generally demoralized all his life but through cognitive and behavioral therapy one can encourage these individuals regarding the problems they have faced all over their life. All these therapies altogether help to boost self confidence and motivate the individual to have faith in himself. Through these therapies the individual will be able to get over his emotional stress and would be able to lead a life which does not impair more of his brain functions (Ackerman et al 2008). Similarly coaching can also be prescribed to adults who are suffering with ADD. This coaching would help the individual to prioritize his life according to his requirements and manage his time accordingly so that the activities which he previously could not do are now possible enough. Coaching is an alternative for the therapies but it might not be as efficient as the therapies are. These individuals can also be prescribed to keep a professional organizer who helps the individual to organize his things accordingly. He sees over every aspect of the individual’s life and then works as an accomplice of the individual so that he is not facing any problems in his life. Lastly it can be seen that several support groups have been made only to support people who are suffering from such disorders. With the support of different individuals one can get relieved of the emotional stress that he possesses and can also learn about other individuals problems. Knowing the problems of others the person would get a sense of security as he will now feel that he is not the only individual who is facing such problems. Moreover in these support groups different strategies are also proposed by the group members, which can then be implemented by the adult suffering from ADD (Kassler et al 2008). Conclusion In conclusion it can be said that Attention Deficit Disorder is a disorder which is making things difficult for the adults who have it. But here again the disorder can be cured if relevant therapies and coaching is being used effectively (Whiteman et al 1995 & Kassler et al 2008). References Top of Form Grosenbach, M. (2000). Adult Attention Deficit Disorder: Clinical psychology approach. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 4 (3), 171-173. Bottom of Form Top of Form Neimeyer, R., Kazantzis, N., Kassler, D., Baker, K., & Fletcher, R. (2008). Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression Outcomes Predicted by Willingness to Engage in Homework, Compliance with Homework, and Cognitive Restructuring Skill Acquisition. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. 37 (4), 199-215. Bottom of Form Top of Form Zylowska, L., Ackerman, D., Yang, M., Futrell, J., Horton, N., Hale, T., et al. (2008). Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents With ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders. 11 (6), 737-746. Bottom of Form Top of Form Diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (1998). NIH Consensus Statement. 16 (2), 16-18.Bottom of Form Top of Form Whiteman, T., Novotni, M., & Petersen, R. (1995). Adult ADD: A reader friendly guide to identifying, understanding, and treating adult attention deficit disorder. Colorado Springs, Colo: Pinon Press. Bottom of Form Read More