ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (formerly known as ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder).

It is a neuropsychiatric disorder which may impair academic, occupational as well as social functioning. It may persist from childhood or emerge in an adult in a new environment such as going to college, starting a new job, or beginning a new relationship.

Do you have Adult ADD / ADHD?

If you find yourself consistently disorganized, late, forgetful, and overwhelmed by daily activities, it is possible you may be suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). More than 10% of adults or about 16 million Americans have been living with this condition since their childhood and may not even be aware of it. ADHD affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain, where all of our planning and decision-making functions occur. Left untreated, ADHD can hinder everything we do in our daily lives, from school to career to relationships.

Effective Treatment Exists

In general, stimulant medicines improve symptoms in about 70 out of 100 people who have ADHD. There are often quick and dramatic improvements in behavior.

Medications for ADHD

Most ADHD symptoms improve safely, quickly with effective medications. When patients experience the positive effect of medication for the first time, they feel profound relief. The result is so sudden and dramatic that it is frequently compared to the effect of putting on glasses and seeing clearly for the first time. Stimulants are believed to enhance the availability of the brain’s chemical messengers Dopamine and Norepinephrine.

These messengers play a role in behaviors like attention and movement. The stimulants include medications like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Focalin, and others. As long as stimulant medications are used as prescribed, they can alleviate symptoms safely.