What is the Reality of Signs of ADD in Adults?

ByPrimary Researcher

Executive Summary

  • ADD, or ADHD diagnoses continue to rise.
  • What tends to be undiscussed regarding the medical establishment of ADHD and Signs of ADD in Adults?

Introduction

If you search for the term Signs of ADD in Adults, in most cases, you will be taken by Google to some of the biggest medical information websites. The problem is that all of these websites have undisclosed financial conflicts with pharmaceuticals that make ADHD medications. Reading these websites will promote the Signs of ADD in Adults, and following their advice will, in many cases, result in being prescribed ADHD medications.

We have no financial conflicts or other connections to drug companies or medical establishments. We will use our independence to review some of the information on Signs of ADD in Adults from these websites.

How Does the Term ADD Differ From the Term ADHD?

It is a natural question to ask, what is the difference between ADD and ADHD symptoms in adults?

ADD is simply an older term and euphemism for ADHD. This article discusses ADD, but it is used interchangeably with ADHD, so really, Signs of ADHD in adults are the same as signs fo ADD in adults.

The medical profession has made a big deal about the distinction between these terms, but they both describe a lack of attention. The difference in the terms is that the word hyperactive was added (the H). However, this was not an improvement in the term because not all types of ADHD are hyperactive. Therefore, if a type of ADHD is not hyperactive, why is the term ADHD still used?

Thus, the medical establishment’s explanation for why ADHD is superior to ADD or simply “attention disorder” does not make much sense. Yet, ADHD is now the term under which attention issues are classified.

How Does Adult ADHD Differ from Childhood or Teen ADHD?

The following explanation of adult ADHD from an article at AdultADHD would greatly expand the number of adults diagnosed with the condition.

Adults with ADHD are likely to show more restraint due to their higher level of maturity and social conditioning, but the inner restlessness remains and may be re-channeled into activities like thrill-seeking behavior, alcohol, drug abuse, reckless driving, incursions with the law, overspending and other socially unacceptable behaviors.

Under this description, virtually any impulsive behavior could be related to ADHD. The explanation around adult ADHD is that it is nearly any performance issue, from poor organization to being forgetful.

Article Example #1: From Additude Magazine

The following quotes are from Additude.com.

False Claim #1: Researchers Have a Good Idea That a Gene Controls ADHD?

ADHD is a brain-based, biological disorder that, according to research, is likely genetic. Researchers suspect that a gene involved in the creation of dopamine, a chemical that controls the brain’s ability to maintain regular and consistent attention, may be traced back to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). In other words, it is not caused by bad parenting, too much sugar, or too many video games.

Notice how this paragraph is written. Everything is related to “suspecting.”

This paragraph is written this way because there is no proof this is true. However, why are people being placed on drugs which claim to address the biological issue if it is only suspected?

The information on the growth in ADHD is better for children than for adults, so let us review the growth for children in the US.

Look at the growth in ADHD diagnosis and drug treatment in less than 20 years. If ADHD is being diagnosed broadly, why hasn’t research determined the reason for ADHD?  Adult ADHD diagnoses are also greatly increased in the past 20 years. 

False Claim #2: ADHD is a Proven Neurological Condition?

ADHD is a neurological condition defined by a consistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactive impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning in at least two settings – for example, at school and at home.

This is also not true.

Psychiatrists would like this to be true — however, the medical establishment has not been able to point to the neurological condition.

False Claim #3: ADHD Diagnoses and Determining ADHD Symptoms is a Complicated Process?

Pursuing an ADHD diagnosis can be a complicated process. ADHD is a nuanced neurological condition with three distinct subtypes — inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type — and there is no one test that determines whether ADHD is present in an adult or a child. A professional diagnosis usually follows symptom tests and interviews, a thorough medical history, and evaluations for conditions commonly diagnosed alongside ADD – including oppositional defiant disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, mood disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.

This is not true.