Many adults recognize they may have problems with distractibility, procrastination, and seeing tasks through to completion. This may come to attention when their career changes. Suddenly faced with needing to deal with the same task for hours at a time, they become immobilized. They may or may not have had treatment for ADD during childhood or adolescence. When ADD is out of control, it can increase anxiety levels. Anxiety levels can decrease with the proper use of ADD medications.
The evaluation for ADD should be done carefully and with consideration for risks as well as benefits. We supplement the diagnostic evaluation with objective paper and pencil screening tests as well as with an interview. We take steps to note whether there are indications of heart disease. Use of medication information websites such as “drugs.com” can help a patient clarify whether they wish to proceed with ADD medicine treatment or not.
The official nomenclature includes terms such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) with or without hyperkinesis. However, many adults really do not experience much in the way of restlessness, and both terms ADD and ADHD are common in informal lay use.