Adults with ADD didn’t just develop it one day; it is something they have been living with since they were children. Roughly 11% of children in the United States between the ages of 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. This equals approximately 6.4 million children.

Statistically, boys are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. ADHD and ADD can also lead to other problems and interfere with the ability to learn and work if not treated and monitored. There are links between add and insomnia among other things.

A family practice doctor should be able to diagnose ADD if presented with the child in question. Getting the child treatment early will help the child get through school and learn the needed skills to get a job. One factor of treatment is teaching the children to cope with their ADD, so they can still accomplish tasks. This is essential for adults with ADD. If they did not learn to cope when they were young, it will be more of a struggle as an adult.

It is also important for adults with ADD to be clear with those around them what their condition is. ADD doesn?t mean they can?t hold down a job, get things done, or be successful. It does mean they go about a task differently; they may be disorganized, and they may have trouble focusing on one thing at a time.

However, many adults with ADD lead very successful lives. They’ve learned to cope with the disadvantages while utilizing the condition as well. Adults with ADD tend to be very creative; they have lots of ideas, and a comparable level of energy to go with those ideas.

In addition to learning coping mechanisms, there are also a number of medications adults with ADD can take to help alleviate symptoms of ADD. Medications that can help with focus and follow-through, but also with sleeping and eating regularly. Your family doctor can explain your options and the impact each option with have.

Medications to treat ADD can start with children and be monitored as the child grows into a young adult. Types of medications and dosages will likely need to be adjusted as the child ages, but a family medicine doctor should be able to make all needed adjustments and monitor the patient?s overall condition.