Attention Deficit Disorder

Counseling Center

Attention Deficit Disorder

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, “The essential feature of [ADHD] is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development (Criterion A)” (DSM-IV-TR, 2000, p. 85). Although historically thought of as a childhood disorder, recent research indicates that approximately 50% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. Of the adults previously diagnosed with ADHD, “approximately one-third…progress satisfactorily into their adult years, another one-third continues to experience some problems, while the final third continues to experience and often develops significant problems” (Goldstein & Ellison, 2002, p. 27). Further, ADHD is often accompanied by other difficulties, such as substance abuse, depression, interpersonal/social problems, and academic and/or work difficulties.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is often very difficult, even for experienced professionals. The symptoms can appear very similar to symptoms of other diagnosable conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, etc.), and they can be the result of excessive stress, having too many demands without adequate resources or time to complete them, unrealistically high demands of oneself, and/or performance (or, in an academic setting, test) anxiety. In addition, there has been growing concern about health risks as well as the over-prescribing of certain medications to treat ADHD. For these reasons, ADHD should only be diagnosed by a qualified, experienced professional, and only after a thorough evaluation.

Recent research suggests that the most effective treatment of ADHD involves medication combined with some form of psychotherapy. Because individuals respond in their own unique way to medication depending upon their physical make-up, severity of symptoms, associated conditions, and other factors, it is not uncommon for different medications at different dosages are tried before the most effective drug and dosage are found. Careful monitoring should be done by a physician in collaboration with the teacher, therapist, parents, spouse, and patient.

Help at SIUC

Disability Support Services (DSS), Woody Hall, Room B-150, 618-453-5738,
Student Health Center, Medical—Mental Health Clinic. 1st Floor, Student Health Center, 618-453-4346
Clinical Center Achieve Program, Mail Code 6832, Southern Illinois University, 618-453-2369,
Office of Supplemental Instruction, Woody Hall, Room A-210, 618-453-2422

Links to Additional Resources

CHADD:Children and Adults with AD/HD

Attention Deficit Disorder Association

AD/HD in Adults

AD/HD: Pointers for College Students

LD Online

National Resource Center on AD/HD

National Center for Learning Disabilities

Comments: Webmaster