Adult Add/Adhd

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ ADD))
Introduction
Attention Deficiency Hypersensitivity Disorder (ADHD), also known as Attention Efficiency Disorder (ADD), is a psychiatric abnormality that is characterized by a string of unappealing behaviors such as impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity (Ashley, 2005). Persons suffering from ADH are likely to have additional problems such as anxiety and sleep disorders. The disorder is often noticed at early ages with most cases being diagnosed among children of ages between six and twelve years. Among the most common symptom of ADHD are short attention span, restlessness and over-reactiveness, and impulsiveness (Jacobelli & Watson, 2008).
Although ADD/ADHD mostly affect children (below the age of 12), it can persist into their adulthood if not managed appropriately. According to Shea (2013), up to half of adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder had it as children. The persistent of ADHD into adulthood comes along with variation in symptoms. For example, while children experience hyperactivity and impulsiveness due to the disorder, adults experience restlessness and problems with interpersonal relations.
ADHD occurs in three types. The first type is Inattentive ADHD, which is characterized by impaired concentration. The second type is the hyper-impulsive ADHD, which is marked by excessive levels of activeness, and the third type is combined ADHD, which entails both the Inattentive and hyper-impulsive ADHD (Gordon, 2008).
Causes of ADD/ ADHD in Adults
As it is indicated by Rief (2013), the exact cause of ADHD has not yet been identified by specialists. Professionals have pointed out ADHD could come about because of many factors, which have nothing to do with effective parenting. Moreover, Herron (2008) suggests that many adults diagnosed with ADHD had the problem ever since when they were children. He continues to explain that the majority of adults suffering from ADHD had the symptoms of the infection as children, and persisted into their adulthood.
Nonetheless, some specialists had found out that genetic composition is a factor that leads to ADD/ADHD. As Jacobelli & Watson (2008) illuminates, children diagnosed with ADHD are four times more likely to have had relatives with the disorder. In addition, scientists have found out that; many people suffering from ADHD have lower levels of dopamine, which is a brain gene that is responsible for effective brain development. Hence, with lower levels of dopamine, one is more likely to have brain disorders, particularly ADHD. With reference to Peacock (2001), persons diagnosed with ADHD have specific genes with thinner brain tissues in brain areas that are responsible for attention. However, the research shows that children with these genes are likely to have ADHD subside with time, as their brains develop to normal thickness over time. Nevertheless, the thickness of the brain part responsible for attention may fail to significantly, change in some children, and this causes the persistent of ADHD into their adulthood (Peacock, 2001). Furthermore, researchers have found out that if one or both parents have ADHD, they are more likely to bear children with the same condition. This is evident from the fact that one-third of all parents (either father or mother, or both) who were diagnosed with ADHD at any stage of their lives bear children with ADHD (Peacock, 2001).
Some researchers have also found that nutrition and food plays a significant role in the prevalence of AHD among adults. For instance, Herron (2008) documents that certain components of the diet, such as sugar and food additives, can lead to drastic changes in behavior. As a result, one is likely to experience exacerbated ADHD. The research by Herron further suggests that inappropriate/excessive use of refined sugar may cause abnormal behaviors like restlessness and increased anxiety. Some studies also suggest that lack of Omega-3 fatty acids is likely to cause ADHD among adults (Marlow, 2001). The studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids are pivotal for effective brain development and function; hence, its deficiency may lead to multiple mental disorders including ADHD.
Environmental factors are equally responsible for the prevalence of ADHD among adults. As Gordon (2008) outlines, practices such as smoking during pregnancy can lead to ADHD among children and eventually persist into their adulthood. In addition, the exposure to such components increases the chances of contracting ADHD, either as a child or an adult (Gordon, 2008). Moreover, researchers suggest that the exposure to certain toxins, especially the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) and pesticides, may interfere with brain functionality; which subsequently leads to ADHD.
Brain injuries are also proven causes of ADHD in adults. The exposure to toxins and physical injuries is likely to affect the concentration span and overall brain functionality of a person. For example, Jacobelli & Watson (2008) documents that brain injuries are among the leading causes of ADHD among adults. They argue that head injuries lead to the damage of the frontal lobe, which consequently reduces the levels of attentiveness among adults. The frontal lobes of the brain are responsible for planning, problem sol...