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ADHD in Adults vs Children
Overview:
The Difference in Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can be more subtle in adults than in children
A common misconception is that ADHD affects only children
60% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults
ADHD symptoms can create challenges in everyday life
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ADHD in Adults vs Children
The Difference in Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can be more subtle in adults than in children
A common misconception is that ADHD affects only children
60% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults
ADHD symptoms can create challenges in everyday life
You get distracted at work—your child has trouble paying attention at school. You forget to pay your bills—your child forgets to do chores. They symptoms of ADHD may affect you differently, but the cause may be the same. Like your child, it's possible that you could have ADHD.
The core ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity behavior are the same for adults as for children. But these symptoms are often more subtle in adults. Hyperactivity, in particular, is generally less common in adults. While children with ADHD may be in constant motion, adults are more likely to have trouble relaxing.
Some people think that ADHD only affects children. But the truth is, while ADHD always begins in childhood, the symptoms frequently continue into adult life. Approximately 60% of children with ADHD continue to have ADHD symptoms as adults. It is estimated that only 25% of ADHD cases are diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. And even fewer are treated.
All people display ADHD symptoms from time to time. So the guidelines for diagnosing a child or adult with ADHD are very specific. For children, the symptoms must occur more frequently than in other children the same age. And for adults, the symptoms must persist from childhood and create everyday challenges. ADHD symptoms must cause significant difficulty in at least 2 areas of life, such as school, home, work, or social settings.
Not everyone with ADHD has every symptom, or experiences the symptoms of ADHD to the same degree. The symptoms of ADHD can create difficulties in everyday life.
CONCERTA® can help you manage the everyday challenges of ADHD. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, ask your healthcare professional about treatment with CONCERTA®.
CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talk to your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.
CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA®; significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.
Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs; has had any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, or seizure. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child: develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal or extreme moods and/or excessive activity; or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®. Your child's healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® treatment if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.
Stimulants may impair the ability of the patient to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles. Caution should be used accordingly until you are reasonably certain that CONCERTA® does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.
The most common adverse reaction (>5%) reported in children and adolescents was upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) reported in adults were dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and insomnia.
CONCERTA® and OROS® are registered trademarks of ALZA Corporation
© Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2009. All rights reserved.
This site is published by McNeil Pediatrics™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site and its contents are intended for USA audiences only.
Questions or comments? Call 1-888-440-7903
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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What is ADHD