Lynne finally had enough and dragged the both of them to an appointment with a psychologist. His sister's child Sara had been diagnosed with ADD and was being treated with medication, but she was ten years old. What is not as commonly known is that approximately one half to two thirds of those children continue to have significant problems related to their ADD symptoms into adulthood, usually for the remainder of their lives. Although the exact nature and severity of symptoms differ from person to person, typically the symptoms may include being distracted easily, mental restlessness, impulsivity, lack of patience, being quick to emotional arousal and anger, difficulty completing tasks, and frequently losing and forgetting things. These symptoms are not due to some defect of character or personality, but most certainly are biologically based and related to how the brain functions.
ADD tends to run in families, which suggests a strong genetic component to it.
Unless the symptoms of ADD are treated properly, they can cause havoc with the person's ability to be productive at school or work, or to have stable family and social relationships. On the positive side however, once ADD is accurately diagnosed it is very treatable. It is important for any individual with ADD to acknowledge that he or she needs to make accommodations for the ADD symptoms, to take responsibility for seeking professional help when necessary, and never to use their ADD symptoms as excuses for lack of responsibility or relationship problems. ADD symptoms such as distractibility, impulsivity, emotionality, or disorganization can be used to help understand the person's behavior, but the next necessary and crucial step is to change problem behaviors and manage the ADD symptoms so they don't continue to cause problems in the future. Both employers and adults with ADD who are employees need to be aware that ADD is recognized as a disability under federal law, the Americans With Disabilities Act.