So many behaviors in adults can be viewed as stemming from childhood. To go one step further, some of us pediatricians, not completely tongue-in-cheek, think adult medicine is a clinical application of pediatrics. Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder is a case in point.

Because ADD/ADHD occurs in 3 percent to 8 percent of children, it is encountered frequently in general pediatric practices. It is common to hear parents state, in a moment blending revelation with information, that they had similar symptoms when they were children. This, too, is not surprising because ADD/ADHD strongly runs in families. One widely cited study found that 57 percent of children of adults with ADD/ADHD have the same condition.

What many adults don't realize is that the majority of children do NOT outgrow their ADD/ADHD. It is true the hyperactivity tends to lessen over time, but other defining features such as impulsivity and inattention tend to remain.

But why is it important to recognize this underdiagnosed condition in adults? The answer is much the same as for children: school/job performance, and to recognize/treat other associated conditions.

Because untreated children do less well in school, adults find their careers are less fulfilling and generally are at lower levels than their peers. This leads to economic and social disadvantages.

As with children, there is a greater incidence of anxiety and behavioral disorders, difficulty with interpersonal relationships, substance abuse and risk-taking with harmful outcomes such as motor vehicle accidents.

There are several different ways to diagnosis ADD/ADHD in adults. Most are based on self-reported descriptions of their behaviors on check-lists similar to those used with children.

One such rating scale is called WURS, and to fulfill diagnostic criteria, the adult needs to have both inattentiveness and hyperactivity, as well as at least two of the following: impatience, impulsivity, moodiness, disorganization/forgetfulness and impaired coping skills.

Not all adults who know they have ADD/ADHD want to be treated, because many are functioning quite well, lack associated problems and think hyperactivity gives them an added competitive advantage in their jobs.

Not unexpectedly, those not functioning as well would like help. With the relatively recent recognition that most children do not outgrow their ADD/ADHD and thus continue to have this problem, there is an increasing tread to treat this condition in adults. (The adage of "better late than never" really applies here.) Treatment options and success rates are comparable for children and adults.

The most common medications are the stimulants (amphetamine and methylphenidate) that last the entire day. Other medications also are available, but medications are not always successful. In fact, stimulants are effective only about 70 percent of the time. With other conditions also being present, it is common for adults to be treated with more than one medication.

Most people have at least one symptom of ADD without having the condition.

One, or even two, characteristics are inadequate to make the diagnosis. The first step for those who think they have ADD/ADHD is to decide if they want, or should want, to be helped. A variety of health care professionals can help in the journey.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. Robert A. Dershewitz, M.D., Sc.M., FAAP, is a pediatrician at Healthy Kids Care Center in St. John and is affiliated with The Community Hospital in Munster.