Understanding The Group Of

Adults

Characteristics of Adults

Adults are characterized by maturity, self-confidence, autonomy, solid decision-making, and are generally more practical, multi-tasking, purposeful, self-directed, experienced, and less open-minded and receptive to change

Characteristics of Adults

Self-direction Practical and results-oriented Less open-minded  Slower learning, yet more

integrative knowledge Use personal experience as a

resource Motivation Multi-level responsibilities High expectations

Erikson’s Psychosocial: Stage 6 (19 to 40 years)

Stage Basic Conflict Important Events Outcome

Young Adulthood (19 to 40 years)

Intimacy vs. Isolation Relationships

Young adults need to form intimate,

loving relationships with

other people. Success leads to

strong relationships, while

failure results in loneliness and

isolation.

Erikson’s Psychosocial: Stage 7 (35 to 55)

Stage Basic Conflict Important Events Outcome

Middle Adulthood (40 to 65 years)Generativity vs. Stagnation Work and Parenthood

Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children or creating a positive change that benefits other people. Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.

Adult Behavioral Health Problems

Attention Deficit Disorder

Are easily distracted by sights and sounds Don't pay attention to detail Don't seem to listen when spoken to Make careless mistakes Don't follow through on instructions or tasks Avoid or dislike activities that require longer

periods of mental effort Lose or forget items necessary for tasks Forgetful in day-to-day activities Restless, fidget and squirm Talk excessively Interrupt others

5% of adults have ADD. And 15% of them don’t know that they have ADD

Anxiety Disorder Worry or dread Obsessive or intrusive thoughts Sense of imminent danger or catastrophe Fear or panic Restlessness Irritability Impatience Ambivalence Trouble concentrating Rapid or irregular heartbeat Sweating, especially the palms Dry mouth Flushing or blushing Muscle tension Shortness of breath Lightheadedness or faintness Difficulty sleeping

Bipolar Dramatic mood swings ranging from elated excitability to hopeless despondency Extreme changes in energy and behavior Periods of highs that include: Persistent and inexplicable elevation in mood Increased energy and effort toward goal-directed activities Restlessness and agitation Racing thoughts, jumping from one idea to another Rapid speech or pressure to keep talking Trouble concentrating Decreased need for sleep Overconfidence or inflated self-esteem Poor judgment, often involving spending sprees and sexual indiscretions Periods of lows that include: Prolonged sad, hopeless, or empty mood Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed Decreased energy or fatigue Trouble concentrating, remembering, making decisions Restlessness or diminished movements, agitation Sleeping too much or too little Unintended weight loss or gain Thoughts of death or suicide with or without suicide attempts

DepressionSymptoms can change over time and may include:

Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness Hopelessness Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless Loss of interest in hobbies and activities Loss of interest in sex Feeling tired Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions Trouble sleeping, waking up too early, or oversleeping Eating more or less than usual Weight gain or weight loss Thoughts of death or suicide with or without suicide attempts Restlessness or irritability Physical symptoms that defy standard diagnosis and do not

respond well to medical treatments

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessions – unwanted, repetitive and intrusive ideas, impulses or images

Compulsions – repetitive behaviors or mental acts usually performed to reduce the distress associated with obsessions

Common obsessions include: Persistent fears that harm may come to self or a loved one Unreasonable concern with being contaminated Unacceptable religious, violent, or sexual thoughts Excessive need to do things correctly or perfectlyCommon compulsions include: Excessive checking of door locks, stoves, water faucets, light

switches, etc. Repeatedly making lists, counting, arranging, or aligning

things Collecting and hoarding useless objects Repeating routine actions a certain number of times until it

feels just right Unnecessary re-reading and re-writing Mentally repeating phrases