SHARES
So, the previous article we had posted was about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD in children. Today we will read about how it affects adults as well. ADHD in kids can continue on until teenage and further into adulthood. For details about ADHD in children check here.
All adults with ADHD would have had ADHD as children, even if it was never diagnosed. Some adults with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, while others continue to have significant symptoms as adults.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?
Symptoms of ADHD in adults may include:
- Difficulty to concentrate
- Impulsiveness
- Difficulty in completing tasks
- Restlessness
- Frequent mood swings
- Unorganized
- Hot temper
- Unable to handle stress
- Unable to maintain relationships
It is often seen that many adults are unaware of the fact that they actually have ADHD. Such adults might find it challenging to focus and pay attention, difficulty in being organised and thus ending up in missed deadlines or forgotten meetings/ social plans.
Their inability to keep in check their impulses can range from impatience while waiting in queue or while driving in traffic to anger outbursts and mood swings.
How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?
Adult ADHD diagnosis can be a bit difficult because certain symptoms are similar to those occurring in other conditions, eg, anxiety disorders, moodiness. Also it has been seen that many adults with ADHD are seen to have at least one other mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.
While many kids with ADHD outgrow it, about 60% continue having it in adulthood. Both the sexes are said to be affected equally by adult ADHD.
What are the challenges that people with adult ADHD face?
Adults with ADHD can be found to face these challenges:
- Chronic boredom
- Anxiety
- Severe/Chronic lateness as well as forgetfulness
- Depression
- Difficulty in concentrating while reading
- Difficulty in anger management
- Problems at work
- Impulsivity
- Less tolerance for frustration
- Low self-esteem
- Poor organization skills
- Mood swings
- Procrastination
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Relationship problems
Always late/rushing
Some of the symptoms may affect the adult a lot, or it may not bother much at all. There can be problems all the time or just at times, depending on the situation.
There are no two people with exactly same ADHD symptoms. If someone has ADHD, they might be able to concentrate on certain things that interest them or that they are excited about. However there are people with ADHD who have trouble concentrating and focusing under any circumstance. Some of them look for stimulation, while there are others who avoid it. Plus, some people with ADHD can be antisocial and withdrawn. Some others can be very social and move from one relationship to the next.
Problems in childhood
It has been seen that adults With ADHD might have the following pattern in childhood:
- Underachievers at school
- End up in trouble
- Repeat a year at achool
- School drop-outs
How can adult ADHD be treated?
Once you talk to your doctor and ADHD is confirmed, do make it a point to work with your doctor to carry out the treatment. The treatment plans may include therapy, medicine, learning or education about ADHD, and also getting support from family.
Together, all these can help find fresh ways to do things that can make routine activities easier. Thus, they can make one feel better both in general and also about him/herself.
What are the different behavioral treatments?
- Cognitive and behavioral therapy can help with self-esteem.
- Relaxation training andstress management can lower anxiety and stress.
- Life coaching can help set goals. Also, it can help learn new ways to stay organized at home and work.
- Job coaching or mentoring can help support you at work. It can help you have better working relationships and improve on-the-job performance.
- Family education and therapy can help you and loved ones understand ADHD better. It can also help you all find ways to reduce how much it affects everyone’s life.
When should you see a doctor?
If hyperactivity, inattention, hyperactivity or impulsive behaviour seem to constantly disrupt your life, it is advisable to talk to your doctor about whether you may be having ADHD. However, since signs of ADHD are somewhat overlapping or similar to some other mental health conditions, it is not necessary that you may not have ADHD — but you may be suffering from another condition that could need treatment.
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by Hridya
A biochemist by education who could never put what she studied to good use, finally found GetDoc as a medium to do what she loved - bring information to people using a forum that is dedicated to all things medical. View all articles by Hridya.
