Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults

Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It can cause persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor performance at work or school, low self-esteem, and other problems.

 What is ADHD in Adults?

Although it is called adult ADHD, every person has had it even as a child. It is just that the symptoms go unrecognized. Some people are diagnosed in childhood while others get diagnosed only later in life. The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition as children continue to experience problems. People with ADHD have additional problems such as anxiety and sleep disorders.

Symptoms of Adult ADHD

In some people, the symptoms reduce with age while in some other, they continue to experience symptoms that interfere with their daily functioning. The symptoms can be mild to serious and change over time. The main symptoms are difficulty in paying attention, impulsiveness, and restlessness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Adult ADHD symptoms may include:

•       Impulsiveness
•       Disorganization and problems with prioritization
•       Problems focusing on a task
•       Poor time management
•       Trouble with multitasking
•       Restlessness and edginess
•       Poor planning
•       Low tolerance and frustration
•       Frequent mood swings
•       Unable to follow through and complete tasks
•       Hot temper
•       Problems coping with stress
•       Blurting out responses and interrupting others
•       Taking risks with no regard for personal safety: like driving dangerously

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of ADHD is not understood by scientists. A combination of several factors is considered a possibility:

•   Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families and it is possible that you inherited certain genes from your parents which are a significant factor in developing the condition. It is possible that your parents or siblings also have ADHD if you have the condition. It is believed that a complex genetic condition causes it.
•   Brain function and structure: People with ADHD have a slightly different brain structure from those who do not have the condition. Certain areas of the brain may be smaller in people with ADHD. Some studies suggest that people with ADHD have an imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain or the chemicals are not working properly.
•   Environmental factors: Certain people are at a higher risk of developing ADHD. Those who were born prematurely before the 37th week of pregnancy or those with a low birth weight. People with epilepsy or brain damage that happened in the womb or later through an injury. Smoking, alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy is believed to be a cause for ADHD. Exposure to lead or certain pesticides maybe linked to ADHD. A diet high in fat, calories and sugar is associated with ADHD in children.

You are at a higher risk for ADHD if you have a parent or sibling with the condition.

ADHD and Daily Life

 Adults with ADHD face a lot of challenges in daily life. These could include:

•       Focus: difficulty in paying attention and focusing on a task. They also have problems with multitasking.
•       Organization: They are disorganized and procrastinate a lot
•       They have poor time management and planning
•       Memory: they have a problem remembering things and they keep frequently losing their things.
•       Impulsive: they are impatient and have mood swings and outbursts of anger.
•       They are restless and find it difficult to sit still for long periods and need constant activity.
•       They make impulsive decisions without thinking of the consequences.
•       Difficulty in managing stress.
•       Socially, they miss meetings or social plans.
•       At work, they often have missed deadlines and difficulty in completing tasks.

Several adults get diagnosed with ADHD later in life even though they were not diagnosed as children. This is possible because either they did not show the symptoms in childhood or they were not recognized. Symptoms in adults interfere with daily life. Most adults with ADHD also have problems with their sleep. However, since the condition is often present with other mental disorders, it is difficult to treat. As people age, symptoms of inattention persist while symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity decline.

Diagnosis and Treatment

For a proper diagnosis, it is important to see a psychiatrist who has experience with diagnosing and treating people with adult ADHD. Among other things, they may ask you to:

•       Undergo a physical exam to ensure that no other physical condition is causing your symptoms.
•       Take a blood test
•       Recommend psychological testing
•       Ask you questions about your health and history

Most adults with ADHD who get diagnosed most probably had it as a child but it went undiagnosed. Hence the doctor will ask you about your behaviour and any symptoms you had as a child. Things they may look at:

•       School report cards: they may look for comments about behaviour problems, poor focus, lack of effort, underachievement compared to your potential.
•       Talk with your parents to see if you showed symptoms as a child.

Treatment plans could include medicine, therapy, a better understanding of your condition and helping you get family support. They will help you find new ways to do things and make your life easier. They will also help you feel better about yourself.

It is important not to arrive at a self-diagnosis. Psychiatrists can check if you have other conditions like learning disability, anxiety, a mood disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or a dependence on drugs or alcohol. They will look at the whole picture and make a treatment plan for you.

Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which show big improvements in the symptoms. Stimulant medications are however not ideal because they can be addictive and misused. If an adult has had a substance abuse problem in the past, these may not be advised. Some stimulants wear off quickly and people with ADHD are forgetful and forget to take their medicines. Depending on the need, the doctor may recommend a non-stimulant medicine as well.

Therapy and behavioural treatments:

The treatment plan may include:

•   Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which helps with self-esteem
•   Relaxation training and stress management to lower anxiety levels
•   Life-coaching to help you set goals. It can also help you stay organized t home and work
•   Job coaching or mentoring at work to support you at work. It will also help you improve your relationships and performance
•   Family education and therapy: You family and loved ones must understand ADHD better and help you find ways to improve your life

While there is no guarantee, it is believed that mindfulness meditation may boost your mood and help you pay more attention. This type of meditation used guided imagery and deep breathing techniques to relax your mind and body. These kinds of alternative treatments do help. However, get advise from your doctor before you try alternative treatments.

Coping Strategies and Support

Here are some coping strategies for adults with ADHD:

•   Getting exercise: Physical activity can reduce your hyperactivity and inattention problems and help you focus better. Try a team sport or working out with a friend.
•   Getting good sleep: It is important to sleep well. To do this, avoid caffeine in the evenings create a routine and go to bed a specific time everyday.
•   Self-care: It is important to take care of yourself. Eat a nutritious balanced diet, avoid smoking, and reduce alcohol consumption.
•   Support groups offer perspectives from others who are coping with the same symptoms. These groups are available in both online and offline formats.
•   Getting support from your family and friends is very important Ensure that they understand ADHD so that they can support you better.
•   Being organized: Set up calendar reminders or alarms that help you remember things and organize your spaces. This will help you to not lose things.

Conclusion

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it most likely that you had it as a child and that it went undiagnosed. There is no cure for ADHD but with treatment, it can be managed. Some symptoms get better over time but you may notice that your ADHD gets worse at times. ADHD runs in families and so it cannot be prevented.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ADHD in adults?

It is a neurodevelopmental condition that starts in childhood but went undiagnosed.

2. What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?

Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, being impulsive, and being restless. Other symptoms include poor time management, disorganization, and mood swings. 

3. How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?

You must see a psychiatrist who can diagnose ADHD in adults. They may ask you to undergo a physical exam to ensure that no other physical condition is causing your symptoms. They will take a blood test, recommend psychological testing, and ask you questions about your health and history.

4. What are the treatments for ADHD in adults?

Treatment plans could include medicine, therapy, a better understanding of your condition and helping you get family support.

5. Can ADHD in adults be managed without medication?

Yes, there are many ways to manage adult ADHD without medication, including exercise, sleep hygiene, and addressing nutritional deficiencies.