Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a childhood condition, but it occurs just as frequently in adulthood. Adult ADHD can affect various aspects of life, including your relationships, work performance, and overall mental health and well-being. Despite its prevalence and the many impacts it can have on life, it is often underdiagnosed or misunderstood in adults.
Let’s learn more about what ADHD is in adults, how it can present itself, and the challenges it can create. We’ll also take a look at some effective strategies for managing life with ADHD.
What ADHD Looks like in Adults
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In adults, these symptoms can present differently than they do in children. While children often show signs of physical hyperactivity, adults may experience internal restlessness, difficulty with focusing, or impulsive decision-making.
The main symptoms of adult ADHD are typically grouped into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity. Inattention involves difficulty maintaining attention, being easily distracted, forgetting things, being disorganized, and struggling with time management. Hyperactivity includes being impulsive or acting without thinking, experiencing restlessness or fidgeting, and excessively talking and interrupting others.
If you or someone you love shows signs of these symptoms, keep in mind that a diagnosis often requires that the symptoms impair daily functioning, be chronic, and have started in childhood, even if they weren’t diagnosed as a child. This is because experiencing these symptoms to some degree is a normal part of life.
Common Signs and Challenges
Adults with ADHD may struggle in multiple areas of life. In professional settings, they may find it hard to stay organized, meet deadlines, or follow through on their tasks, roles, and responsibilities. In personal relationships, their impulsivity or inattentiveness can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. ADHD can also mean emotional dysregulation, which can bring on frequent mood swings, frustration, or low stress tolerance.
Adults with ADHD are also more at risk of developing co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and learning challenges. These conditions can bring an added layer into the mix, making the diagnosis even more complex.
Assessing and Diagnosing ADHD
Diagnosing ADHD in adults involves a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed and trained mental health professional. The evaluations include clinical interviews, questionnaires, and a review of one’s personal life and academic history. The evaluation is comprehensive to help rule out any other psychological or medical conditions that may mimic ADHD.
Managing and Treating ADHD
ADHD is a lifelong condition, but it can be effectively managed through a combination of different approaches. We’ll explore some of these in this section.
Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy changes to your lifestyle can help you better manage the symptoms of ADHD. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, prioritizing your sleep, incorporating stress reduction techniques and mindfulness, and finding ways to move your body are all positive, effective ways to manage ADHD.
Medication
ADHD is often treated with some combination of therapy and medication. If you’re open to medication, both stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help with impulse control and regulating your attention.
Therapy
Therapy options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults better manage their negative thought patterns while working to build coping strategies. One benefit of therapy is that it is personalized and can focus on areas such as executive functioning or social skills.
Help Is Available
ADHD in adults is often misunderstood. But it’s a legitimate condition that affects people all over the world. Despite the challenges that it can bring to your life, it is manageable with the right combination of treatment and lifestyle changes.
Bringing more awareness to this condition can help with a more timely and accurate diagnosis. With the proper support, adults with ADHD can live highly successful and extremely fulfilling lives. Reach out today if you’re interested in learning more about therapy for ADHD.
