What is ADHD in Adults?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention and hyperactivity. It’s a condition more often associated with children and youth.
While not desired, there is an acceptance among children with ADHD. But what happens as these children grow older? We don’t often associate ADHD with adults.
In some way, shape, or form, many adults do, however, have ADHD experiences. This may be carried on from childhood, newly diagnosed in adulthood, or never diagnosed at all. Here’s a deeper look at ADHD in adults.
Presentation of ADHD: Children vs Adults
Children and adults may share the same ADHD diagnosis, but it’s important to recognize the variance in symptom presentation. Even if you have symptoms as a child, it’s entirely possible that you will experience changing symptoms as an adult.
One of the textbook symptoms of ADHD is hyperactivity. This is common among children, especially boys, but has a tendency to transition into something else in adulthood.
As adults assume more roles and responsibilities, certain challenges may arise. Struggles with executive functioning, for example, may become more apparent.
Common Symptoms
While everyone’s experience is going to be different, there are common symptoms that can manifest.
Reduced Attention
Inattention tends to follow through from childhood to adulthood. As an adult, you may find yourself having a hard time maintaining attention on your work tasks, household activities, or even conversations.
This may also manifest as carelessness. In reality, you’re not careless, nor do you overlook details. The ADHD makes it hard to catch everything.
Organizational Issues
ADHD may manifest as a difficulty with organization. This could be your physical space, like a messy desk, a cluttered kitchen, or an unorganized bedroom. You may notice your things are never in order, and you often struggle to find certain items.
It may also be poor time organization. Effective time management is often a problem for people with ADHD. You may overbook yourself or get easily off track, resulting in your time running off schedule.
Forgetfulness
When your attention is divided or you are easily distracted and pulled in different directions, you are also likely to forget things. You may find forgetfulness in daily activities or commitments that you’ve made.
When assigned a task or asked to complete a project, you may struggle with the follow-through.
Restlessness
As mentioned above, hyperactivity tends to fade as you age, often resulting in a newfound feeling of restlessness. You may experience a constant need to be moving or doing something. When having to sit still, you may notice restless legs or something similar to let the energy out.
Interrupting Behavior
Interrupting behaviors are also not uncommon among adults with ADHD. Unfortunately, it’s often misunderstood to be rude or lacking manners.
During conversations, you might find yourself speaking out of turn. You may cut off others to hurry up and get your point out, interrupting their thought process. It’s not that you’re being rude, but your brain needs to get the information out right then and there.
Diagnosis of ADHD
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD, especially as an adult, will generally require an assessment by a trained healthcare provider. Especially given the blurriness of symptoms compared to other possibilities. They will evaluate your current symptoms and inquire about childhood occurrences.
Treatment Options
Once you have an understanding of your own ADHD diagnosis, you can take the necessary steps to gain some control over your life.
You have medication options, but if that’s not your first choice, there are other effective methods of managing symptoms. Therapy is one helpful option for establishing healthy coping mechanisms, making lifestyle changes, and addressing skills training.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and aren’t sure where to start, I’m here to help. Contact me today to schedule an appointment.