If you experience challenges with concentration, impulsivity, and restlessness in your life, the chances are you might be suffering from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Although ADHD is a well-known condition that affects children, many adults also experience it. ADHD can be harmful to an individual’s social relationships and work and school performance, but effective treatments are available to manage the symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD is a developmental disorder associated with an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. It begins in childhood and can continue into teen years and adulthood.
Symptoms of ADHD
- Inattention-having difficulty paying attention
- Hyperactivity-having too much energy or moving and talking too much
- Impulsivity-acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control
Some people with ADHD mainly have symptoms of inattention. Others may have symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people have both types of symptoms.
Signs of inattention may include challenges with:
-Paying close attention to details or making seemingly careless mistakes at work or during other activities.
-Sustaining attention for long tasks, such as preparing reports,
-completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers.
-Listening closely when spoken to directly.
-Losing things such as keys, wallets, and phones.
-Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli.
-Being forgetful in daily activities, such as paying bills, keeping appointments, or returning calls.
Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity may include:
-Experiencing extreme restlessness, difficulty sitting still for extended periods, and/or wearing others out with one’s activity.
-Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet or shifting in seat.
-being unable to engage quietly in leisure activities.
-Having difficult waiting one’s turn, such as when waiting in line.
-Interrupting or intruding on others.
Other mental disorders may occur with ADHD, including anxiety, mood and substance use disorders.
How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?
Generally several symptoms of ADHD appears before the age of 12. Adults experience at least five persistent symptoms of inattention and/or five persistent symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must be present in two or more settings (for example home, work or school; with friends or relatives; in other activities) and interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school or work functioning.
Stress, other mental health conditions, and physical conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. There thorough evaluation has to be done by healthcare provider or mental health professional. During this evaluation the experts will examine the factors including the person’s mood, medical history, and whatever they struggle with other issues such as alcohol or substance misuse. The mental doctor may ask the parents of the adult about history of childhood behavior and school experiences. He may even ask permission to talk with partners, family members, close friends, etc.
The expert may use standardize behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether an adult meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. An individual may complete psychological tests that look at working memory, executive functioning, visual and spatial (related to space), or reasoning (thinking) skills. Such tests can help identify psychological or cognitive (think-related) strengths and challenges and can be used to identify or rule out possible learning disabilities.
How does ADHD affect adults?
Some adults do not realize that they have ADHD. Daily tasks such as getting up for job, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with undiagnosed ADHD. A person may not be diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood because teacher or family did not recognize the condition/symptoms until they experienced the demands of adulthood, especially at work. Sometimes young adults with undiagnosed ADHD have academic problems in college because of intense concentration needed for college course.
What Causes ADHD?
The experts are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at possible environmental factors that might raise the risk of developing ADHD, and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and social environments might play a role in ADHD.
Treatment
It includes medication, therapy and other behavioral treatments or a combination of methods.
Medication– Stimulant are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. Medications for common adult health problems such as blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and depression, may interact with stimulants. Hence if a person is suffering from any of these, the doctor prescribing the stimulants should be informed, according the doctor can change non stimulant type medicines.
Psychotherapy and Support– Adding therapy to an ADHD treatment plan may help individuals better cope with daily challenges. It is especially helpful if ADHD co-occurs with other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy might help an adult with ADHD become more aware of attention and concentration challenges and work on skills to improve organization and use of time in completing daily tasks. It can also help adults with ADHD gain confidence and control risk behaviors.
Other strategies which may help manage symptoms
-Exercise regularly, especially when feeling hyperactive or restless.
-Eat regular, healthy meals.
-Get plenty of sleep. Try to turn off screens at least I hour before bedtime and get between 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
-Work on time management and organization. Prioritise time-sensitive tasks and write down assignments, messages, appointments, and important thoughts.
-Connect with people and maintain relationships. Schedule activities with friends, particularly supportive people who understand your challenges with ADHD.
-Take medications as directed, and avoid use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
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Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
24th June 2024