ADHD: Not Just a Childhood Problem

Amy Taylor June 20, 2013

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is one of the most recognised childhood developmental problems. But contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t just affect children. Even adults can have ADHD. However, only a few are being diagnosed and given adequate treatment. This is most probably due to the lack of information and awareness about this debilitating condition.

ADHD in Adults

In adults, symptoms of ADHD are harder to define. According to WebMD, the prevalence of adult ADHD has not been clearly determined but it is estimated that it ranges from 4% to 5%. It is still unclear whether the disorder can appear in adults who have not experienced ADHD in childhood. According to the NHS, 15% of people diagnosed with ADHD when they were still young continue to carry it through adulthood, at around the age of 25. Furthermore, 65% of these patients experience full severe symptoms that affect their daily lives.

Again, there is no definitive list of ADHD symptoms in adults which is another possible reason why only a few people are diagnosed and treated. Experts agree that applying childhood symptoms to adults would not work. This is because the main determinants of ADHD, such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, affect adults in a very different way than it affects children. Another thing is that the symptoms tend to be more subtle in adults than in younger people.

Here are the symptoms usually associated with ADHD in adult:

· Poor organisational skills

· Difficulty concentrating and paying attention

· Carelessness and lack of attention to details

· Forgetfulness

· Mood swings

· Irritability and uncontrolled temper

· Continually starting new tasks whilst not yet finishing existing tasks

· Difficulty dealing with stress

· Increased desire to take risks without considering safety of others or themselves

· Extreme impatience

· Anxiety problems

· Low self-esteem

· Likelihood to engage in substance abuse

· Impulsiveness

· Chronic boredom

· Uncontrolled anger

Symptoms of ADHD in adults may range from mild to severe and can vary with any given situation.

How ADHD Impacts Life in Adulthood

The effects of ADHD in adulthood is far more debilitating than its effects on childhood most probably because as people mature, they tend get more responsibilities and enter more complicated relationships at home, in school, and at work. Modest behaviour is also expected in adults.

ADHD can affect most aspects of adulthood, from relationships to careers, finances and so on. When it comes to relationship, adults with ADHD are said to be more likely to have marital problems and engage in multiple marriages. They are also more at risk of getting a divorce. At work, adults with ADHD tend to perform poorly and have less satisfaction from their job and fewer occupational achievements.

Diagnosing and Treating ADHD in Adults

Diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults remain to be a big challenge for people in the scientific community. Most experts believe that it is not an adult-onset disorder (something that just pops in during adulthood) but more of a disorder that begins in childhood and persists later in life. Diagnosis is often symptom-based but physical examinations may also be conducted to determine any other neurological illness.

Adults with ADHD are often treated with stimulant drugs but there are several problems that come along with this treatment. First, there is a possibility of substance abuse as stimulant drugs tend to be addictive. Another thing, the effects of stimulants in the body may wear off quickly. And because some patients have problems like forgetfulness, adherence can be an issue especially to those required to take several doses throughout the day.

Natural Aids for ADHD

Alongside treatments, there are proven strategies that can ease symptoms of ADHD and make life more manageable for sufferers who failed to outgrow their condition.

Relaxation techniques – adults and children with ADHD are taught with relaxation techniques like deep breathing to alleviate impulses and hyperactivity. Relaxation techniques are also proven to help manage anger, anxiety and other negative emotions.

Stress management – stress can trigger and even aggravate many of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety, mood swing, and inability to concentrate. There are natural therapies that might help manage a person’s stress levels. These include acupuncture, hypnosis, massage therapy, and aromatherapy. Exercise also boosts the production of the feel-good chemicals in the brain, which in turn improves mood.

Diet and Nutrition – making positive changes in diet has been proven to reduce symptoms in 60% of children with ADHD. Although there is lack of scientific evidence, it is not impossible that proper diet and nutrition may also help improve the condition of adults with ADHD. Reducing the consumption of foods high in sugar, salt and artificial additives may result to significant improvement in symptoms.

Social support – adults with ADHD need to feel that they are no different. Support from family, friends and the community are vital for patients to develop positive habits that will somehow improve their condition.

Psychotherapy – this can be a useful tool adjunct to medication. Therapy can help alleviate the long-standing poor self-image by examining the experiences that produce it. It can also help restore the patient’s confidence, self-esteem and other positive traits that are hampered by ADHD. Through psychotherapy, patients can learn life skills that could help them manage their condition and live life beyond the boundaries set by ADHD.