Are You Struggling with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Your Adult Years?
Struggling with life's obstacles? You're not alone, pal.
Maybe you struggle to focus on work or keep up with daily tasks. Maybe you make hasty decisions or can't seem to muster up the motivation to tackle stuff you're not interested in. It's no fun, and it's easy to feel demoralized and frustrated.
These sorts of experiences are quite common for adults dealing with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to Mark Stein, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, ADHD contributes to these issues and, unfortunately, isn't always identified.
"Confusion arises because symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and acting before thinking are part of everyday life as well," Stein explains. "They can occur due to various reasons besides ADHD, including other psychiatric or medical conditions."
So, what exactly is adult ADHD?
ADHD is a common psychiatric disorder. It usually starts in childhood but can be diagnosed at any age. Characterized by attention problems as well as overactivity and impulsivity, ADHD affects approximately 10 million adults in the United States.
Symptoms often evolve over time and may be less apparent in adults, but their impact on your life endures.
What causes adult ADHD?
Although the exact causes of ADHD are complex and multifaceted, genetics play a significant role. Stein and his team have been studying the parents of children with ADHD and found that 20-30% of the time, the parents also have ADHD without realizing it.
Other factors, such as being born premature or being exposed to certain illnesses during pregnancy, can also contribute to your ADHD risk.
With adult ADHD, symptoms are usually present in childhood but are either not identified or misattributed to other factors. Some cases, however, may simply be less noticeable.
If you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as a child, you might be wondering why it suddenly surfaced as an adult. The truth is, it likely didn't.
According to Stein, living in a structured school environment with plenty of support might help you safely avoid noticing your ADHD symptoms until you step out into the real world.
Signs and symptoms of adult ADHD
ADHD symptoms present in two categories: those related to attention and those related to overactivity or impulsivity.
If you find yourself experiencing an inability to focus, disorganization, poor time management, forgetfulness, or trouble concentrating or following through on tasks, you might be dealing with attention-related ADHD symptoms. Overactivity or impulsivity symptoms may manifest as restlessness, difficulty sitting still, impulsive decision-making, or difficulty tolerating stress and change.
Although everyone has moments where they exhibit these behaviors, people with ADHD experience a consistent pattern of them throughout their lives.
Gender differences in adult ADHD
ADHD can manifest differently in men and women. In men, behavioral issues related to ADHD are more common and usually noticed in childhood. In women, though, undiagnosed ADHD can lead to poor memory, trouble concentrating, feelings of being overwhelmed, and other symptoms often attributed to other causes before ADHD is considered.
Treating adult ADHD
If you suspect you have ADHD, consult your doctor to discuss next steps. Once diagnosed, Stein suggests education and the development of an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs, which may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
Remember, every case of ADHD is unique, so treatment approaches should be individualized. Medication might be helpful for some people during specific periods of their life, like school, while others might find success without medication.
A good treatment plan should also address other issues associated with ADHD, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and relationship problems.
The bottom line
Don't dismiss those nagging feelings that something's off in your life. ADHD isn't just a childhood disorder; it can cause difficulties in adult life, but once identified, it can make a significant difference in how you view your past struggles and plan for future accomplishments.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often suffer in silence, but it doesn't have to be that way. A diagnosis can open the door to understanding, resources, and a more positive outlook on life.
It's important to recognize that ADHD, a common psychiatric disorder affecting approximately 10 million adults in the United States, can significantly impact mental health and everyday life. Symptoms such as difficulties with focus, disorganization, and impulsivity can cause stress and frustration, but they are not exclusive to ADHD. If you suspect you might have ADHD, seeking professional help and discussing potential treatment options with your doctor may help manage symptoms, improve mental health, and enhance overall well-being within the context of health-and-wellness. Furthermore, understanding the role ADHD plays in relationships is crucial, as undiagnosed ADHD can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, and relationship problems.
