While ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) often manifests and is diagnosed in children, many people don’t receive a diagnosis until later in life. This is surprisingly more common for assigned females at birth because of differences in ADHD symptoms.
ADHD is typically characterized by difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and disorganization. An adult ADHD assessment can help determine if you’re experiencing certain challenges and guide you toward managing them better.
This article explores adult ADHD in more detail, including the differences between childhood and adulthood ADHD, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
What Is Adult ADHD?
In the past, fewer people were aware of ADHD. This meant that, in many cases, ADHD went unrecognized and undiagnosed. It’s likely that adults with ADHD also experienced similar symptoms and issues in their childhood.
Adult ADHD Symptoms
The main adult ADHD symptoms include:
- Inattention: Trouble paying attention.
- Hyperactivity: Moving or talking quickly or too much and having an excessive amount of energy.
- Impulsivity: Struggling with self-control and taking action without thinking.
Yet, how these symptoms manifest may vary in adulthood compared to childhood. An adult with ADHD may struggle with:
- Maintaining relationships and may be deemed as insensitive or uncaring
- Making careless errors in work
- Maintaining attention on length tasks, such as reviewing a long report
- Organizing and managing time
- Losing important items, like keys, phone, or wallet
- Fidgeting or an inability to sit still
- Interrupting others during conversation or when being asked a question
- Shifts in mood, such as depression or anxiety
ADHD In Childhood Vs. Adulthood: How They Differ
Often, in children with ADHD, the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are more pronounced. However, with age, these may become less so, with inattention issues persisting and causing problems. ADHD can also impact a person differently throughout different phases or situations in life. This is why getting an ADHD diagnosis early on can be beneficial; it can help an individual learn to manage their symptoms in the best and most healthy way possible.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that, for adults, ADHD symptoms can significantly impact their job performance, career choices, and relationships. As such, adults with ADHD may change jobs frequently, have difficulty maintaining relationships, and experience various forms of social rejection.
Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues. In this way, ADHD can be masked by other problems or symptoms, making it more difficult to diagnose and seek out treatment.
How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD In Adults?
For a proper ADHD diagnosis, getting an ADHD assessment is important. If you suspect you may have ADHD, discuss your options with your healthcare provider. They can help determine what referrals or testing may be right for you.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must be experiencing at least five symptoms of inattention or five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must also be present and interfere with two or more environments, such as home, school, work, or other activities. An evaluation by a mental health professional can determine if ADHD is present, as well as assess whether other mental health conditions are related to ADHD.
What Does ADHD Testing Involve For Adults
Testing can be nerve-wracking. So, what should you expect?
An adult ADHD assessment involves an evaluation of your childhood history of behaviour and school experiences. This usually includes questionnaires for you and close friends or family members. A standardized test is then used to determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD. These tests incorporate evaluations of working memory, visual and spatial skills, executive functioning, and reasoning skills. Recommendations are then formulated depending on the results of the assessment to support daily functioning.
ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD treatment depends on the symptoms presented. However, it usually includes a combined approach of psychotherapy, lifestyle or behaviour adjustments, education, and sometimes, medication.
If your family physician recommends medication, you’ll likely be prescribed stimulants containing methylphenidate or amphetamine. These are thought to help re-balance the chemicals (specifically, dopamine levels) in the brain.
Meanwhile, psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can be a powerful tool to help with:
- Time and organizational skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Impulsive behaviours
- Emotional regulation
- Improved confidence
In some cases, marital or relationship counselling may also be recommended to help resolve current issues in your close relationships. This can help your spouse or close family members better understand you, as well as help pave a path toward symptom improvements and conflict resolution.
Adult ADHD Support & Tips
ADHD may present uniquely in different individuals. This can mean differing challenges, which can mean certain lifestyle approaches or techniques can prove invaluable for managing your symptoms. Some tips that may help you with this include:
- Making lists and prioritizing your tasks each day
- Breaking down big tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks
- Writing reminders for yourself or creating phone notifications to remind you
- Keeping everything organized and recorded in a calendar (like appointments or meetings)
- Bringing a notepad with you to write down ideas or tasks when you remember them
- Maintaining a consistent routine
- Communicating with your loved ones regarding your ADHD diagnosis
Additionally, you may benefit from seeking out a community. Within your local town or city, you may want to consider searching for ADHD support groups. You may also want to communicate your diagnosis with your boss, teacher, or supervisor. This can help them provide you with the best resources and tools for success.
At Bhatia Psychology Group, we understand how difficult navigating an ADHD diagnosis can be. Together, we can work toward a better future with strategies that help you pave the way toward your goals. Book your appointment with our trusted, compassionate, and caring team today.
FAQs
Can adults get ADHD later in life?
Yes, surprisingly, adults can develop ADHD. Known as adult-onset ADHD, evidence suggests that it may have different causes than childhood-related ADHD. It’s suspected that nutrition, brain injuries, and social environments may play a part.
What happens if ADHD is left untreated?
Untreated ADHD can lead to the emergence of other mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, as well as cause various issues in everyday functioning. This can lead to lower self-esteem, frustration, and irritability.
What is high-functioning ADHD?
High-functioning ADHD is not technically an official diagnosis. However, it often refers to individuals with ADHD whose symptoms do not significantly impact their day-to-day functioning. Usually, this is because of the development of strategies and tools to help manage their symptoms.
