ADHD in Adults

ADHD or ADD is the abbreviation for Attention Deficit Disorder. ADHD is not just a problem that affects children; it also causes a wide range of problems in adults. Whilst experts used to believe that children would eventually grow out of ADHD by the time they reached adulthood, it is now widely recognised that the condition can continue past adolescence.

There are probably many adults in the UK who were never diagnosed with ADHD as children, and who have accepted their behaviour traits as part of their character. They may have developed a range of coping strategies in life which may or may not work for them. Usually it is only when things have gone badly wrong that help is sought so that the disorder can be identified.

For many, a crisis point is reached because of problems with unemployment, depression or because individuals are frequently getting into trouble with the authorities; it is at this point that professional help is sought. However, even then it is quite possible that a diagnosis of ADHD may be missed.

Despite the fact that adult ADHD can cause a wide range of problems which can become overwhelming in an ADHD sufferer, many physicians and individuals may still fail to recognise that the traits shown are part of an identifiable and treatable medical condition.

Is Adult ADHD Different?

Unlike many other health disorders that affect the mind, ADHD starts in childhood and its onset will not occur in adulthood. Up to 60% of children with ADHD will keep showing symptoms into adulthood, and it is estimated that between 2 - 4% of adults in the UK have ADHD; the majority of these cases are likely to be undiagnosed.

Whilst adults are less likely to have an intense degree of hyperactivity, they are frequently likely to:

• feel restless
• be on edge most of the time
• be prone to fidgeting and have great difficulties in relaxing.

Added to this, many problems may arise from undiagnosed childhood ADHD leading to severe problems with low self esteem, self belief and a very low sense of self worth in adulthood. All of these problems can lead to profound problems with depression and other psychological illnesses, and in many cases ADHD adults can take refuge in alcohol, drugs or substance abuse.

Problems with Work, Jobs and Relationships

ADHD adults may have frequently changed jobs, and will always prefer a job that keeps them busy and active to keep their minds occupied. However, adults with ADHD may frequently have problems with holding down a job, and maintaining adult relationships are frequently troublesome. Friends and work colleagues frequently refer to adult ADHD sufferers as being hard to work with, rude, unfriendly or abrupt.

Additionally, adult sufferers of ADHD are often accused of being insensitive and irresponsible in their general behaviour. All of these traits make holding down a job difficult, and adults with ADHD frequently feel that they are misunderstood. Not surprisingly, there is also an abnormally high incidence of failed relationships and marriages amongst adult sufferers of ADHD or ADD.

Adult ADHD Symptoms

The symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity are also present in adult ADHD; however, if the symptoms of hyperactivity are present, they may be less severe than those experienced in childhood. Additionally, the symptoms shown by an adult ADHD sufferer will change as the years go by.

Common adult ADHD symptoms include:

• Problems with concentration, and a restless mind
• Poor short term memory and forgetfulness
• Poor organisation in day to day life
• Difficulty in creating and maintaining routines
• A lack of self-discipline
• Impulsive or apparently thoughtless behaviour
• Depression and low self-esteem
• A feeling of restlessness and edginess
• Impulsiveness and frequent outbursts of anger and frustration
• Poor time management
• Poor social skills

Diagnosing and treating ADHD in an adult can produce marked benefits and improvements in quality of life for sufferers of the condition. Medication and particularly behavioural therapy can help adults to manage and modify their symptoms and behaviours.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from ADHD, seek help and guidance from your health provider. There is much that can be done to help.