What is Adult ADHD
About 4% to 5% of U.S. adults have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many others have never been diagnosed. Kids with ADHD often outgrow it, but about 60% still have symptoms as adults. While many children with ADHD are “hyperactive,” this symptom often appears differently for adults. Rather than bouncing off the walls, adults with ADHD are more likely to be restless or unable to relax. ADHD has a wide variety of other frustrating symptoms that can hinder everything from relationships to careers. However, help is available– and learning about adult ADHD is the first step.
Common symptoms of adult ADHD include:
- Trouble following directions/ poor listening skills
- Difficulty remembering information
- Easily distracted
- Poor organization skills
- Issues with finishing work on time
- Anxiety
- Chronic boredom
- Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
- Depression
- Trouble concentrating when reading
- Trouble controlling anger
- Problems at work
- Impulsiveness
- Low tolerance for frustration
- Low self-esteem
- Mood swings
- Reckless driving and traffic accidents
- Procrastination
- Restlessness
- Relationship problems
- Thrill-seeking/ risky behavior
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Problems in school as a child
It’s important to keep in mind that no two people with ADHD are exactly alike. Many people with ADHD are able to concentrate if they’re interested in or excited about what they’re doing. However, others have trouble focusing under any circumstances. Some adults with ADHD look for stimulation, while others avoid it. Similarly, many people with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial, while others can be very social.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
- Be less happy with their jobs, change jobs frequently, and perform poorly.
- Have marital problems, get separated or divorced more often, and have multiple marriages.
- Get more speeding tickets and/or be involved in more accidents.
- Smoke cigarettes (about 40% of adults with ADHD smoke, versus only 26% of the general population), and use alcohol or drugs more often.
- Suffer from depression or anxiety and have problems controlling their emotions. Many people with adult ADHD are prone to angry outbursts over minor problems. Many times, their anger fades as quickly as it flared.
Adult ADHD doesn’t have to hold you back
Having ADHD doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It’s not an indicator of intelligence or capability. Certain tasks may be more difficult than others, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find your niche and lead a successful life. It can be helpful to think about ADHD as a collection of both positive and negative traits. Along with the disorganization and impulsivity of ADHD often comes creativity, energy, passion, and thinking outside of the box. Figure out what your strengths are and capitalize on them by setting up your environment to support those strengths.
Diagnosis and treatments of Adult ADHD
Experts agree that people don’t suddenly develop ADHD as an adult. That’s why, in order to diagnose ADHD, doctors will often ask about your behavior and any symptoms that you may have had as a child. If you think you have adult ADHD, get examined by a trained and experienced mental health professional. ADHD can be hard to diagnose because some possible symptoms — like poor concentration or motivation, or relationship problems — can also be signs of other conditions. Once you get checked out, you can get the best help for you and start feeling better. Treatment plans can include medicine, therapy, education about ADHD, and getting family support. If you are interested to join an ADHD clinical trial contact us today at (888) 539-0282.