Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder associated with an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This was once considered only a problem for children, and they were believed to grow out of it in adulthood, but that has since been disproven.
Not only can ADHD last well into adulthood, but it can be misdiagnosed until then too. This means that an adult may have been dealing with the symptoms of ADHD their entire lives. Without treatment, ADHD can severely affect one’s quality of life. They may have issues with work, relationships, and other daily activities.
Signs of ADHD in Adults
ADHD in adults is not exactly how it is with children. The symptoms manifest differently in adulthood and can even be more challenging to diagnose in women than men because their symptoms tend to be more internal than external.
For adults, ADHD can also show similar symptoms as anxiety or depression, so getting an accurate diagnosis or even suspecting you might have ADHD can be challenging.
Some of the more common signs of ADHD in adults are:
- Difficulty getting started on tasks
- Difficulties with organization
- Poor persistence in tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Impulsivity and low frustration tolerance
- Making seemingly careless mistakes
- Difficulty listening when spoken to directly
- Trouble following instructions
- Losing things such as keys, wallets, and phones
- Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts
- Being forgetful in otherwise simple tasks like paying bills, keeping appointments, or returning calls
- Restlessness, fidgeting, and difficulty sitting still
- Talking excessively or interrupting
Although hyperactivity tends to be less potent for adults with ADHD, the impact on adults can lead to chaos. Many adults with untreated ADHD appear disorganized, flustered and may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Furthermore, these symptoms for adults tend to result in difficulty completing tasks required for higher education or employment. This can lead to lower incomes, higher rates of car accidents, divorce, and even an increased likelihood of anxiety, depression, and antisocial behaviors linked to low self-esteem.
A person’s quality of life relates to their ability to work and maintain relationships. When those parts of life cannot be sustained, it often leads to further psychological problems that also go undiagnosed.
Handling an ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you are showing symptoms of ADHD, it is essential to discuss it with your doctor. They will observe you and assess you to see if you have the requisites for a diagnosis. Currently, there is no test to determine a diagnosis of ADHD. Self-reporting symptoms, one’s lifestyle, and behavior, as well as a childhood history, are all taken into consideration.
To get an accurate diagnosis, a physician will have to rule out similar mental health issues and the use of drugs or alcohol. They may even interview friends and family to determine their observations. If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, it is not a sign of failure or turmoil. It is a step toward proper treatment and a better quality of life. ADHD does not stop you from living a full and happy life. Being neuro-atypical offers unique advantages many people don’t often consider. Adults with managed ADHD tend to have greater talents in creativity. They usually thrive in work settings designed with imagination as the focus.
Treatment for ADHD in Adults
Treatment for ADHD comes in different methods. The treatments considered for you would be based on managing your most potent symptoms. You may respond best to medication or counseling or a mix of alternative therapies. Treatment options can include:
- Education: Researching and reading about ADHD so that your understanding can help you manage symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing or eliminating drugs and alcohol to reduce interactions with symptoms or prescription medication.
- Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications will be prescribed by a doctor to treat symptoms. It may take several attempts to find the proper medication or dosage.
- Psychotherapy: This will help manage the effects of ADHD, like working on confidence.
- Behavioral therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy: This can help those with ADHD manage anger, work on social skills, organize their time, and develop a stable routine.
- Counseling: Counseling can help you achieve career success and work on relationships.
- Support groups: Joining a group of peers helps you feel connected and supported through your diagnosis and treatment.
These methods have been proven to help adults with ADHD get the most out of life. It is essential to always commit to follow-up appointments and monitoring, especially at first. This ensures that the treatment is working properly. Once on a schedule, maintaining open communication with your doctor improves your chances of continual treatment and success.
ADHD is a mental disorder that is entirely manageable with the proper treatment and diagnosis. Although many adults with ADHD were diagnosed as children, a lack of early treatment can lead to symptoms in adulthood, leading to misdiagnoses or self-medication. Untreated ADHD has an impactful effect on one’s quality of life. The symptoms can lead to poor work performance, struggles in relationships, and overall chaos in one’s lifestyle. If you suspect you are experiencing signs of ADHD, it is crucial to seek help from a medical professional. They can work with you to achieve a proper diagnosis and carry out the right treatment for you. With that, you can begin to function at your highest level in all aspects of life. At California Care Detox & Treatment, we provide the care, compassion, and support you need to face your ADHD diagnosis with confidence. Call us at (949) 281-0632 now for guidance.