Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults
Written by Editorial Team|Updated : May 30, 2014 1:12 PM IST
Attention deficit disorder is not just a problem in children. ADHD is a problem with poor attention but also is additionally a problem with moderating emotions and effective self-regulation. Dealing with the demands of everyday life requires self-regulation to develop successful life skills. People with ADHD have problems with self-regulation, which makes difficult managing emotions difficult, so they might respond to small events with excessive behavior and emotion while not noticing more important events.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not dealt with appropriately, they can cause associated behavioural, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) develops from both genetic inheritance and life experiences and ADHD can continue from childhood into adulthood. Some authors have argued that ADHD develops as an adaptive pattern. Biologically, ADHD is a neurochemical and neuroanatomical disorder.
ADHD is characterized by a long-term history of inattention, impulsiveness, and variable amounts of hyperactivity. All of these symptoms are normal human characteristics, so ADHD is not diagnosed solely based on the presence of these normal human behaviors. ADHD is determined by the degree of these behaviors. People with ADHD have these normal human characteristics to an extreme degree, with a poor ability to easily control them.
Trouble concentrating and staying focused
Symptoms in this category are sometimes overlooked because they are less outwardly disruptive than the ADD/ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity but they can be every bit as troublesome. The symptoms of inattention and concentration difficulties include:
"zoning out" without realizing it, even in the middle of a conversation.
extreme distractibility; wandering attention makes it hard to stay on track.
difficulty paying attention or focusing, such as when reading or listening to others.
struggling to complete tasks, even ones that seem simple.
tendency to overlook details, leading to errors or incomplete work.
poor listening skills; hard time remembering conversations and following directions.
Hyperfocus
There is a tendency by ADHD patients to become absorbed in tasks that are stimulating and rewarding. This paradoxical symptom is called hyperfocus.
Hyperfocus is actually a coping mechanism for distraction a way of tuning out the chaos. It can be so strong that you become oblivious to everything going on around you. Hyperfocus can be an asset when channelled into productive activities, but it can also lead to work and relationship problems if left unchecked.
Disorganization and forgetfulness
Common symptoms of disorganization and forgetfulness include:
poor organizational skills (home, office, desk, or car is extremely messy and cluttered)
tendency to procrastinate
trouble starting and finishing projects
chronic lateness
frequently forgetting appointments, commitments, and deadlines
constantly losing or misplacing things (keys, wallet, phone, documents, bills)
underestimating the time it will take you to complete tasks
Impulsiveness
In this, ADHD patients act before thinking, or react without considering consequences. Lack of impulses control manifests as:
frequently interrupt others or talk over them
have poor self-control
blurt out thoughts that are rude or inappropriate without thinking
have addictive tendencies
act recklessly or spontaneously without regard for consequences
have trouble behaving in socially appropriate ways (such as sitting still during a long meeting)
Emotional difficulties
Many adults with ADD/ADHD have a hard time managing their feelings, especially when it comes to emotions like anger or frustration. Common emotional symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD include:
sense of underachievement
doesn't deal well with frustration
easily flustered and stressed out
irritability or mood swings
trouble staying motivated
hypersensitivity to criticism
short, often explosive, temper
low self-esteem and sense of insecurity
Hyperactivity or restlessness
Hyperactivity in adults with ADD/ADHD can look the same as it does in kids. For many people with ADD/ADHD, however, the symptoms of hyperactivity become more subtle and internal as they grow older. Common symptoms of hyperactivity in adults include:
Had a history of poorer educational performance and were underachievers.
Had more frequent school disciplinary actions.
Had to repeat a grade.
Dropped out of school more often.
Work-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
Change employers frequently and perform poorly.
Have had fewer occupational achievements, independent of psychiatric status.
Social-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
Have a lower socioeconomic status.
Have driving violations such as: be cited for speeding; have their licenses suspended; be involved in more crashes; rate themselves and others as using poorer driving habits.
Use illegal substances more frequently.
Smoke cigarettes.
Self-report psychological maladjustment more often.
Relationship-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
Have more marital problems and multiple marriages.
ADD/ADHD that is undiagnosed and untreated can cause problems in virtually every area of your life.
Physical and mental health problems. The symptoms of ADD/ADHD can contribute to a variety of health problems, including compulsive eating, substance abuse, anxiety, chronic stress and tension, and low self-esteem. You may also run into trouble due to neglecting important check-ups, skipping doctor appointments, ignoring medical instructions, and forgetting to take vital medications.
Work and financial difficulties. Adults with ADD/ADHD often experience career difficulties and feel a strong sense of underachievement. You may have trouble keeping a job, following corporate rules, meeting deadlines, and sticking to a 9-to-5 routine. Managing finances may also be a problem: you may struggle with unpaid bills, lost paperwork, late fees, or debt due to impulsive spending.
Relationship problems. The symptoms of ADD/ADHD can put a strain on your work, love, and family relationships. You may be fed up with constant nagging from loved ones to tidy up, listen more closely, or get organized. Those close to you, on the other hand, may feel hurt and resentful over your perceived "irresponsibility" or "insensitivity."
The wide-reaching effects of ADD/ADHD can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness, disappointment, and loss of confidence. A diagnosis of adult ADD/ADHD can be an enormous source of relief and hope as now you can work towards controlling it.
Medications are often the first line of treatment for Adults with ADHD.
Apart from that, therapy for adults with ADD/ADHD can be helpful for both the emotional issues related to the disorder and practical, day-to-day issues.
Talk therapy Adults with ADD/ADHD often struggle with issues stemming from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure, academic difficulties, job turnover, and relationship conflict. Individual talk therapy can help deal with this emotional baggage, including low self-esteem, the feelings of embarrassment and shame experienced as a child and teenager, and resentment at the nagging and criticism received from people close to you.
Marriage and family therapy Marriage and family therapy addresses the problems ADD/ADHD can create in relationships and family life, such as conflicts over money problems, forgotten commitments, responsibilities in the home, and impulsive decisions. Therapy can help explore these issues and focus on constructive ways of dealing with them and communicating with each other. Therapy can also improve relationships by educating the partner about ADD/ADHD.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy Cognitive-behavioural therapy encourages identifying and changing the negative beliefs and behaviours that are causing problems in life. Since many individuals with ADD/ADHD are demoralized from years of struggle and unmet expectations, one of the main goals of cognitive-behavioural therapy is to transform this negative outlook into a more hopeful, realistic view. Cognitive-behavioural therapy also focuses on the practical issues that often come with ADD/ADHD, such as disorganization, work performance problems, and poor time management.
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Written by Editorial Team |Updated : May 30, 2014 1:12 PM IST
Attention deficit disorder is not just a problem in children. ADHD is a problem with poor attention but also is additionally a problem with moderating emotions and effective self-regulation. Dealing with the demands of everyday life requires self-regulation to develop successful life skills. People with ADHD have problems with self-regulation, which makes difficult managing emotions difficult, so they might respond to small events with excessive behavior and emotion while not noticing more important events.
