Let's Talk About ADHD At Grown-Ups

Many of the problems we encounter in adulthood have their origins in childhood. Either the education we receive causes us to have problems of responsibility, or certain traumas get in the way of the natural relationship with others, or certain disorders undiagnosed promptly disrupt the quality of our "big man" activities. One of the disorders that begin in childhood and that, untreated, affects us as adults are ADHD.

ADHD is one of the most common emotional and behavioral disorders that makes its presence felt in early childhood and persists into adolescence and adulthood. If the disease was not diagnosed in childhood, it is very difficult to detect in adulthood because it is easily confused with depression or anxiety.

One of the alleged causes of ADHD, beyond the genetic component, is smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Manifestations of adult ADHD

• Focuses heavily and has low attention even to daily activities. Thus, it is very difficult for the adult to organize himself, to follow an agenda, to follow a program of meetings. There are not many bosses who would appreciate such an employee.

• He is impatient and irascible. These traits are due to hyperactivity. Adults often go to the doctor because they have a state of permanent anxiety.

• He is impulsive, and this often prevents him from keeping a job or managing his budget wisely and efficiently.

• Sometimes gets involved in high-risk activities, ignoring the dangers. This can lead to delinquency or abuse of harmful substances, such as drugs or alcohol.

• Adults with ADHD may sometimes have low self-esteem due to noticing differences with others or problems adjusting and taking on responsibilities in adult life.

• Tends to ignore rules, orders, and even laws.

• Has social disinhibition and is unstable in relationships with others.

• Gets involved in multiple activities and messily approaches them, moving from one to the other without completing them.

• Has excessive intrusiveness and familiarity that endangers his relationships with others. They sometimes exaggerate their sociability, not tolerating loneliness. But some withdraw as much as possible from the social pole, developing depression or chronic apathy.

Some affected people have a greater power of concentration and can carry out certain activities that create pleasure and interest.

Sick among others

In adults, ADHD is primarily a disease that affects the quality of life. Thus, those targeted have poor academic results and are tempted to drop out of school. At work there is a risk of not having professional achievements or advancing, being tempted to always change their job.

In general, these people have a lower than average socio-economic status. Moreover, they have a lifestyle that can endanger their health and freedom. Adults with ADHD build poor families. They go through several marriages and find it difficult to get involved in the children's education, living with a normal person being very difficult.

ADHD has three directions. The disease can be focused on attention deficit, and then the adult is easily distracted, has trouble following a conversation, and loses sight of the details. If the tendency is towards hyperactivity, then the individual has a high verbal flow, cannot listen to others, speaks over the other, interrupts him. The third direction of the disease comes as an equal combination of the first two.

Diagnosis is difficult

In order not to interfere with adult life, ADHD must be treated from childhood. Its diagnosis should be made around the age of 6–12. Before this period, similar symptoms of the disease may occur but may be part of the child's normal development. Moreover, a rigorous medical examination is required.

The causes of the behavior can be certain physical ailments. The diagnosis is made only by a psychiatrist. Before starting any treatment, consult the opinion of several specialists. Psychological problems do not have the accuracy of quantum physics, and a wrong treatment will only aggravate the child's condition.

Diagnosis in adulthood is very difficult, and the symptoms are easy to confuse. That is why it is based on remembering the period of childhood and identifying the signs in that period.

The treatment does not cure

The treatment methods developed to date do not aim to cure the disease but to control its manifestations. However, it has been found that combined treatment regimens are the most effective. Thus, it is good to work with both drug solutions and psychological support and specific therapies addressed. Thus, one can work on strategies to increase self-esteem, relaxation methods, and organization strategies.

ADHD is therefore a problem that needs to be taken seriously. Analyze the child's behavior and seek advice if you assume that something is wrong. If you recognize yourself in the description above, it is good to consult a psychologist or a psychiatrist. The quality of your life can be improved.

Statistics:

• 3–5% of school-age children have ADHD. 60% of them also feel the disease in adulthood;
• 1–5% of adults suffer from ADHD
• 50% of those with ADHD have other disorders. This makes diagnosis and treatment difficult.