ADHD In Adults: What Is It, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects concentration, memory, and behavior. It was once thought that children with the disorder would outgrow the condition, but it is now recognized that many have the condition for life.

According to statistics, the disorder affects about one in 20 adults, mostly men. The disease is usually diagnosed in childhood, but some people are not diagnosed. For able-bodied people, it is much more difficult to overcome the disorder, as it makes it difficult to manage everyday affairs, especially tasks that require organization, planning and concentration. In addition, many begin to drink, smoke and use psychotropic substances.

ADHD Features in Adults

Lack of focus and concentration is a neurological condition. Brain scans show that people with this condition have neural circuits that are slightly different than those of the average person. Physical and chemical differences in the brain affect executive functioning. This means that people with ADHD have a much harder time concentrating and regulating their behavior. The main features are:

●        Difficulty maintaining interest (for example, at work during conversations or in personal relationships);

●        Hyperactivity (for example, fidgeting or inability to sit still, talking a lot, gesturing excessively);

●        Impulsivity (e.g. interrupting a conversation, failing to wait in line).

Causes Of The Disorder

ADHD is not caused by bad parenting, too much sugar, food additives, absent fathers, or vaccines. These are all myths. Most often, attention deficit disorder is a genetic disorder. The chance that a child will inherit the disorder from one parent who has a genetic predisposition is 75-80%. But there are a number of other factors that contribute to the development of pathology:

●        Traumatic brain injury or infection;

●        Lack of oxygen or exposure to alcohol or nicotine before birth;

●        Premature birth;

●        Difficult experiences in early childhood.

How to Identify ADHD Symptoms in Adults

The key symptoms of this disease are inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, but this is a very limited list. It is worth considering in detail how the symptoms of the diagnosis manifest themselves. Examples of symptoms of inattention:

●        Inability to concentrate on a task for a long time;

●        Disorganization;

●        Constant forgetfulness;

●        Easily distracted and unable to return to a previous task;

●        Delays in completing tasks and constant disorganization;

●        Excessive clumsiness;

●        Falling asleep in class or during meetings;

●        Poor time management.

Some people with ADHD can control themselves and focus when they really enjoy something. But they also lose concentration when they get bored. In this case, hyperactivity appears, which is difficult to control. Examples of hyperactivity symptoms:

●        The patient seems to be constantly agitated or nervous - at work this can manifest itself on any day: both on the day of submitting a report to the manager, and on the most ordinary day or during a corporate party;

●        Being unable to sit still and concentrate - thoughts become scattered and the person takes on many tasks without completing them;

●        Speak without stopping, without noticing those around you;

●        Rapid flow of thoughts or being unable to stop thinking is one of the less obvious symptoms;

●        Persistent sleep problems.

It is also worth mentioning a separate symptom of ADHD diagnosis in adults - excessive impulsivity:

●        A person does not take into account the consequences of his actions;

●        Constantly interrupts other people;

●        Takes on what someone else does;

●        Changes jobs frequently;

●        Uses drugs and alcohol in large doses;

●        Too hot-tempered and irritable.

ADHD Diagnostic Methods

The diagnosis should be made by a mental health professional with experience in treatment, but additional tests are also needed, including:

●        Consultations with a psychotherapist and psychiatrist;

●        Electroencephalography (EEG) ;

●        Brain scans (MRI);

●        Ultrasound Dopplerography of blood vessels (UZDG).

Typically, adults are diagnosed with this disorder only if there is evidence that they had symptoms as children. The signs must also be present in more than one situation (e.g. at work and at home) and affect daily life. The presence of 5 or more symptoms within six months is indicative. If you have this many symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.

Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults

Treatment is provided by a psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD. It includes the following:

●        Make lifestyle changes and develop systems to improve time management and ability to complete tasks;

●        Solution to any problems with drug addiction or alcoholism;

●        Teach you to direct your concentration in the right direction;

●        Help you get support from friends or family.

Medications can help you concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, learn and practice new skills. Doctors usually prescribe antidepressants, inhibitors, antipsychotics, as well as vitamins and nutritional supplements for ADHD.

How To Care For A Person With ADHD?

●        Help make lists, keep diaries, keep reminders, and regularly set aside time to plan what needs to be done;

●        Train regularly - both in behavior and communication with people around you and physically: gymnastics, yoga;

●        Find ways to relax, such as listening to music or learning relaxation techniques.

●        Maintain a sleep schedule and daily routine.