Because of the popular misconception that ADHD is a child’s disease, many people fail to realize that adults are also affected by this disorder. Some people who haveit were diagnosed as children or during adolescence but the symptoms can carry over into adulthood. The symptoms change with age, but many of those with the disorder continue to experience difficulties in many areas of their lives. Having a child diagnosed with ADHD may be the first time a parent realizes their own personal symptoms. It is important to remember that this disorder is hereditary so if one family member is diagnosed, others in the immediate family may want to be evaluated as well.
Dr. Thomas E. Brown of the Yale University School of Medicine contends that ADHD is basically a developmental impairment of the executive function or the skills involved in motivation, planning, impulse control, and selective attention. There are six major areas that adults with this disorder have problems with. These are:
o Memory- forgetting appointments and other important dates or losing things
o Effort- difficulties with persistence and motivation
o Action- having poor self-control or problems with acceptable behavior
o Emotion- may be hypersensitive to criticism, easily frustrated or have problems managing stress
o Activation- Problems associated with starting and organizing tasks
o Focus- Problems with staying focused and resisting distractions
Some adults with this disorder may also have problems with hyperactivity. However, this is less common with adults than with their younger counterparts. In fact, only a small percentage of ADHD adults suffer from hyperactivity. Adults who have problems with this may:
o Have a tendency to take risks
o Have racing thoughts
o Have trouble sitting still
o Get bored easily
o Crave excitement
o Want to do a million things at one time
o Talk excessively
If left untreated, adults with this disorder can experience problems in practically every area of their life. Oftentimes, ADHD sufferers are misdiagnosed and treated for other disorders but once the right diagnosis is made, treatment can begin.
Ironically, those who suffer from this disorder may not know they have it so to them, the people they meet are the ones with problems. Because ADHD is often difficult to diagnose in adults, a complete psychological and physical examination is necessary. Your doctor will most likely ask about your personal relationships and your work and home life. He or she will also want to know about your past and your family history to rule out any other inherited mental illnesses.
People with ADHD may feel that their lives are out of control. They may feel frustrated, hopeless, embarrassed, disappointed and have a low self-esteem. Being diagnosed with ADHD can actually be a relief because then you can understand the source of your symptoms. That understanding can help making changes in your life easier. There are ways to manage your ADHD without seeking outside help. Among these are: eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, creating a supportive environment, and practicing time management. But, if your symptoms are still getting in the way of your life, you might want to seek professional help.