![]() ![]() For example, adults may quit school, quit a job, get into car accidents or have problems with substance use. Impulsivity may be less frequent or obvious in adults than in children, but the impact of impulsive decisions can be very harmful. Inattention symptoms in particular tend to affect adults, and may also make tasks like planning and setting priorities difficult. These symptoms last for a long time, don’t change in different places (such as at work and at home) and can cause a lot distress or problems. This group of symptoms is called impulsivity. You might do things without considering the results or act before you think. Or you might have a hard time controlling urges and take a lot of risks. This group of symptoms is called hyperactivity. You might have a hard time sitting still, fidget all the time or feel very restless. This group of symptoms is called inattention. You might make careless mistakes at work or frequently forget things. If you live with ADHD, you might have problems paying attention, concentrating on one task or organizing things. As we learn more about the course of ADHD, it’s becoming more common for teens and adults to be diagnosed with the illness. About two-thirds of people living with ADHD continue to experience symptoms as an adult. ADHD is usually diagnosed in school-aged children, but it can continue to cause problems into adulthood. Why is ADHD in adults hard to diagnose?Īttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a mental illness that affects the way you act and focus. ![]() ![]() But proper diagnosis and treatment can help you feel better and gain control of your life. Others don’t even realize that they have an illness-they assume their illness is “just who they are.” Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can affect adults too, and it can cause a lot of distress. Some don’t realize they have an illness until their child has similar problems and is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Some people struggle with these problems for many years. For the most of us, the feelings pass and we can easily get back to work. Get help from Linden Oaks Behavioral Health.Everyone feels distracted and restless at times. ![]() If symptoms are getting in the way of life, you may need extra support. If you think you have adult ADHD, ask your doctor about getting an adult ADHD evaluation. Combination treatment - medication (e.g., stimulants) plus psychotherapy (talk therapy) - seems to offer the best chance at symptom relief for adults. In fact, ADHD in adults almost always occurs simultaneously with one or more other disorders, such as anxiety (accounts for about half of adults with ADHD), depression, bipolar disorder or substance use disorder.Ī qualified professional can determine if these problems are due to ADHD, some other cause or a combination of causes.ĪDHD is highly manageable in adults using an individualized, multi-modality treatment approach. They may develop low self-esteem, anxiety or mood problems. To others, they may come across as insensitive, uncaring or irresponsible, which can damage their relationships.Īs a result, many adults with ADHD have chronic feelings of frustration, guilt or blame. Many adults with ADHD have trouble performing at work and difficulty with day-to-day responsibilities (e.g., completing household chores, paying bills, organizing things). There are three main symptoms that characterize ADHD in adults: It’s important to recognize the signs so you can get proper treatment, as untreated ADHD can wreak havoc in your life - personally and professionally. There is a lot of misinformation about ADHD in adults. Usually, hyperactivity improves with age while attention problems tend to last into adulthood. Symptoms often change over time, so adults may have different symptoms than when they were children.įor example, a hyperactive child who has trouble sitting still may turn into a fidgety or restless teen, and then into an adult with memory and attention problems, or uncomfortable restlessness. About 60 percent of children with ADHD in the U.S. The National Institute of Mental Health defines ADHD as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.ĪDHD often begins in childhood. Any of these sound familiar? These are symptoms of a disorder that many associate with children only, but which can affect adults, too.Īn estimated 10 million adults have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but less than 20 percent of them have been diagnosed, and only one-quarter of those diagnosed seek treatment. You can’t seem to complete tasks at work. ![]()
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