Is adult ADHD real?

Is adult ADHD real? Sings of attention-deficit/hyperactivity in adults

When we hear ADHD, we usually picture daydreaming kids, worsening school grades and missing homework. But is there adult ADHD? The answer is: yes!

Adult ADHD can have different symptoms than ADHD in children. Adult ADHD is undiagnosed ADHD. The disorder is caused by problems with neurotransmitters in the brain so it is not possible to „outgrow” the condition. More details on ADHD in children and treatment options can be found in our previous article.

Adult ADHD affects approximately 4% of the adult population worldwide. The condition is highly underdiagnosed, the real numbers are estimated to be even higher.

Adult ADHD can cause problems for others in the working environment, family life, management of household or even social relationships!

The most common symptoms of adult ADHD

Adult ADHD can damage one’s life in several areas. Signs of adult ADHD are often a combination of impulsivity, spontaneity, hasty decision making and taking actions thoughtlessly. All these symptoms can lead to unpleasant experiences in the workplace or in family life.

Adult ADHD can be devided into three groups: hyperactive type, attention-deficit type and mixed type. The mixed type is the most common of the three which includes both hyperactive and attention-deficit symptoms.

Symptoms of hyperactivity in adults:

overly talkative, avoiding silence
overworking, taking on too many tasks
always „has to do something”, lack of rest
sleeping disorders

Symptoms of attention-deficit in adults:

daydreaming during work or reading
having problem keeping places clean and tidy
often being late, lack of time
having a hard time starting new tasks
problematic change of focus
missing crucial details

Symptoms of impulsivity in adults:

regularly disrupting conversations
having difficulty waiting
problems with planning
spontaneity in decision-making
seeking risky behavior
mood swings
insecurity and low self-esteem

Adult ADHD can manifest in the form of symptoms from only one category, but it is not uncommon to see different symptoms from all the categories above. Diagnosing adult ADHD can be difficult, because by the time one reaches adulthood, certain coping mechanisms and behavioral habits are „masking” the common symptoms of ADHD. Many adults learn to compensate for their ADHD to function better in their workplace or at home.

Sadly one can never compensate for all the symptoms! Untreated ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life in the long run.

Why is it important to diagnose ADHD (even in adulthood)?

Identifying and treating adult ADHD can lead to better standard of living and easier everyday life with no symptoms. The diagnosis helps in identifying the problematic behavior patterns and makes treatment possible! ADHD treatment can be effective even if started in adulthood! By eliminating the problems of the workplace and the social behavioral barriers, adult ADHD treatment can give confidence and a healthy feeling of self-worth.

Treatment of adult ADHD can be crucial for those who develop coexisting psychological conditions. Anxiety disorder, depression, learning disabilities and sleep disorder commonly develop throughout the years of untreated ADHD. Diagnosing and treating ADHD is the key to the treatment of the coexisting conditions!

Living an active life, engaging in sports and outdoor activities, spending quality time with loved ones can all contribute to mental health. Starting and maintaining healthy habits can help reducing problems caused by ADHD.

In the Gem Learning Center we use the Gibson test to measure the key cognitive skills. We use brain training to develop the skills that are lacking and reduce symptoms with targeted development of the most affected areas. After brain training adults with ADHD can lead a more organised life with stronger cognitive skills like working memory, the maintaining of attention and learning difficulties vanish from the clients’ lives!