Do you struggle with concentration, impulsivity, restlessness, and staying organised? Have you ever thought that you might have ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)?
ADHD is commonly associated with children, but it also significantly affects adults. Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed as children and may have developed coping mechanisms later in life that mask the disorder. As a result, ADHD in adults can be hard to identify and manage which can negatively impact social relationships, work, and school performance. To manage ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life and happiness, people must understand ADHD symptoms, its causes, and the available treatment options.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults
As adults with ADHD grow older, they may experience fewer symptoms. However, some adults continue to experience significant symptoms that disrupt their daily lives. Common features of ADHD in adults include trouble paying attention, impulsiveness, and restlessness. Symptoms can vary in intensity from mild to severe, depending on each individual. Many adults with ADHD may not realise they have it; they simply struggle with everyday tasks. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty focusing and prioritising, which can lead to missed deadlines, forgotten meetings, or social plans.
Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to that for children, including medications, therapy, and addressing any other mental health issues that may be present.
Some specialists have compiled a list of symptoms associated with ADHD in adults:
- being careless and not paying attention to details
- always jumping into new tasks without finishing old ones
- poor organisational skills
- inability to focus or prioritise
- always losing or misplacing things
- forgetfulness
- feeling restless and on edge
- difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn
- Interrupting and blurting out responses.
- mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
- inability to deal with stress
- extreme impatience
- engaging in risky behaviour often involves little or no concern for personal safety or the safety of others, such as driving recklessly
Causes of ADHD
Although ADHD’s exact cause is unknown, a combination of factors may contribute to the disorder.
Genetics
ADHD often runs in families, with inherited genes playing a significant role in its development. Research indicates that individuals with ADHD are more likely to have parents and siblings who also have the condition. However, the way ADHD is inherited is believed to be a complex process and is not linked to a single genetic fault.
Neurological Factors
Understanding the causes of ADHD is complex and requires ongoing research. However, current knowledge indicates that adults with ADHD often exhibit subtle but significant differences in brain structure. Studies have shown that ADHD is associated with variations in the connectivity and size of specific brain regions. In particular, individuals with ADHD tend to display reduced connectivity in neural networks that support executive functions, including attention, impulse control, and working memory.
Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that individuals with ADHD may experience imbalances in neurotransmitter levels, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are crucial for signal transmission in the brain and play a significant role in regulating attention and behaviour. The dysregulation of these chemicals can contribute to the symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
How to tell if you have ADHD as an adult?
Discovering that you have adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment. Chances are, you might have silently suffered for years due to it being unrecognised. It’s common to feel like you’re constantly fighting to stay afloat, overwhelmed by the relentless stress brought on by procrastination, disorganisation, and last-minute demands. You may have been hurtfully and unfairly labelled “lazy,” “irresponsible,” or “stupid” due to forgetfulness or difficulty completing tasks. Sadly, you may have even internalised these negative perceptions of yourself.
As mentioned, undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have negative impacts on all aspects of your life. It can affect your physical and mental well-being, impact your work performance, and hinder your ability to manage your finances and personal relationships, including friendships, romantic partnerships, and family relationships.
If you are experiencing symptoms commonly related to ADHD that are significantly impacting your daily life, you should consider talking to a doctor or clinical specialist about getting an assessment for a potential diagnosis. Taking this first step can help you gain a better understanding of your ADHD and find a treatment option that works best for you.
Diagnosis in adults
It takes three steps to diagnose ADHD in adults: Initial Consultation, Full Clinical Assessment, Report Presentation, and Management Plan. ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adults because opinions differ on whether childhood symptoms apply to adults. During the assessment, specialists will ask about your current symptoms. ADHD in adults must have symptoms present since childhood. Specialists may consult school records or speak with people who knew you as a child if you have trouble recalling childhood issues.
To be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, symptoms must moderately affect different areas of their life, such as:
- Not meeting expectations at university or work
- Having challenges in forming or maintaining friendships
- Challenges in romantic relationships
An adult experiencing symptoms for the first time is not considered to have ADHD, as it is believed that ADHD does not develop in adults.
ADHD treatment options available in Ireland
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a variety of treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, support groups, counselling, and medication. Treatment must involve a team of HSE-recognised ADHD specialists, along with the support of friends, family and spouses. With the right support, people can learn to control impulsive behaviours, manage their time and money, get organised, boost productivity, handle stress, and improve communication. Getting a diagnosis is key to managing ADHD and accessing the right treatments, such as therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and support.