ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a term that can be loosely used colloquially as someone who has trouble sitting still. Often, children are described as having ADHD, but ADHD can actually persist into adulthood undiagnosed.

Many adults who feel as if they have trouble with concentration and impulsivity may actually have ADHD, even if it wasn’t diagnosed when they were children. Without a proper diagnosis, it can be very difficult to get necessary help. Without proper management techniques and other resources, it can be difficult to be productive which can be super frustrating when you don’t know what the problem is. Here are some signs and symptoms, as well as how to get diagnosed and treatment options.

Symptoms

Even though children normally have more obvious symptoms, adults can have some major signs that can be telltale of ADHD. These symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and may range from difficulty paying attention to impulsiveness and hyperactivity. These symptoms may be anything that are mild to severe.

Many adults don’t realize they have ADHD, which can lead to underdiagnosis and issues receiving treatment. It also can be hard when you’re in a community that doesn’t believe in certain mental disorders, especially ones that manifest as behavioral problems. However, if you experience anything from the list below, then you may want to consider going to a psychological professional who specializes in this field:

  • Impulsivity
  • Disordered thinking
  • Problems with prioritization
  • Poor time management
  • Issues focusing on one task or multitasking
  • Excessive activity or restlessness
  • Low tolerance
  • Mood swings
  • Hot temper
  • Trouble coping with adversity

Many of these symptoms can seem like normal functioning and personality traits that aren’t favorable. However, these are much more severe than personality characteristics. These symptoms can be indicative of a problem, specifically if they are symptoms that individuals normally grow out of. As we mature, our brains should increase in executive functioning – i.e. make us better planners and problem solvers. Therefore, if we’re struggling with one or more of these executive functions as adults, especially older adults, then there may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Of course social factors and nurture play a role in people’s ability to cope or manage problems, however, some skills are reflective of general development, so lacking them may be an important diagnostic sign.

ADHD causes

It is still unclear what causes ADHD. Research continues to look for answers to find relationships to ADHD. However, until a conclusion is reached, there are still only speculations about what can cause ADHD. One finding is that ADHD can be genetic. There seems to be a link between family members who have ADHD.

Another cause may be the environment. Some of the features of ADHD, such as the hyperactivity and the trouble focusing can be due to the way someone was raised. Also, there are comorbid mental health disorders like anxiety that can overlap and mask some of the symptoms of ADHD. Anxiety shares similar features, as well as depression, in terms of difficulty concentrating and being task oriented. There are environmental factors that contribute to both anxiety and depression, therefore, these same factors may inadvertently influence the development of ADHD.

There may have also been problems during fetal development that may influence the presence of ADHD. If there were any issues with the central nervous system at key moments of development, then that can also play a role. Key issues can include nutrient deficits (especially folate which can lead to neural tube developmental disorders), hemorrhage, injury, dehydration, or use of a teratogenic drug.

ADHD Risk Factors

Although the cause of ADHD may not be established, there are certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing ADHD. If you think you may exhibit some of the aforementioned signs and symptoms, an awareness of these risk factors may help you in your decision to find out more about what is going on. Those who have relatives, like parents or siblings, with ADHD or another mental health disorder can have increased chances for developing the disorder.

Also, the use of alcohol or drugs during pregnancy can also increase risk factors as those are teratogens which can negatively impact the fetus at various times of development. Children exposed to environmental toxins like lead may also lead to CNS disturbances, as well as being a premature baby. I encourage you to think and ask questions about your in utero experience as well as the health of family members to evaluate your own risk factors, especially if you’re exhibiting signs and symptoms similar to what we’ve already discussed.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis as an adult can be very difficult. In children, ADHD can be diagnosed because the behavior is something normally noticed by a teacher or someone in a structured setting. As an adult, especially someone without a lot of supervision and monitoring, it may be hard to even realize that there is a problem. However, if you identify with the symptom list, then you may want to consider these next steps.

No single test can confirm the diagnosis of ADHD. It’s an accumulation of tests that include a physical exam, information gathering or history taking, and ADHD rating scales or psychological tests. All three of these help to exclude other causes for behaviors and arrive to the conclusion of ADHD through a process of elimination.

As far as treatment, ADHD treatment plans normally include various models of treatment including medication, education, behavioral counseling and a psychological course. The combination of these different modalities has been shown to be the most effective. The medication of choice for ADHD are stimulants, like methylphenidate or amphetamine. Thye balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and can help provide more stability. There are other medications as well for those who don’t like the side effects of stimulants, and these include atomoxetine and antidepressants like bupropion. These work slower than stimulants but are an effective alternative.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or exhibit any of these risk factors, then please consult a psychologist or your primary care physician. These professionals can help you go in the direction you need and get the appropriate help. Without treating symptoms of ADHD, you put yourself at higher risk for developing further mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, as well as have increased hardships in daily functioning which can have negative job consequences as well as social adjustment issues.

 

Sources:

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350883