ADHD in Adults: A Lifelong Disorder
ADHD is often associated with children, but it is increasingly being recognized as a condition that persists into adulthood. [이미지투데이]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not limited to children. In fact, recent research has shown that rates of ADHD diagnoses in adults are on the rise. According to a 2019 study published in the medical journal JAMA, ADHD diagnoses in adults have nearly doubled over the past decade, with variations based on the racial and ethnic backgrounds of patients.
Understanding Adult ADHD
One misconception about ADHD is that it is synonymous with hyperactive children who struggle to sit still in a classroom. While hyperactivity may diminish with age, other symptoms such as impulsivity and restlessness can persist into adulthood. Left untreated, ADHD can lead to a slew of issues including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse problems. It can also have a negative impact on work and relationships.
Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD may struggle with focus, time management, and completing tasks. They may have difficulty controlling their impulses as well as managing their finances. Additionally, symptoms can manifest in varied ways, with some individuals experiencing anxiety and others facing challenges in interpersonal relationships.
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing ADHD in adults involves a thorough medical and psychiatric history. Symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, are used as a guideline for diagnosis. However, these symptoms can also occur in other disorders such as bipolar disorder and mood disorders like depression. It is critical to receive a proper diagnosis at every stage of life, including in older years, to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
Seeking Treatment
If ADHD symptoms are interfering with work or social life, it is important to seek help from a doctor. Treatments for adult ADHD include stimulant medications like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as non-stimulant medications such as bupropion and Strattera. Non-drug-based approaches, like meditation, may also be effective in managing symptoms.
As the rates of ADHD diagnoses in adults continue to climb, it is crucial for individuals to seek proper evaluation and treatment to effectively manage the condition.
Reporter: Jang Byeong-hee
Suffers from anxiety and interpersonal difficulties
It may disappear completely as you get older.
ADHD is by no means a symptom limited to children. Although it may disappear with age, it may appear as some other symptoms even in adulthood. [이미지투데이]
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is not a disease limited to children. The signs of ADHD in adults can appear differently. Because ADHD is so closely associated with children running around the classroom out of breath and unable to sit still, it is often easy to dismiss it as a disease unique to children. But ADHD can affect adults too, and the effects can be devastating. According to a recent 2019 study in the medical journal JAMA, rates of ADHD in adults are increasing. Over the past decade, ADHD diagnoses in adults have almost doubled, depending on the racial and ethnic makeup of the patients, according to the study.
▶ What is ADHD?
ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is generally known as a disorder that only appears in school-age children, but is increasingly understood as a lifelong disorder that continues even in adulthood and may develop even in adulthood.
An important point in understanding ADHD in adults is that ADHD manifests itself in different ways than in children. Hyperactivity experienced during adolescence often disappears in adulthood, but impulsivity and restlessness may persist. If left untreated, ADHD symptoms can be devastating, potentially leading to depression, anxiety and substance abuse problems. ADHD has a negative impact not only on grades during school, but also on jobs and relationships as adults. ADHD often causes inattention, neglect to complete tasks due to lack of concentration, lack of impulse control, and lack of control over motor activities.
▶ Adult ADHD symptoms
Adult ADHD symptoms can manifest in a few different ways. First of all, you can’t focus on one thing for long and you can’t start or complete projects that need planning. I have serious difficulties with time management. I have trouble keeping track of my activities. In addition, it can lead to excessive daydreaming or disturbing others. I can’t focus my attention even during a conversation. You have a lot of difficulty managing your money or expenses. Although these symptoms of adult ADHD are common, they can be surprisingly more varied. For example, one person may show anxiety, while another may have difficulty with interpersonal relationships. In addition, it is not a permanent condition, but a condition that can manifest itself in different ways throughout various life cycles. Of course, ADHD symptoms can disappear completely with age.
▶ ADHD diagnosis
ADHD is usually diagnosed after a doctor takes a thorough medical and psychiatric history. Doctors refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which lists nine symptoms of inattention. Of these, six are related to hyperactivity and three are related to impulsivity. However, all these symptoms can occur in other disorders. For example, bipolar disorder (manic depression) is characterized by hyperactivity, restlessness, and impulsivity. Bipolar disorder and ADHD are quite different, but have some overlapping symptoms. Chronic sleep deprivation and mood disorders such as depression can also cause concentration or concentration problems. ADHD can also be diagnosed by talking to family members or people at work because family members or people at work often notice the symptoms first. Your doctor may ask you what symptoms you struggled with in elementary school. ADHD symptoms often, but not always, appear in childhood. In some cases, adults maintain an ADHD diagnosis without a proper diagnostic evaluation, leading to dependence on stimulant medication when they do not need it. Therefore, it is important to get the right diagnosis at every stage of life, even in the older years.
▶ When to see a doctor
If you or your partner are struggling with ADHD symptoms and it’s interfering with your work or social life, it’s time to talk to your doctor. ADHD is a treatable condition. Drugs such as stimulants, such as Adderall (a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) or Ritalin (methylphenidate), can all help regulate brain chemicals associated with thinking and attention. It is a nervous system stimulant. Ritalin is commonly prescribed for children, but Adderall appears to be more effective for adults with ADHD, at least according to a 2018 study. A 2020 study in the Journal of Attention Disorders also noted the effectiveness of stimulants for older people with ADHD. Second, non-stimulant medications such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), Strattera (atomoxetine), or Intuniv (guanfacine) are all non-stimulant medications that may have cognitive enhancing effects in some people. Non-drug-based approaches, such as meditation, alone or in combination with medication, can sometimes be effective for ADHD. You should visit your doctor and discuss all your symptoms, including symptoms that do not appear to be ADHD, such as difficulty sleeping or fatigue.
Reporter Jang Byeong-hee
#Adult #ADHD #symptoms #similar #bipolar #disorder #treatable
