Adult ADHD, marked by ongoing challenges in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, significantly affects daily life and often originates from childhood. While previously seen as a childhood condition that would outgrow with age when impulse control develops, recent years have seen a rise in recognition, diagnosis, and successful management of ADHD in adults. Nonetheless, longitudinal research indicates that a considerable portion of children with ADHD, up to 60 percent, continue to grapple with symptoms and functional impairments well into adulthood.
Types of ADHD
ADHD is typically classified into three types:
- Inattentive Presentation
- Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
- Combined Presentation – This type involves a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Symptoms
ADHD Inattention presentation
- Making careless mistakes
- Trouble Focusing
- Difficulty Listening
- Failing to Complete Tasks
- Poor Organizational Skills
- Avoiding Tasks that requires sustained focus
- Losing Important Items
- Easily distracted
- Forgetfulness
ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
- Leaving seat when required to stay (e.g., meetings or lectures)
- Blurting out answers, completing others’ sentences
- Interrupting or intruding on other’s activities
- Struggling to remain quiet
- Fidgeting
- Often on the move, unable to sit still
- Difficulty waiting turn
- Excessive talking
- Restlessness
Childhood behavioural manifestations
In childhood, the manifestations of Adult ADHD typically involve a range of behaviors like excessive talking, restlessness, difficulties with reading and comprehension, impulsivity, blurting out answers without thinking, daydreaming, and struggling to wait in line. Additionally, inattention may lead to forgetfulness and poor academic performance in school days.
When to seek help
If any of the symptoms mentioned above consistently interfere with your daily life, seeking professional help is advisable.
Need for seeking professional help
Adults with ADHD often struggle in their daily lives, experiencing challenges in education and work due to difficulties with time management, staying focused, and completing tasks. They may engage in risky behaviors like speeding or reckless driving. When ADHD is combined with substance abuse or dissocial behavior, legal problems may arise. However, with the right support and treatment, there’s hope for better outcomes, including improved job performance and overall well-being.
Adult ADHD symptom rating and assessment scales
Self-report checklists are available online; however they are not diagnostic of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by psychiatrist / clinical psychologist. Evaluation includes a diagnostic interview and objective assessment by neuropsychological tests for attention and working memory.
Management
Treatment for ADHD often involves medication, especially stimulants, which can lead to significant improvement in symptoms for up to 75% of people. Nonstimulant medications may take longer to work but can still be effective. Along with medication, therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning for individuals with ADHD. Overall, early intervention promotes better symptom management and overall well-being.
Exploring the significance of mental health and the consequences of poor mental health leads to an understanding of essential components, including the role of medication. However, psychiatric medication is frequently disregarded and viewed negatively, while therapy is highly regarded. This biased perception towards medication in mental health needs to be addressed and debunked.
Assessing the severity of mental health disorders or issues is crucial, and it requires conducting tests and interviews before initiating treatment. For severe cases, medication is often prescribed, and it is essential to have a clear understanding of the medication’s purpose. While mental health professionals are open to answering any questions about medications and creating a safe space for their patients to clarify their doubts, some people tend to hold onto negative beliefs about psychiatric medication. Here are some common misconceptions.
Psychiatric Medication Is Addictive:
One of the common misconceptions surrounding psychiatric medication is that it is addictive. However, it is important to understand that mental health drugs come in different forms and dosages, such as antidepressants and anxiety medication. Unlike illegal drugs that cause addiction, psychiatric medication is administered in a controlled setting, and the dosage is managed, usually for a short term depending on the disorder. Holding onto this false belief may discourage people from seeking help, which could ultimately worsen their symptoms. It is crucial to note that there are many non-habit forming drugs available, and mental health professionals can provide guidance on selecting the right medication.
Psychiatric medication needs to be taken for a long time:
One of the common misconceptions surrounding psychiatric medication is that it is addictive. However, it is important to understand that mental health drugs come in different forms and dosages, such as antidepressants and anxiety medication. Unlike illegal drugs that cause addiction, psychiatric medication is administered in a controlled setting, and the dosage is managed, usually for a short term depending on the disorder. Holding onto this false belief may discourage people from seeking help, which could ultimately worsen their symptoms. It is crucial to note that there are many non-habit forming drugs available, and mental health professionals can provide guidance on selecting the right medication.
Psychiatric Medication and its side effects:
All drugs, including mental health medication, have potential side effects, varying in intensity from mild to severe. A mental health professional prescribes medication based on the patient’s medical history, current diagnoses, and symptom severity. Initially, the first few weeks are devoted to finding the most suitable medication for the patient, and only then is the medication continued. Mental health professionals prioritize selecting medication with minimal side effects to ensure patients’ comfort, and if there are any potential side effects, they will inform the patient to prepare them and prevent them from feeling uninformed.
Final Thoughts:
If you or someone you know is displaying symptoms of poor mental health, it is crucial to consider seeking help from a psychiatrist or another mental health professional. Once you have taken the initial step, the mental health professional will guide you through the next steps, which may include medication. It is important to ask questions and clarify any doubts about the medication prescribed to know what to expect. The mental health professional will assist in addressing any uncertainties to ensure that the patient is comfortable with the treatment plan.
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy.
my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents.
I feel that I never was a greater artist than now. When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary.