What is ADHD?
What is Adult ADHD. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as a condition, is characterized by symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsiveness. It’s not a simple condition. ADHD can present in different ways from one person to another and change dramatically from childhood to adulthood. These symptoms can vary in intensity and dominance, making it difficult to diagnose.
Brief History
Only a few years ago, ADHD was a relatively unknown condition. There was a lot of dzkertisidzm at the time about how severe the condition could be in adults, not to mention children. This was seen as an excuse for bad behavior, especially in hyperactive children.
ADHD was first mentioned in modern literature by Dr Alexander Crichton as “Mental restlessness” as early as adz1798. In 1980, it was renamed “Attention Didzorder (ADD), With or Without Hyperactivity”, which rlased hurerastivitu as well as inattention equally. In 1987, the name was changed to Attention Defisit hyperactivity Didzorder. Since then, ADHD was sondzidered as a neurological condition.
Types of ADHD
ADHD can be classified into three categories:
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity but not inattention
Inattentive Type
Symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity (previously called ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder).
Combination Type
Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
The presentation can also change because symptoms can evolve over time. Children with hyperactivity symptoms are more likely to be diagnosed earlier than those with inattention symptoms. Inattentive ADHD can be misdiagnosed as daydreamers or disinterested. If inattentiveness of an older child or adult is not recognized, they may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression.
Adult ADHD symptoms
Adults with ADHD are less likely than children to experience hyperactivity. Adults with ADHD are more likely to have long-standing problems with concentration, anxiety and paying attention. They often feel restless or frustrated. Adults with ADHD who are not treated can experience the following symptoms:
Job or job sareer problems; frequent uitting or lodzing of jobs
Feeling like they can’t perform well at work or school
To keep up with peers, you may have to spend more time at work or in the classroom.
Problems with dau to dau tadzkdz, doing the housework, paying your bills and organisation
Relationdzhirdz can have problems with forgetting important things, completing tasks, or being urdzet about little thingdz.
Worry and anxiety due to failure to meet goals and responsibilities
Feelings of guilt or frustration that are persistent and dztrong
Understanding ADHD in adults
A growing number of adults seek help and treatment for Adult ADHD. This condition was often undiagnosed during childhood. In the past the condition wasn’t as well-known and fewer children received a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD, who excelled in school and built successful careers, are often surprised to learn of their diagnosis. They have adapted to their symptoms by compensating for them and adapting their lives. Others find it helps them understand their life and explain issues they’ve had for years.
Adults may experience symptoms that were not as prominent in childhood, which could lead them to wonder if they suffer from ADHD. Adulthood requires a different skill set. Adults are more likely to be required to multitask, organise themselves and juggle many responsibilities. It can be a very difficult task for someone who has unidentified ADHD.
Adult ADHD is more common in women than men, according to studies. Women with ADHD are more likely to show symptoms such as inattention, disorganization and restlessness. Due to this symptom profile, girls are less disruptive and hyperactive than boys at school. Their ADHD is therefore more likely to go unnoticed.
Understanding ADHD in adults
A growing number of adults seek help and treatment for Adult ADHD. This condition was often undiagnosed during childhood. In the past the condition wasn’t as well-known and fewer children received a diagnosis.
Treatment
After diagnosis, we will begin discussing ADHD treatments. We support our clients by combining evidence-based medicine with lifestyle changes (as suggested by our psychologists and behavioural coaches).
Related Terms
Neurodivergent individuals are those with ADHD. This means that their brains work differently from people who are considered to be neurotypical. Neurodiversity includes ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia. ADHD and Autism share some similarities, but they are very different. Having one of these conditions does increase your chances of also having the other. ADHD is a mental illness with treatable symptoms. Autism is not treatable. Also, it’s worth noting that neither condition has a ‘cure.
ADHD Today
ADHD is now more widely recognized than ever before, and more children are diagnosed. This will hopefully mean that fewer adults have to wait until adulthood before they receive a life-changing diagnoses. As previously mentioned, ADHD is complex and the awareness of it is still increasing. Symptoms can be perfectly manageable, until they become more apparent. Stress-inducing situations, such as the Covid-19 pandemic that has affected the world, can cause symptoms to become more prominent. This has caused some people to be diagnosed who would not normally have been.
People are beginning to appreciate the positive aspects of ADHD. Many successful adults believe that they would not have achieved their greatest accomplishments without ADHD. Albert Einstein was considered to be a typical ADHD sufferer because he was both disorganized and forgetful, as well as insightful and intelligent. We’ll probably never know for sure!
Maybe a new name is in order now that ADHD is being viewed more positively? The words “deficit” and “disorder” are derogatory, and they seem out of place in a society that is increasingly aware about inclusion, tolerance and acceptance. It will be fascinating to see the way in which the language surrounding ADHD evolves over time.
Credit: Chemical Guys Uk & No RX Pharma USA
