It is common to face issues, problems, and obstacles during the teenage years. But most of these challenges disappear when people reach adulthood because the individuals are more mature and have the necessary life experience to handle them. Unfortunately, some adults find themselves living a life without enjoyment, feeling overwhelmed with their responsibilities, constantly getting behind in their work, and being easily distracted and forgetful. These people may be suffering from attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that is found mostly in children. If you were diagnosed with ADHD in your childhood, then the chances of you carrying the symptoms into adulthood is quite common. But it does not mean that ADHD-free kids will be immune from adult ADHD.

It is estimated that one in every 20 people is affected by ADHD, which is believed to be a hereditary condition. Initially, it was thought that a child outgrew the symptoms of ADHD during adolescence. However, recent research has shown that 7 out of 10 children with ADHD carried the symptoms with them into adulthood and developed adult ADHD.

The symptoms of ADHD vary widely from person to person, but some of the common ones are:

• Feeling impatient, hyperactive, or restless

• Erratic mood swings or uncontrolled behavior

• Being easily distracted or finding it hard to concentrate

• Forgetfulness

• Talking incessantly and not listening when someone else is speaking

• Talking without thinking

• Not following instructions and/or making careless mistakes

• Delaying tasks or not organizing them properly

• Repeatedly losing things

• Poor relationships with peers and family members

Despite the advances made in medicine, the exact cause of ADHD still remains a mystery. Some studies show that it might be caused by structural and chemical differences in the brain. The absence of a type of brain chemical called monoamines (which include substances like serotonin and adrenaline) is thought to play a major role in causing ADHD.

Experts think that ADHD is genetic and can affect several generations of a family. In addition, external factors such as a mother smoking or consuming alcohol during pregnancy and exposure to lead during childhood may also be linked to ADHD. Some people believe that refined sugars, sugar substitutes, or artificial colors or preservatives may cause ADHD, but there has not been any research to support this hypothesis.

Diagnosing ADHD can be difficult, so consulting a qualified clinical psychologist or mental health professional is important. Symptoms of ADHD are quite similar to those seen with anxiety and depression. The health care provider will consider factors like the severity of the symptoms, when these symptoms began, and the situations in which the symptoms appear. There is no specific test to identify ADHD, but it is usually diagnosed using simple investigation, observation, and self-evaluation questionnaires.

It is important that a health care provider rules out the presence of other psychological problems that have symptoms similar to ADHD. He or she will take a detailed medical history, note the patient’s current behavior and lifestyle, and figure out if the person suffered from childhood ADHD. He or she may also ask family and friends about the patient’s behavior, specifically inquiring about possible drug or alcohol abuse.

Is it really ADHD?

Distraction, forgetfulness, a lack of concentration, and uncontrolled behavior may be caused by conditions other than ADHD. Some illnesses with symptoms that are similar to ADHD are:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism

• Side-effects of prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal remedies

• Alcohol or drug abuse

• Lead exposure

The treatment process for ADHD is complex, but it is usually made up of:

• Education: Understanding how ADHD affects your life may help you to better manage the disorder.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This helps you to identify the negative attitudes you have and transform your mindset into one which is more hopeful and realistic.

• Talk Therapy: Those with adult ADHD may be surrounded by failures, academic or job difficulties, and relationship conflicts. So individual talk therapy can help you deal with these circumstances in a constructive manner.

• Marriage and Family Therapy: This will explore familial issues and focus on forming strong relationships with a spouse and relatives.

• Change in Lifestyle: Quitting smoking and giving up drugs or alcohol can go a long way toward reducing the effects of adult ADHD.

• Drugs: Psychostimulant drugs can help improve mental state by making someone feel more alert or awake, while antidepressant drugs can increase concentration and help control impulses.

Many adults with ADHD have found effective ways to deal with the disorder. Understanding ADHD and its challenges can help in making some necessary changes in lifestyle – sometimes without any medical intervention.

It is essential to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep, because a lack of sleep may worsen your problems like mood swings, stress, and trouble concentrating. Be sure to eat healthy foods, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid processed sugar as much as possible to help keep mood stable. Because physical activity releases mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain, exercising regularly will help calm the mind and keep mood swings under control.

It may also help to thoroughly plan out a workday to help improve time management. Some strategies to accomplish this goal include making a “things to do” list, setting up reminder notifications on the computer, using color-coded sticky notes to differentiate tasks, and finding other creative ways to organize a working environment. When not at work, try to spend your time on a hobby or other interesting activities.

Make sure to allocate time to spend with family and friends. Maintain relationships with people who are sensitive to this disorder and who can help find positive solutions to the situation. If further assistance is needed, consider joining an ADHD support group

Outlook

The good news about ADHD is that no matter how long you have been suffering from it, the symptoms can be treated effectively. Knowledge, support, and a little creativity can be strong tools in helping you manage the symptoms of adult ADHD. So always remember to maintain a positive attitude, and keep in mind that it’s never too late to improve your life.