ADHD, translated as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is associated with children. However, nothing could be more wrong - adults are also diagnosed more and more often. Especially those who had difficulty concentrating in childhood were considered "naughty" or "inattentive". Meanwhile, it may be just untreated ADHD that interferes with many aspects of everyday life for adults. But there are also positive aspects of ADHD that are worth paying attention to! Openness to medicine and psychology means that more and more people come to specialists with their difficulties and turn them into success. What you need to know about adult ADHD? How does a person with ADHD behave? What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?
ADHD in adults. Why are more and more people being diagnosed?
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that involves a combination of persistent problems such as attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD in adults can lead to unstable relationships, poorer performance at work or school, and consequently to low self-esteem, anxiety and neurotic states, and other problems.
Although ADHD is present from birth, some people are not diagnosed until adulthood. This is because not everyone showed symptoms at an early age. For years, the ADHD criteria have been heavily stereotyped. At the thought of the disorder, many people saw a runaway boy who could not be calmed down. "Dreamy" girls who had their heads in the clouds were not considered for this diagnosis. As specialists point out, the symptoms of ADHD in boys are more visible, which makes them more likely to hear the diagnosis. In addition, most studies assessing ADHD have been based on a male sample.
For women it is different. "However, it can happen that a girl experiences symptoms of ADHD that interfere with her daily life, but these symptoms are overlooked by the adults around her because they are not stereotypical," - says University of Calgary assistant professor Meadow Schroeder. Over the years, women have heard diagnoses that were not accurate - instead of treating ADHD, they received anti-anxiety or antidepressants. According to the researchers, symptoms in girls are sometimes masked, which is due to the fact that they are more likely to try to live up to the expectations of adults. Their hard work means that the observance of social norms is reflected in their lives.
ADHD in childhood is diagnosed up to three times more often in boys than girls - and when it comes to adults - these figures are the same.
In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsivity, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating may continue. The problem of ADHD, according to the American Psychiatric Association, affects as many as 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide.At the same time, these are data from 2018, which may mean that today the number of people diagnosed may be higher, which is mentioned, among others, in the US National Institute of Mental Health.
Distinguishing the types of ADHD
According to the latest, fifth edition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) classification, i.e. the division of mental disorders, ADHD has been divided into three types:
- with a predominance of inattention disorders,
- with a predominance of hyperactivity and impulsiveness,
- mixed subtype.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on the observation of persistent symptoms, the frequency of their occurrence and the degree of noticability over the past six months. Since all ADHD symptoms vary from person to person, it's important to know the characteristics of each presentation so you can recognize which one you or someone close to you may be dealing with.
Mostly inattentive presentation of ADHD
Individuals with this ADHD presentation show no signs of hyperactivity or impulsiveness, the stereotypically most classic symptoms of the disorder. Instead, they have difficulty staying focused and mindful. The inattentive type of ADHD often makes it difficult for people with the disorder to maintain attention and engage in structured activities for long periods of time.
According to the American portal psychiatry.org, the type with a mostly inattentive presentation is characterized by:
- not paying attention to details, especially when performing school or work tasks;
- problems with focusing on tasks and activities;
- lack of attention (sometimes only apparent) during the conversation;
- going against instructions;
- not finishing schoolwork, homework or even work;
- problems with work organization, including: poor time management, mess, disorganized work, failure to meet deadlines;
- avoiding tasks that require prolonged effort,
- losing items;
- forgetting about everyday tasks.
Hyperactive/impulsive type
People with this form of the disease will display hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but without signs of inattention. You can find people with this form of the disease who are constantly moving and fidgeting excessively. Hitherto, children have been said to be impatient or naughty, punished or scolded, without trying to understand their difficulties.
The presentation of ADHD in this type, according to the American Institute of Mental Health, is characterized by impulsivity primarily:
- interrupting or disturbing others,
- taking action without thinking,
- impatience,
- difficulty waiting for your turn,
- the desire for immediate reward, with no possibility of deferred gratification,
- answering questions without completing them.
On the other hand, ADHD in the hyperactive type means that the person with the disorder may appear to be "on the go". Staying calm and staying still is also difficult in situations where it is necessary, such as at a funeral or in the theater. In adults, hyperactivity can mean extreme restlessness or talking too much.
Complex ADHD
This is the most common form of this condition. People with this type of ADHD experience a combination of symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. A diagnosis of multiple-type ADHD in a child requires the presence of at least six symptoms of inattention and at least six symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity for at least six months. For those over 17, five or more symptoms of each type are required.
Of the three types of ADHD, the combined type is considered the most common. According to some studies, as many as 70% of adults with ADHD have this presentation of the disorder.
ADHD in adults - everything you need to know
Does ADHD go away with time? Some people have fewer symptoms as they get older. Despite this, ADHD lives all the time. According to chadd.org, up to 75% of people diagnosed with ADHD in childhood also experience symptoms in adulthood.
In early adulthood, ADHD can be associated with depression, mood or behavioral disorders, and substance abuse. Adults with ADHD often experience difficulties in their work, personal and family lives related to ADHD symptoms. Many have, among others:
- inconsistent work or career performance;
- difficulties with daily duties;
- experience relationship problems;
- chronic feelings of frustration or guilt.
Why is getting diagnosed with ADHD important?
Knowledge is the key to understanding how the ADHD brain works. Today, the basis is psychoeducation, which is one of the most important tools in dealing with ADHD. The more you know about your condition and the type of ADHD you have, the more confident you become, the better you understand yourself. This, in turn, means you can get the right support and learn techniques to help manage your distressing symptoms. And this will greatly help in everyday life.
By knowing what ADHD presentation you have, you can distinguish between what is a symptom of ADHD and what is part of your unique personality. Sometimes people struggle for years with an aspect of ADHD that they believe is simply part of who they are, only to discover later that it was related to ADHD and that treatment is available.
In addition to the practical benefits, knowing how ADHD affects you has psychological benefits. There are many moral judgments regarding behaviors resulting from ADHD. For example, not being able to sit still at a meeting could be called "disrespectful."
How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?
Because ADHD is a lifelong diagnosis, you are never "too adult" to be assessed for the disorder. There are many psychological assessment measures that can be used to diagnose ADHD in adults.
In adulthood, some people notice a reduction in symptoms, while others continue to feel them to a similar extent. This is because some people use practices and techniques to deal with deficits. However, masking symptoms is not the way to fully manage the disorder. However, adult ADHD tends to look less like a battery-driven child and more like a person who is forgetful, anxious, easily distracted, and/or overreacts with frustration.
The key is an accurate diagnosis. It is difficult to detect ADHD, but it is possible to diagnose it in an adult, even if the disorder was overlooked in childhood. The problem is that these symptoms are often labeled immaturity or misdiagnosed solely as anxiety or depression. Most often, however, these are the effects of living with undiagnosed ADHD, including everyday struggle with oneself, attempts to act "like others", or the desire to meet social expectations - these are the things that can lead to depression, neurosis or anxiety. It is then, often on the verge, that adults go to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Being misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed leads to undertreatment.
ADHD is nothing to be afraid of - understanding is important
Receiving a diagnosis is a positive moment for many people. Eventually, they find out what's going on, why they can't live up to the high social norms. They feel relieved. Instead of hearing the erroneous attribution of laziness, carelessness, or incompetence, they learn that these unexplained difficulties are something beyond their control. Awareness and diagnosis can lead to a better understanding of oneself, but also less problems with the environment.
Many people learn to reject harmful beliefs about themselves when they are diagnosed as adults. Their self-esteem finally increases, and with the help of psychological therapy or coaching, they can minimize ADHD symptoms and strengthen their strengths. And there is no shortage of these!
Supporting hyper-concentration in people with ADHD increases their productivity. Some even see the disorder as a kind of gift. No wonder, since the list of great people who had ADHD is really impressively long! The disorder had Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy and Walt Disney. Their focus on a specific field allowed them to achieve impressive results, making them experts. In addition, many people are also distinguished by exceptional creativity, openness to change and trying new solutions, unconventional ways of thinking.
Elwira Lenartowicz, a psychologist from the Polish ADHD Society, notes that people with the disorder are endowed with a high IQ, have a rich imagination and an innovative outlook. For this reason, they are great in creative works. - The fact that they live in an excess of stimuli means that they can be innovative in finding new solutions. They are not satisfied with mediocrity, she says.
Psychologists indicate that people with ADHD are endowed with high sensitivity. It allows you to develop empathy and is an excellent platform for the development of many talents. Research shows that providing support after diagnosis is associated with more positive relationships also when it comes to partnerships or relationships with close family.
Diagnosis of ADHD in an adult
Diagnosing ADHD in an adult can be difficult because the symptoms in children look different than in adults, and many specialists primarily diagnose the youngest. However, there are methods that psychologists use to assess whether a disorder is present in an adult. What tests can be used?
- DIVA 5. The most popular diagnostic questionnaire in Poland, which allows to verify suspicions of ADHD in adults by means of an interview developed on the basis of DSM-5 criteria. Only clinical evidence of the disorder is assessed during the trial.
- Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA). TOVA measures the ability to perform non-preferred tasks and assesses real-time attention skills. The results are compared with the results of other people who have and do not have ADHD. Sometimes TOVA is ambiguous or a person with attention problems may do well because it compensates for the difficulties, so TOVA is usually not the only measurable diagnostic method.
- Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS): CAARS is a rating scale that measures attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Determines if symptoms are consistent with ADHD. There is a self-report scale and an observer scale that can be filled out by someone who knows you well.
- Adult Self-Report Rating Scale (ASRS): Helps recognize ADHD symptoms and signs in adults. This is one of the methods recommended by the World Health Organization - the self-check list was prepared by them. It is important to understand that this ADHD test is a starting point. This is not a diagnostic test. This is a checklist of adult ADHD symptoms. A full assessment and eventual diagnosis of ADHD is not done with an online test or a quick visit to the doctor - proper follow-up is required.
- The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - adult version (BRIEF-A): BRIEF-A looks at various aspects of executive functioning, such as the ability to perform tasks, switch between activities, organize things or thoughts, and remember important information. Compares any difficulties you have with others your age to determine if there are deficits.
Can ADHD be treated?
As awareness of ADHD grows among adults, so does knowledge of how to help people with the disorder function more easily on a daily basis.
If you meet the diagnostic criteria and a psychologist or psychiatrist diagnoses you with ADHD, you can treat your symptoms with appropriately selected pharmacological treatment or use behavioral therapy. It is important to remember that ADHD is not a disease like the flu that can be 100% cured. It's a disorder that stays with us forever. However, medication, behavioral therapy and other support, such as ADHD coaches or trainers, can help people with the disorder function more comfortably for them. Because ADHD therapy is supposed to make people with the disorder better cope with everyday life, not to mask the symptoms.
Research-based clinical evidence shows that ADHD coaching is worth considering as part of a holistic treatment and support plan. It has common elements with cognitive behavioral therapy, but it is based on strengthening strengths and resources. In addition, the coach helps to develop strategies and systems that can be used in everyday life so that a person with ADHD manages to achieve e.g. personal goals.
Many years of scientific research confirm that ADHD does not pass with age. Regardless of the stigma surrounding ADHD, knowing your adult ADHD is better than fighting the unconscious. If you suspect you may have ADHD, getting an official diagnosis can often come with a sense of relief and understanding. Knowing your condition, motives for behavior and functioning can help you recognize untreated ADHD for your life.
Remember that the Wyższa Szkoła Biznesu - National Louis University offers the Institute of Diagnostics, Opinion and Psychological Assistance, where you can apply for help.
