Most people have heard of ADHD, though many picture children who are impulsive or hyperactive. The truth is that adults may have ADHD as well. Around 5 percent of adults in the U.S. have it, but few are treated or even diagnosed.
So, who gets adult ADHD? Any adult with ADHD also had it when they were a kid. While some may have been diagnosed early, others may not have known until they were grown. A lot of children with ADHD will outgrow it, but around 60 percent of kids with ADHD carry it into adulthood. Adult ADHD appears to affect women and men equally.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD in Adults?
People with adult ADHD may find it difficult to:
- Finish work in a timely manner
- Organize tasks
- Focus
- Remember information
- Follow directions
This can create problems at school, home, or work. However, learning management techniques and getting treatment can help so adults can thrive and succeed.
What Challenges Are Caused by ADHD Symptoms in Adults?
Adults with ADHD may have issues with:
- Motivation
- Substance Abuse
- Relationships
- Procrastination
- Organization
- Mood Swings
- Self-esteem
- Frustration
- Impulsiveness
- Work
- Reading
- Depression
- Chronic forgetfulness, boredom, or lateness
- Anxiety
Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. They may affect you all the time or only in certain situations. Every person with adult ADHD experiences it differently. Some are able to concentrate when they’re excited about the subject, while others cannot focus no matter the topic. Some can be extremely social while others are withdrawn or antisocial.
What Is Involved in Adult ADHD Treatment?
After being diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor, you and your therapist will work to create a treatment plan that best fits your life. A typical treatment plan may include education, therapy, medication, and building a support system. Together, these treatments can make life easier by helping you find new ways to do things. Getting some mastery over your life can help you feel better about yourself and just make you feel better in general.
It’s important to get a full evaluation of your mental health if you believe you have ADHD because it may be joined by other conditions such as addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety or mood disorders, or learning disabilities. Fully understanding what you’re dealing with can make your treatment plan more effective.
If you believe you or a loved one has adult ADHD, Seeking Therapy Counseling Services, serving Chula Vista and Greater San Diego County, can help. Call us today at (619) 646-8283 or contact us online to set up an initial appointment for ADHD counseling and therapy.