Re-Post: The Struggle of ADHD in Adults
Throughout summer 2024, we’re reposting previous blogs that showcase the range of topics in psychology. We’ll return to posting new content in August, 2024.
By Teana Krolak
Kyle is a senior in college who is having trouble in his classes. He has trouble remembering when his assignments are due and often forgets to turn them in. While attending class he has trouble paying attention. When the stress of college begins to raise, he often has trouble dealing with it. You might think that Kyle is a bad student, but he actually has ADHD. Many people misinterpret this behavior as failing to be motivated, but it can often be due to symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a “mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior” (Mayo Clinic, n.d.)
Most commonly ADHD is diagnosed in early childhood when one starts attending school. This is because most of the symptoms effect one’s ability to perform in a school setting. However, there are some cases where the disorder is not diagnosed until late adolescence or adulthood. This is because there is a tendency to label some children as bad students or slackers. Typically, when a person with ADHD approaches adulthood their symptoms decrease. Children tend to be more on the hyperactive side of the disorder and when they get older start experiencing more attention-deficit symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health “the overall prevalence of current adult ADHD is 4.4%” (2017). This percentage is even higher, about 11%, if you look at children diagnosed with the disorder.
Why is learning about ADHD so important?
It is important because of the prevalence that it has in today’s society. Research suggest that the number of children diagnosed has increased by about 42% in the last ten years! I think it is important to raise more awareness so people who face these deficits do not feel so alone. Since the diagnosis of ADHD is centered around school age children, it can potentially lead to bullying.
Not only is it important to learn about in childhood but in adulthood as well. In some cases, people may be able to pass without being diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and then, as life responsibilities begin to become more extreme, it is hard to compensate for it. Being an adult is already stressful enough but adding symptoms of ADHD on top of it is extremely challenging for some. The symptoms can affect not only one’s career, but personal relationships as well.
Why is important to be aware of the symptoms you or someone else are facing because of ADHD?
Pinpointing the symptoms that are most prevalent will help to create a strategy for dealing with them in everyday life. Here are some common symptoms that are seen in adult ADHD:
Impulsiveness
Trouble staying focused
Restlessness
Mood swings
Trouble dealing with stress
Poor time management
When reading these symptoms, it might not seem like a big deal, but these problems may create a lot of issues for adults in many different situations. Being more aware of these issues is important because in adults these symptoms typically create more serious life issues than in childhood. Persistent difficulty staying focused at work could lead to tasks being left unfinished or too much time being sunk due to time management issues. If left untreated, it is easy to see why a person with ADHD could be at risk for losing their job. A relationship could suffer if a partner with ADHD has rapid mood swings in an attempt to manage stress brought on by work-related challenges. Dealing with ADHD as an adult can be accompanied by mental health issues including anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and substance abuse.
Even through all of these challenges ADHD does not have to hold someone back. If you have one or more symptoms of ADHD, it is important to bring this up to your medical doctor or a mental health professional. Here are some additional tips that you or a loved one can use to better cope with ADHD.
Exercise and eat healthy
Practice time management
Put time and effort into relationships
Practice mindfulness
Do not blame yourself
The struggles of adult ADHD are not commonly talked about. The symptoms get in the way of important aspects of being an adult such as work, finances, and relationships. If you or someone you know has ADHD it is important to be aware of the struggles that may be relevant to everyday life. You should not blame yourself or another person for problems associated with ADHD. These issues are likely a combination of genetics, chemical changes in the brain, and behaviors. You cannot know for sure without talking about your problems with professionals in the medical and mental health fields.
References
Help Guide. (n.d.). ADHD in adults. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/adhd-attention-deficit-disorder-in-adults.htm
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd.shtml