Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

is a common developmental disorder that affects around one in 20 Australians, mainly men. Until recently it was thought that children outgrew ADHD during adolescence, due to developmental changes in their brain. It is now recognised that seven out of 10 children will experience ADHD symptoms as adults. A person with ADHD has difficulty paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours and keeping their thoughts on track.

Symptoms of ADHD

A person with ADHD may:

have unpredictable mood swings

make careless mistakes at work

find it hard to sustain attention in work or leisure

not seem to listen when spoken to directly

not follow instructions or finish tasks

find it hard to organise tasks and activities

avoid sustained mental effort in work

lose things like keys, paperwork and things needed for tasks

be easily distracted by other stimuli

be forgetful in daily activities

fidget with hands or feet, or squirm in their seat

find it hard to remain seated

constantly run to do things

be impatient

have trouble doing things quietly

talk excessively

blurt out things without thinking

have trouble waiting their turn in queues and other such situations

butt into conversations or other activities.

have sleep difficulties.

ADHD and quality of life

ADHD can affect a person’s quality of life. People with ADHD may find it difficult to maintain relationships or keep a job. If their condition was undiagnosed and untreated in childhood, they may not have done well in school. A lifetime of grappling with this behavioural disorder sometimes causes low self-esteem.

Some people with ADHD experiment with drugs or alcohol to try and cope with their feelings. People with ADHD are more likely to have personality disorders and other psychological problems, such as anxiety or mood disorders.

On the other hand, being ‘neuro-atypical’ can also have its advantages. Adults with properly managed ADHD often show great imagination and creative flair. New ways of working are leading to the design of working environments better able to suit people with ADHD.

Causes of ADHD

Many potential causes affecting the structure and chemistry of the brain are being investigated. The leading theory is that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Contributing factors to ADHD may include:

genetics

– some research suggests possible gene changes may be present

exposure during

pregnancy

and early years

a variety of infectious and metabolic factors have ben identified

environment

lack of early attachment – if a baby does not bond with their parent or caregiver, or has traumatic experiences related to the attachment, this can contribute to their inattention and hyperactivity.

Diagnosis of ADHD

It is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD can be similar to symptoms of

anxiety

depression

or other

mental illness

There is no biological test to see whether or not a person has ADHD. Diagnosis is currently made by subjectively rating the person’s behaviour in settings such as home and school.

Diagnosis may include:

ruling out other psychological problems that have similar symptoms to ADHD

ruling out alcohol or drug abuse that might be causing the symptoms (although a person with ADHD may also have alcohol or drug problems)

rating the person’s current behaviour and lifestyle

checking back to see if the person showed ADHD symptoms in childhood

interviewing their partner, family, friends, and others about the person’s behaviour

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - adults

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