Recognising Adult ADHD symptoms and seeking support
Adult ADHD is real, and its signs include forgetfulness, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. If you struggle with these symptoms, don’t worry; you’re not alone. This article explores the common indicators and how to seek support.
Introduction
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not just a childhood phenomenon; it’s a condition that can persist or even be identified for the first time in adulthood. Understanding and acknowledging the signs of ADHD in adults is an important step towards effective management and improving quality of life.
What is Adult ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting focus, impulse control, and activity levels. While many associate it with children, diagnoses of adult ADHD are on the rise. Adult ADHD symptoms might evolve from those in childhood, presenting unique challenges in daily living and requiring tailored management strategies.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may experience a range of symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives. These include:
- Inattention: struggling to focus, follow through on tasks, and organise activities. Adults may overlook details, leading to errors or incomplete work.
- Hyperactivity: feeling restless and constantly ‘on the go’; this can manifest as an inner feeling of agitation or an overwhelming urge to move.
- Impulsivity: acting without much thought, resulting in hasty decisions that can have negative repercussions.
Adult ADHD symptoms are pervasive, often seen across various aspects of life, from work to personal relationships.
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or another healthcare professional. Healthcare professionals use a variety of tools and approaches when assessing whether ADHD is present.
Clinical interviews: the clinical interview is the primary method for identifying ADHD in grown-ups. During these interviews, doctors or mental health professionals ask a series of questions to understand your symptoms, medical history, and daily functioning. These questions can cover a range of topics, from your childhood behaviour to how you manage tasks at work or home. Questions will not be limited to your focus, activity levels and impulsivity; a full assessment including questions about your personal and family history, your past medical and psychiatric history, your relationship history, and your use of substances will be covered.
Rating scales and questionnaires: These standardised tools help assess the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms. These are often filled out by the individual being assessed, as well as by people who know them well, like family members, partners, or teachers. Some clinics will use self-rating scales like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), and the ADHD and Autism Clinic uses the ADHD evaluation tool of internationally acclaimed Professor Susan Young, which is called the ACE+. Gathering detailed information about an individual’s developmental history is crucial to the assessment process, which is why the ACE+ has questionnaires for both the patient and someone who knows the person well. This is usually someone who can recall the individual’s development, so most often, a parent will complete this form. However, when a person does not have a surviving parent, is estranged from their parents or is incapacitated, another person may be better placed.
Continuous performance tests (CPT): measure a person’s sustained and selective attention, helping to identify attentional difficulties characteristic of ADHD. There are various types of these tests, but the one that is most well-known in ADHD assessment is the Qb Check. The Qb Check provides an objective way to measure the core symptoms of ADHD. It evaluates attention span, impulsivity, and motor activity by requiring the individual to respond to stimuli on a computer screen over a certain period.
Coping Strategies
Living with adult ADHD requires adopting effective coping strategies. Organisational tools, lifestyle changes, and professional support can make a significant difference. Strategies include:
- Organisational techniques: employing planners, apps, and checklists can help manage daily tasks and reduce forgetfulness.
- Lifestyle adjustments: regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are foundational in managing ADHD symptoms.
- Seeking professional support: therapists, coaches, and support groups can offer strategies and understanding, helping individuals navigate the challenges of ADHD.
Comorbidity: ADHD and other conditions
ADHD doesn’t exist in isolation; it often overlaps with other conditions like depression, anxiety, and autism. Recognising and addressing these comorbid conditions is key to a comprehensive treatment approach.
Seeking support and treatment
Managing ADHD in adulthood may include medications, behavioural therapies, and lifestyle interventions. Our experts offer services for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Our experts will take time to discuss ADHD medication for adults, coping strategies for adult ADHD, adult ADHD in the workplace; think of it as ADHD support for grown-ups.
ADHD in the workplace
ADHD can present challenges in professional settings, affecting organisation, time management, and communication. However, with the right strategies and accommodations, individuals with ADHD can thrive in their careers.
Conclusion
Recognising adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is the first step toward effective management. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional help is crucial. With the right support and strategies, living with ADHD can be manageable and fulfilling.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of ADHD or suspect you might have this condition, reach out for help. Contact The ADHD and Autism Clinic today to begin your journey toward a better understanding and management of ADHD. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised support and strategies to enhance your life.