Many adults struggle their whole lives with the unrecognized impairments due to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They may never seek ADHD treatment because they do not realize symptoms such as lack of concentration, impulsiveness, and trouble sleeping can manifest themselves without the hyperactivity commonly associated with cases in children. Others, having grown up without any signs of ADHD, don’t recognize adult onset when it happens. But receiving proper diagnosis, treatment and medication from a psychiatrist can provide patients with greater control over their symptoms, encouraging both healthier relationships and greater achievement at the office.
New research has changed our perception of this issue. Though ADHD has been acknowledged since 1937, it has gone through a few names since then. And only recently has adult ADHD been understood as a developmental disorder that can be treated. Some adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children found that they had lingering issues and symptoms as they aged. And, thankfully, the medical community is gaining a comprehension that not all children with this behavioral problem just outgrow it as they grown up. For those who experience adult onset ADHD though, they find themselves in unfamiliar territory with strange behavior patterns and emotions they don’t know how to handle.
It’s a myth that causes like eating habits, large amounts of television, and poor upbringing can cause this disorder. Instead, studies have found that heredity is frequently the culprit, along with other more preventable causes such as fetal exposure to toxic substances (e.g., alcohol and tobacco) during pregnancy, exposure to lead, or even trauma to the brain from from a trauma. Sufferers are six times more likely to have another psychological or learning disorder than non-carriers.
Symptoms of Adult ADHD, include trouble concentrating, poor organization and forgetfulness, impulsivity, emotional difficulties, hyper-focus (to the exclusion of things of importance), and restlessness; all of which can cause serious problems at work and also at home. These problems make it extremely hard to remain on track and accomplish what adults ought to be capable of at work. And setbacks self-regulating actions and reactions toward others may damage the closest relationships.
Just as most kids with ADHD need prescription medicine to help alleviate and manage the symptoms, stimulant types of meds work well for adults. But because adults have other responsibilities to manage, a combo treatment of psychiatric therapy coupled with the medications often results in men and women who “beat” the symptoms and sometimes learn to turn prior weaknesses into advantages. Individualized treatment will teach those affected how to control their symptoms and move forward to lead productive lives with successful and happy relationships.
Exercising, eating right, and getting a lot of sleep may be helpful advice for anyone. But for adults with ADHD, it can make all the difference to help avoid mood swings and fight symptoms of anxiety and depression. Little tips like utilizing calendars, lists, and reminders may go a long way toward managing how much the disorder will control or influence your life.
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