ADHD In Adults: Am I ADHD? Interactive Questions For ADHD Assessment. Jason Newman
childhood can appear with slow learning,
hyperactivity, lack of attention, impulsive and disruptive behavior.
With progressing age after childhood, symptoms of ADHD vary in
different stages of life with a slow "improvement" in the learning skills.
Adults can also have signs of ADHD; as a matter of fact, studies have shown that half the adults; who have been diagnosed with ADHD had
carried the symptoms from their childhood into their adulthood, but
symptoms of ADHD usually changes as the person enters into
adulthood. For instance, instead of hyperactivity; present in childhood, the same person may well experience some degree of restlessness as
an adult. Adults with symptoms of ADHD, in addition may have
interpersonal relationship problems which might include trouble at
work.
ADHD IN ADULTS
Adults suffering with ADHD may have difficulty remembering
information, following directions, organizing tasks, concentrating, or completing work within given time. If such difficulties are not
managed appropriately, there can be associated vocational, emotional, behavioral, social and academic problems.
Statistics of Adult ADHD:
•
ADHD affects males more than females in childhood, but this
ratio seems to become even by adulthood.
•
ADHD affects approximately 3 to 10 percent of school-aged
children. An estimated 60 percent amongst them will continue having
symptoms to adulthood.
Common problems faced by Adult with ADHD
The following problems may arise from ADHD:
•
Impulsiveness
•
Difficulty controlling anger
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Anxiety and depression
•
Chronic boredom
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Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
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Employment problems
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Difficulty concentrating when reading
•
Low frustration tolerance
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Mood swings
•
Low self-esteem
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Procrastination (postpone work)
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Relationship problems, lack of social interaction
•
Poor organization skills
•
Substance abuse or addiction
During schooling, adults with ADHD may have underperformed,
faced frequent school disciplinary actions, had to repeat a grade or have often dropped from school.
SOCIAL IMPAIRMENTS LINKED TO ADULT ADHD
ADHD adults with are more likely to:
•
Self-report psychological maladjustment
•
Have a lower socioeconomic status
•
Violate driving rules
•
Smoke cigarettes, or use illegal substances more frequently
ADHD VERSUS NORMAL
ADHD symptoms are not very uncommon, and sometimes many
'normal' people experience symptoms similar to ADHD. A normal
person at certain times can also be impulsive, hyperactive or can face lack of concentration, but if the symptoms are present continuously
that is affecting the daily functioning, it is a condition of ADHD.
Quite often bad or some shocking experience in the past of a normal
person can affect the present and future, but ADHD is not the cause
for such developments.
As mood or anxiety disorders also present themselves with similar
symptoms as ADHD, it gets difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults.
In contrast to normal people, adults with ADHD might face more
marital problems (or multiple marriages), and can have higher
incidence of separation or divorce.
Much of the impairment associated with ADHD diminishes with time,
and remission of the disorder can be mitigated with appropriate
treatment.
FACTS ABOUT ADHD
There is no concrete evidence that can list the exact cause (or causes) that gives rise to such disorder, but there are certain facts that provide indications on its occurrence.
Hereditary traits - ADHD can be a family illness or symptoms can present in genealogy.
Altered brain anatomy and function - Brain scanning of people with ADHD shows difference in activity and certain structures of the brain. For example, an ADHD person might not have as much activity
in the part of the brain that controls attention, as compared to a normal person.
Exposure to toxins - Pregnant females who have used drugs, smoke or taken alcohol or exposed to environmental poisons like PCBs
(polychlorinated biphenyls) are at higher risk of giving birth to ADHD
offspring(s). Exposure to lead (found in paint) is often linked to cause change in behavior.
ADHD does not lead to any other developmental or psychological
conditions; for example, it does not affect the physical growth or
appearance of the person. The height, weight and other physical
characteristics are absolutely natural, and ADHD in a person cannot
be ascertained just by looking at the person.
DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH ADHD
Disorders in mood - Mood disorders like bipolar disorder and
depression can often be seen in people with ADHD.
Disorders with anxiety - Anxiety disorders including nervousness and excess worry occur frequently in adults that have ADHD. Such
disorder worsens with the setbacks and challenges faced by person
with ADHD.
Personality disorders - Adults having ADHD have a higher risk of getting personality disorders like borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
A person suffering from ADHD can also cause disturbances