Not Just Kids but Adults Can Also Suffer from ADHD: Everything You Need to Know about It

Medical ConditionsDecember 30, 2020

Most people with ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity syndrome, are usually ridiculed but others really don’t know how hard it is to be on their shoes. Once more, it can be difficult to spot them in a workplace so being kind to everyone you meet may be the safest move.

It doesn’t just affect kids but also adults – in fact, there are around 10 million American adults suffering from ADHD. It means that so many people are struggling with symptoms at work, with their relationship, and in everyday lives.

ADHD in Adults

There are three categories of ADHD: hyperactive/impulsive, inattentive, and combined. Those who belong to the first type generally experience fidgeting, restlessness, talkativeness, interruption of others, impatience, and impulsiveness.

Creatista/Shutterstock — People under hyperactive/impulsive category tend to be talkative

The inattentive type is a person who finds it difficult to multitask, has issues finishing and focusing on tasks, is disorganized, makes careless mistakes, forgets many things, and has poor time management skills. Those who are under the combined type experience symptoms from both categories.

Adults vs Kids with ADHD

ADHD typically begins in children, generally under 12, but not everyone gets diagnosed as kids. Some people don’t know they have the mental health condition until they’re adults. Interestingly, there are differences in how the symptoms may show up in these two age groups.

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock — Kids with ADHD tend to show more hyperactive behaviors

Children with ADHD are found to show more hyperactive/impulsive behaviors than grownups but adults tend to display more inattentiveness, Dr. Timothy Wilens said. Kids may have trouble patiently staying still in class but for adults, this relentlessness may happen internally.

Without showing symptoms, adults are definitely harder to diagnose because they may have found a way to hide their impulsiveness.

Treatment of ADHD in Adults

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment when it comes to ADHD but the good news is that there is a wide array of options, you just need to know which one works for you. First, you need to make lifestyle changes – regular exercises and finding peace and calm may give you mental clarity and help you find focus.

NicoElNino/Shutterstock — A detailed schedule will help you stay on track

Then, in your daily tasks, use lists to make sure that you’re on track, choose a detailed schedule, and look for a quiet environment you can work in. After these activity changes, you can also try psychotherapy, which will aid you in your day-to-day behavior.

For ADHD, experts use cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches patients to alter their behaviors and thinking patterns. There are also support groups for those suffering from this mental health condition and these organizations are an avenue to open up about your experience and at the same time, be a place where you can fetch some coping mechanisms.

Then, there are medicines like stimulants and non-stimulants if all else fails.