Adults & ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Disorder or simply ADD), is generally known as a condition of childhood.  Current research indicates that between 3 to 5 percent of children are affected.  But, what happens as these children reach the teen and adult years?  The reality is that for many people, ADHD can and does continue into the teen and adult years.  In fact, several studies done in recent years estimate that between 30 percent and 70 percent of children with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms in the adult years.  Thus, if you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child, there is a chance that you are still experiencing symptoms of the disorder.  

But, what if you were never identified with ADHD as a child, is it possible that you have this condition?  The short answer is yes.  Because there is, as yet, no simple blood test to confirm ADHD, some individuals are bound to be missed.  So what is an adult with ADHD like?  Typically, adults with ADHD are often unaware that they have this disorder—they often just feel that it's impossible to get organized, to stick to a job, to keep an appointment. The everyday tasks of getting up, getting dressed and ready for the day's work, getting to work on time, and being productive on the job can be major challenges for the ADHD adult.  They are the type of person who constantly forgets where they left their keys, forgets to drop off or pick up dry cleaning in spite of reminders and they try to cover up the fact that they have forgotten to complete important tasks.  Often they have been involved in frequent automobile accidents.  They may have frequent speeding tickets and they often feel restless, bored and anxious.

Diagnosing an adult with ADHD can be a challenge. Many times, when their child is diagnosed with the disorder, a parent will recognize that he or she has many of the same symptoms the child has and, for the first time, will begin to understand some of the traits that have given him or her trouble for years—distractibility, impulsivity, restlessness. Other adults will seek professional help for depression or anxiety and will find out that the root cause of some of their emotional problems is ADHD. They may have a history of school failures or problems at work. Many adults have learned to deal with these symptoms and are able to function well on a daily basis. However, for others, these symptoms continue to impact on their lives and their interactions with their families.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief. The individual has brought into adulthood many negative perceptions of themselves that may have led to low esteem. With a correct diagnosis in hand they can begin to understand why they have some of their problems and can begin to face them. This may mean, not only treatment for ADHD but also psychotherapy that can help you deal with anger or feeling of failure for not diagnosing the disorder when they were younger.

So what should you do?  First of all, were you diagnosed with this disorder as a child?  If so and you feel that these symptoms may be affecting your life, then discuss the situation with your family physician.  A trial of medication may turn out to be helpful.  If you have never been diagnosed, but believe you may have ADHD, then discuss this with your physician.  They should be able to refer you to a professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Counselling can make a difference

Estes Moustacalis, Ph.D. C.Psych (Dr. “M”)

info@oakvillepsychologist.com

www.oakvillepsychologist.com

905 617-8308