ADHD in Adult

ADHD is a behavioural disorder that affects people of all levels of intelligence and all walks of life. If you think you might have ADHD, the first step to getting treatment is to seek a professional assessment. Once diagnosed, there are many safe and effective treatments that can help you take control and move forward with your life.

Common ADHD Symptoms in Adult

The effects of ADHD can be far reaching and impact on many aspects of an individual’s life. It may be hard for someone with ADHD / ADD to have stable, lasting relationships or to progress at work, to manage their finances well and to feel on top of everyday mundane tasks. There is also an increased risk of criminality or substance abuse in adults with ADHD.

1. Concentration

Problems of concentration are common in adult ADHD and are exacerbated as the pressures of life increase and more demands are made on the individual to remain calm, organised and focused. 

Invariably, there is a tipping point where the level of the complexity and demands of life cannot be overcome by the adaptive coping strategies and natural intelligence levels. Difficulties can arise as those with adult ADHD try to manage life and their difficulties concentrating, possibly leading to the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

2. Hyperactivity

The ADHD symptom of hyperactivity that is often seen in children, can be experienced differently in adults. In adults, hyperactivity is often more internalised – resulting in a strong sense of dissatisfaction and restlessness. Again, this can add to feelings of worthlessness, unhappiness and low mood which if not understood, can result in anxiety or depression developing.

Types of ADHD in Adult

There are three main subtypes of ADHD which can be diagnosed which is key to making sure that you have the right support.

ADHD – Inattentive

Inattentive ADHD – commonly known as ADD accounts for about 33% of all ADHD in adults. ADD or inattentive ADHD is characterised with difficulties staying focused and attending to daily, mundane tasks. Individuals may be easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds, bouncing from one activity to another or becoming bored quickly.

ADHD – Hyperactive & Impulsive

Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD accounts for 7% of all ADHD in adults. The main symptoms are related to impulsivity and hyperactivity, whilst inattention may be secondary and not as much of a problem.

ADHD – Combined

Combined ADHD accounts for about 60% of all ADHD in adults and, as the name suggests, is a combination of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Causes of ADHD in Adult

Biological

MRI scans have shown that the brain functions differently in someone with ADHD. For instance, children with ADHD show a delay (of about three years) in the development of the part of the brain that is involved in thinking, paying attention and planning. There are also overall delays in the maturation of the outermost layer of the brain, known as the cortex and some abnormal growth in the corpus callosum, which is the brain structure that is important for the communication between the two halves of the brain.

Hereditary causes of ADHD

The genetic makeup of an individual can make someone more susceptible to ADHD. Research has shown that ADHD / ADD can run in families.

Environmental causes of ADHD

It is thought that a mother who smokes, drinks or takes drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk of her child developing ADHD. There have also been studies showing a link between ADHD development and exposure to lead. Both of these factors impact on the way the brain develops as an embryo and in infancy. There are also thoughts that early childhood trauma, such as a chaotic family life, neglect or abuse can impact on the way a child’s brain develops and this can increase the likelihood of developing ADHD.

Integrative Medicine

There is a growing body of evidence that microbiota /microbiome, the bacteria that we all have in our guts plays an important role in mental health disorders and ADHD / ADD in particular. An imbalance of microbiota affects, among other things, the levels of essential nutrients such as minerals and vitamins and as a consequence the production of neurotransmitters involved in our normal functioning, which can then result in impaired attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Brain Injuries

A very small percentage of ADHD cases are linked to brain injuries.

ADHD Diagnosis

For many adults with undiagnosed ADHD, everyday tasks, maintaining successful employment and relationships can be more difficult. It is common for people who have ADHD / ADD, but do not know it, to have very low self-esteem as they are not sure why they find some things difficult when others do not. 

Untreated ADHD can also be dangerous and have serious implications for individuals and research shows adults with undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to have car accidents or get involved in criminal activity.

A Psychiatrist is needed to diagnose ADHD. They will need detailed information about your experiences in childhood and as an adult, teamed with information gathered in evidence-based questionnaires. Psychiatrists will also assess you for other common mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety or Bipolar Disorder to ensure that they are able to recommend the right treatment