Adult ADHD
What is Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is an emotional and behavioural disorder which is often misunderstood, even by professionals, despite a substantial body of scientific evidence. There is, however, strong agreement among the international scientific community that ADHD is a real disorder whose existence should no longer be debated. So what do we know?
- ADHD is a biological, brain-based condition.
- The symptoms of ADHD usually include a mixture of hyperactive and impulsive behaviours as well as deficits in attention. Any combination of these can occur and sometimes only one element is present.
- Although individuals with ADHD can be very successful in life, without appropriate identification and treatment, ADHD can have serious consequences. The symptoms can have a negative impact on many aspects of daily life, resulting in impaired educational achievements, poor job prospects, damaged relationships, chaotic behaviour, alcohol and drug abuse and involvement in antisocial or criminal activities.
- Due to the different ways in which the condition can present, as well as the possibility that the symptoms of ADHD may be caused by another condition, the diagnosis should only be made by professionals with expertise in this area. An incorrect diagnosis may lead to the wrong treatment being prescribed. Not only will this delay obtaining help for the actual problem, but may even result in unnecessary treatment being prescribed. ADHD tends to be under-diagnosed and under-treated, but care should be taken to ensure that the diagnosis is not made where the problem has a different cause.
- ADHD often coexists with other psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, learning disorders, tics and Tourette’s syndrome.
- Treatment may include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, and other educational and lifestyle modifications.
- ADHD is often inherited. Where heredity does not appear to be a factor, difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, premature delivery, significantly low birth weight, heavy metal poisoning and postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain may contribute to the development of ADHD.
- By recognising and treating these co-morbid conditions early, the greater impairments in social and psychological skills may be avoided.
A key issue in making the diagnosis is the need to identify the degree of impact that the symptoms have. We may all have difficulty sitting still, paying attention, or controlling impulsive behaviour in certain circumstances, but for sufferers of ADHD, the problem is so pervasive and persistent that it has a significant impact on their daily lives.
Until recently it was believed that children outgrew ADHD in adolescence. However, it is now known that in many cases symptoms continue into adulthood, often with significant consequences for the individual.
Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD can have a profound impact, with adults having a negative self-image, at times as a result of years of negative, critical comments. A clear diagnosis can help to put difficulties into perspective and making sense of lifelong problems.
[Read about "ADHD Symptoms"]
A very useful resource can be found at http://www.aadd.org.uk/index.html
NOTE:
It is important that the information presented here is intended as general information and is NOT an alternative to a detailed discussion with the professionals in charge of a patient’s care.