Date of the last update: 18.11.2024
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is not only a problem for children and adolescents. It is increasingly being diagnosed in adults as well. It is worth understanding that ADHD in adults is not a verdict, and a diagnosis can be the start of a journey to a better quality of life. A correct understanding and management of symptoms can bring relief and allow you to function more effectively in everyday life.
Table of contents:
- How does a person with ADHD behave?
- How do you find out if you have ADHD?
- What does untreated ADHD lead to?
- Does ADHD pass with time?
You can read this article in 4 minutes.
How does a person with ADHD behave?
An adult with ADHD may exhibit a variety of behaviours that affect their daily functioning. These behaviours significantly hinder their personal and professional functioning.
Here are five common behaviours that can occur in adults with ADHD:
- Distraction – people with ADHD often have difficulty maintaining their attention on one activity, which manifests as a tendency to become distracted and switch quickly between different tasks or thoughts.
- Impulsivity – people with ADHD may make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences. They may act spontaneously and engage in risky behaviour without prior planning.
- Anxiety and hyperactivity – although hyperactivity may be more noticeable in children, in adults it can manifest as inner restlessness, difficulty calming down and a constant feeling of needing to move.
- Difficulties with organisation and time management – people with ADHD often have difficulty organising tasks and planning their time. They may find it difficult to carry out their responsibilities at work, school or everyday life.
- Emotional disturbances – people with ADHD may have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can lead to mood changes, impulsive reactions and frustration at the difficulty of functioning on a day-to-day basis.
How do you find out if you have ADHD?
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is important to seek advice from your doctor or a mental health professional.
Your first step may be to consult your GP or psychiatrist, who can carry out an initial assessment and refer you for further tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on observation of behaviour, medical history and meeting the diagnostic criteria set out in the DSM-5 or ICD-10 diagnostic manual.
The specialist may also order additional tests, such as psychological or neuropsychological tests, to better understand your symptoms and needs.
Check out also: ADHD in a child causes and symptoms. How to treat?
What does untreated ADHD lead to?
Untreated ADHD can lead to a range of serious consequences in both physical and mental health, as well as in personal and professional life.
People with untreated ADHD may experience difficulties in interpersonal relationships, which can lead to social isolation and emotional wellbeing issues.
Professionally, there may be problems with concentration, organisation, punctuality and task completion, which can lead to job loss or professional instability.
In addition, untreated ADHD can increase the risk of comorbid health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, addictions or eating disorders.
In extreme cases, it can even lead to suicide. It is therefore important to recognise and treat ADHD early in order to prevent negative consequences for health and personal and occupational functioning.
Does ADHD pass with time? What are the effects of ADHD treatment?
ADHD is a condition that often persists throughout life, but symptoms can change with age. In some cases, adults may present with different challenges than children, which can lead to diagnostic difficulties.
Treatment of ADHD can result in a significant improvement in quality of life by reducing symptoms, increasing functionality and improving mood and ability to concentrate. The effectiveness of treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the individual needs and preferences of the patient and the type and severity of ADHD symptoms.
Explore more: Psychology
Summary
To summarize, ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that can significantly impact the lives of adults. Untreated ADHD can lead to many difficulties in both personal and professional life, including problems with social relationships, functioning at work and deterioration of mental health. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to improving the quality of life of people with ADHD and preventing potential negative consequences. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms and consult a professional if you suspect ADHD.
