Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults has been a topic of discussion in mental health for a while, without a clear idea about how common it actually is. Recently, a group of international researchers did a new study that reviewed and analyzed data, providing an updated estimate of adult ADHD rates globally.
This study brought together five different reviews and analyses using information from 57 different original studies. In total, the research gathered data from more than 21 million people. The study found that about 3.1% of adults around the world have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, with a 95% chance that the true number is between 2.6% and 3.6%. More adults have ADHD than other familiar mental health problems like bipolar disorder, which affects 1% of people. ADHD is also more common than anxiety issues such as PTSD, OCD, GAD, and panic disorders.
The results highlight the importance of increasing awareness, conducting more research, and providing better treatment options for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is often misunderstood or ignored in discussions about mental health.Â
But isn’t everyone a little ADHD?
No, not everyone is a little ADHD. It’s normal for people to have trouble focusing or feel restless occasionally, but for adults with ADHD, these issues can be more serious and last longer. Adults with ADHD might struggle with work and relationships. It can also make it hard to stick to healthy habits and avoid risky behaviors. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms begin in childhood and can continue into adulthood, though they might appear differently in adults.
What are the symptoms of adult ADHD?
ADHD symptoms can change as people get older and might look different. For instance, hyperactivity might lessen but could still show up as feeling very restless. As adults face more responsibilities, symptoms might seem worse. These symptoms can make it hard to manage work, home life, or relationships.
Adults with ADHD often face challenges like staying focused, finishing long tasks unless they find them interesting, keeping organized, and controlling their actions. They might feel restless and fidgety inside. When stress levels rise and demands increase, ADHD can make it tough to handle everyday tasks, maintain social relationships, and stick to healthy habits such as exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep. It can also lead to difficulties in avoiding health risks like substance use, infections, and injuries.
How is adult Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosed?
Diagnosing ADHD involves using a list to rate symptoms and reviewing the person’s past behavior and experiences. Doctors check if symptoms appeared before the age of 12 and might ask to talk to friends and family for more information. They may also conduct medical and psychological tests to rule out other issues that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, substance misuse, or learning difficulties.
How is Adult ADHD Treated?
ADHD treatment can involve taking medicines, usually stimulants, along with therapy and other behavioral methods or a mix of these approaches. Natural supplements for ADHD such as Zoomind may also be used. The best method varies based on the individual and their family. Good treatment plans should include regular check-ups, keeping track of progress, and making changes if necessary.
Discuss the pros and cons of any medicines with a doctor. For adults with ADHD, stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed because they help balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However, other medicines might be used too. Nonstimulants like Strattera and some antidepressants work more slowly but can be alternatives if stimulants aren’t suitable due to health issues or cause serious side effects. Finding the right medicine and dosage takes time, as it varies for each person.
How can I tell if I have ADHD as an adult?
As adults with ADHD get older, some may experience a reduction in symptoms, but many adults still face significant challenges that affect their daily lives. Adults with ADHD often struggle with focusing, acting impulsively, and feeling restless.
Many adults don’t realize they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but they notice that everyday tasks are hard. They might struggle to focus and organize things, which can cause them to miss deadlines or forget meetings and social activities. Impulse control can also be an issue, leading to impatience in lines or traffic, mood swings, and sudden anger.
Nearly everyone experiences symptoms like ADHD at some time in their lives. If these problems only started recently or happen infrequently, it’s unlikely to be attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
ADHD in Adult Women: A Personal Story
Interestingly, ADHD is diagnosed more often in boys than in girls, with up to ten boys being diagnosed for every girl. This means that many women reach adulthood without knowing they have ADHD, often spending years without a diagnosis, which may greatly affect their lives.
Laura (name changed for privacy) is a friend of mine who was easily distracted as a kid. Instead of ADHD even being considered, she was simply labeled as a daydreamer who couldn’t focus. It wasn’t until her 40s that she finally got the answers she’d been looking for all those years after multiple incorrect diagnoses and treatment regimes.Â
Laura believes that if she had been diagnosed earlier, as a child or teenager, her life might have been very different. She feels she spent much of her teenage years overwhelmed and struggled as a young adult with substance abuse, both common for adults with ADHD. As soon as she was put on Ritalin, she found most of her day-to-day issues regarding her work and frequent burnout resolved themselves.
Therapy and Lifestyle Interventions for Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD treatment often involves therapy, learning about the condition, and developing skills to help individuals succeed. Psychotherapy can assist in several ways. It can help to manage time better and become more organized. It may also help to reduce impulsive actions and enhance problem-solving abilities. Therapy can also help address past challenges at school, work, or in social situations, boosting self-esteem. It may also lead to discovering ways to improve relationships with family, coworkers, and friends and developing strategies to control temper.
Common types of psychotherapy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a type of counseling that helps individuals learn skills to better manage their behavior and transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It can assist with life challenges, such as issues at school, work, or in relationships, and also aids in addressing mental health problems like depression or substance abuse.
Marital and family therapy: teaches loved ones how to handle the stress of living with someone who has ADHD and shows them ways to help out. This kind of therapy also boosts communication and helps with solving problems better.
Besides using medication, therapy, or both, adults with ADHD can benefit from getting good sleep, exercising regularly, practicing mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet. These lifestyle changes can help lessen hyperactivity, improve focus, and lift mood. They not only help with ADHD symptoms but also support general physical and mental health. Plus, most of these changes are low-risk, have few side effects, and are affordable.
The American Professional Society for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Related Disorders (APSARD) is currently working to create U.S. Guidelines for Adults with ADHD, which will outline diagnosis and treatment options specifically for adults with ADHD. Until then, finding a healthcare provider that specializes in adult ADHD is the best bet to address the hidden struggles and challenges that come with the condition.
FAQs
Is ADHD a form of autism?
Although ADHD is not part of the autism spectrum, they share some similar symptoms, and it may be confusing to know if it is one or the other. Also, having one condition can increase the likelihood of having the other.
What can trigger ADHD in adults?
ADHD itself can not be triggered, but its symptoms can be. Various factors can trigger symptoms, such as inadequate sleep, stressful events, medical conditions, medication side effects, nutritional gaps, and excessive screen time.
What does ADHD feel like in your head?
Living with ADHD has been described as having an overwhelming library of information in your mind but lacking the organization to access it. The experience can also resemble having numerous computer tabs open simultaneously, with medication offering relief by quieting most of them.
What is ring of fire ADHD?
Ring of Fire ADHD is a concept proposed by psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen from Amen Clinics. It is not acknowledged as an official subtype in the DSM-5-TR. The Amen Clinics describe it as having a heightened level of overall hyperactivity compared to other ADHD subtypes. However, since it’s not officially recognized, further research is needed to investigate.
