When ADHD Extends
Beyond Childhood

A child who never runs out of energy and ignores all scolding is the image that people have in mind when they think about ADHD or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. This is true because the condition is a neurobehavioral condition that typically develops during the early stages in life. This condition is usually diagnosed between ages 4-7 but it can also develop in younger children; according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This condition can persist until the later stages of life.

A small percentage of American adults has this condition. The major reason for an adult to have ADHD is if they had it as a child. According to a study published in a Pediatrics journal, “… about a third of those diagnosed as children continue to have ADHD as adults, and more than half of those adults have another psychiatric disorder as well.” 

Compared to children, adults have more duties and responsibilities. They also experience more stresses in life. With that said, having this condition during this point in your life may contribute to the challenges that you face. When you have ADHD, you can become more disorganized, forgetful and tardy, which does not help. This is the reason why ADHD in adults must not be ignored. The first step is acknowledging that you have it, so you can seek help and find the strength to prevent adult ADHD from taking a downward turn.

Adult ADHD: It is Real

Like children, ADHD in adults also needs to be promptly diagnosed and treated. Research shows that it extends into their maturity for about a third of those who had ADHD as a child. This commonly happens because recognizing the symptoms in young children is not easy. The symptoms are only nonspecific, the intensity of the manifestations may vary from almost unnoticeable to severe or excessive.

Since children do not have much self-discipline over the way they act, ADHD symptoms during this time are more apparent. As time goes by, these symptoms become more reckless and different, so that eventually, they become milder. Through learning to curb impulsive and hyperactive behaviors, adults learn to ease their symptoms.

In the past, the knowledge about ADHD is limited. Most people tend to think that what they have is just a misbehaved and boisterous child. Dismissing the symptoms as simply a bit excessive from a typical child, their inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are often ignored.

Do You Have the Symptoms?

Recognizing the symptoms of ADHD is challenging because they differ from person to person. The symptoms may also be different in adults, changing as they age. According to Help Guide, “In adults, attention deficit disorder often looks quite different than it does in children—and its symptoms are unique for each individual.” If the signs and symptoms are not promptly recognized, the chance of being proper diagnosis and treatment become nil. Adults must be aware of the symptoms, so that they can seek professional help, having missed it when they were young.

Adults with ADHD have a shorter attention span, most especially if the topic or task is not something that interest them. Some other symptoms include inattention, poor listening skills, is easily distracted, and losing interest in the middle of a conversation. The exact opposite of these symptoms may also be observed. There are those who are too focused on the things that interest them. Some may also be more forgetful and disorganized. There are those who are impulsive and may say or do something before they thoughtfully processed the idea.

ADHD in adults can contribute to having low self-esteem, feelings of failure and lack of drive. Most symptoms can bring emotional struggles. You may feel frustrated and irritated when things do not go your way and when you are having difficulty adjusting your responses. You can become overly sensitive towards comments and criticisms. This condition can also cause hyperactivity, not in the same way as a child, but in ways like having racing thoughts, multitasking, persistent fidgeting, non-stop talking, as well as taking risks.

According to WebMD, adult ADHD may usher the following challenges:

  • Anxiety
  • Chronic boredom
  • Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
  • Depression
  • Trouble concentrating when reading
  • Trouble with anger
  • Problems at work
  • Impulsiveness
  • Low tolerance for frustration
  • Low self-esteem
  • Mood swings
  • Poor organization skills
  • Procrastination
  • Relationship problems
  • Substance abuse or addiction
  • Low motivation

The Unfortunate Scenario

Having an adult ADHD can affect your life in many ways and this can cause so many issues; whether it be issues with yourself or with others. You may have a hard time remembering things, following directions, organizing, finishing tasks on time, and concentrating. The people surrounding you can tire of you because of attitude issues, which are brought about by the behavioral condition. It may impact your relationships with everyone around you.

ADHD can also contribute to your health issues. This condition may contribute to your being less attentive to your medications and doctor’s appointments, taking a toll on your health. It can cause you to be reckless, so you may become prone to accidents and risky behaviors.  Aside from your health, impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention may also cause trouble at work and your finances. This condition can add up to your feelings of failure and inadequacy, so you may find it hard to keep a job and achieve goals in your career. With that said, financial difficulties may be the result of work struggles and impulsive spending.

ADHD can lead to numerous emotional struggles and poor self-esteem. These can be the possible results if you continuously fail in reaching your goals and lose focus in the various aspects of your life. Your relationships with your partner, children and the people you work with may sour due to your inability to perform your duties and meet expectations. This can also be caused by your poor listening skills and angry outburst, which may be difficult for you to restrain.

Resolving Adult ADHD

The possibility of ADHD extending beyond childhood is ever present. Your daily life can be affected as your functions – judgement, creativity, memory, decision-making and ability to complete tasks – are impaired. This condition can affect your health, relationships and work/career in a lot of adverse ways. To recognize the symptoms, it is critical to seek professional help from an experienced counselor/therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC (N. Main St.).

When ADHD is properly diagnosed, counseling can generate hope and relief for you and your loved ones. It can give you understanding as to why you behave in such ways. The dawning of understanding helps you forgive yourself for your past mistakes, recognizing the fact that you are weighed down by adult ADHD. Despite how you feel, know that you can overcome the challenges it brings. With consciousness, education, support from family and love, and professional help from a qualified expert independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC (N. Main St.), you can ease the symptoms of this condition, find resolution and improve its outcome. Call today!

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