What ADHD Looks Like in Adults
Do you find it difficult to focus on and prioritize tasks, or are easily distracted? Find yourself frequently forgetting about a deadline, work meetings, or social engagements with friends? Maybe you struggle with time management and are often late because of that. Or maybe you have a hard time estimating how long a task can take.
These are some of the many symptoms that adults with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) present with.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopment disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood or as an adolescent, that presents as inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. A person with ADHD experiences differences in brain development and activity, which influences their ability to pay attention and retain self-control, to name a few.
The prevalence of ADHD among adults continues to rise and it affects everyone differently. In many adults, these symptoms may have appeared in childhood but have gone undiagnosed. Some individuals have established coping skills that make their ADHD symptoms more manageable, and as a result, have a decent level of control over themselves. This prevents their symptoms from meddling or becoming debilitating. Others may have not yet found the tools that work best for their symptoms or lifestyle.
In our brain, located behind our forehead, is the frontal lobe. It is primarily known for its role in executive functioning. This part of the brain is responsible for things such as, impulse control, attention, planning, memory, and time perception. ADHD can affect all of these aspects of the brain. As each person is affected differently, it may take some trial and error when it comes to coping skills. There is no cookie-cutter way to manage with ADHD but here are some helpful tips:
When it comes to planning, adults with ADHD may have a difficult time with indecisiveness. Excess noise can overstimulate an ADHD brain, which makes it difficult to make a decision. Combating indecisiveness can look like creating deadlines for yourself or finding a quiet place to think.
When it comes to memory, preventing forgetfulness might look like making to-do lists or utilizing a planner, either paper or electronically. If those late night mind ramblings keep you awake, it might help to store a pen and pad of paper on your nightstand to jot thoughts down or what you need to accomplish the next day.
When it comes to time perception and management, adults with ADHD think about time differently than others. They may not be aware of how long certain tasks take to complete or are overly confident in the number of things they can get done. Setting a timer or spacing out the tasks can help to keep you on track and balance that to-do list.
Living with ADHD can feel overwhelming and, at times, defeating. It brings about difficulties and struggles that can make daily activities more challenging. Structure and keeping yourself organized can be the glue that keeps your life stuck together. Implementing a routine with the right coping skills gives you the chance to take back the control that life with ADHD often prevents you from having. If it continues to disrupt your life, you may want to talk to your therapist about options for medication and/or additional coping skills.
You might not even know if you have ADHD but feel scattered and disorganized. Our comprehensive assessment includes a semi-structured diagnostic interview and observation, the NICHQ (Vanderbilt Assessment Scale), and Conners’ 3rd edition assessment to include individual reports of symptoms and behaviors. If you would like to have an ADHD assessment for you or a child, reach out to our team.
By: Ashton Rush, Candidate for Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy
