I am sure many of us have wondered if we have this diagnosis, much like we worry about Alzheimer’s. We worry about many diagnosis’s as we age, but let’s focus on ADHD.
My husband is a therapist and he sees many people with this diagnosis. Is it increasing or are we diagnosing it more often as people come in for the discussion? I am not sure. Possibly it is a separate diagnosis, ie anxiety that starts the evaluation.
ADHD-Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder affects both children and adults. For the purpose of this article, we will concentrate of adult ADHD.
Symptoms:
***Do you lose concentration/focus easily?
**Impulsivity, meaning you make quick decisions without looking at their consequences?
***Restlessness? Do you want to stay busy all the time, can’t relax, frequently changing from one task to another without completion of the first, second or third task?
***Do you frequently feel overwhelmed? Too many things to do because you haven’t finished the other tasks?
***Your family and friends think you are hyper?
***Do you have trouble listening, ie a glazed look in your eyes and thinking of other things?
***Disorganized? If a neighbor walked into your home, would it be disheveled most of the time?
What triggers ADHD in adults? It may have been there since childhood and not previously diagnosed. Stress
Lack of sleep
Poor diet
Overstimulation
Lack of genuine interest?
This a partial list of feelings you might have or observations from others.
What To Do? The first thing is to admit that you notice something is wrong and fit some of the symptoms. The second is to trust the people that have shared their observations with you. Make an appointment with your HCP, Health Care Provider, and be willing to listen. The HCP can provide you with a questionnaire and an open dialogue or they may refer you to a psychiatrist or counselor. There is a possibility, depending on the HCP that they will treat you after labs and an exam. A discussion of the problematic symptoms at that time, examining symptoms and evaluating you for other mental health or physical disorders, ie anxiety, etc.
Why is it so prevalent? An estimated 2.5%-6.76% of adults have this diagnosis. It is estimated that 139-360 million people have ADHD worldwide.
Is there a specific lab test for ADHD? No, it is a rule out diagnosis. There is a specific questionnaire to help the HCP make the diagnosis along with other negative lab tests.
Is there a cure? No, but it is very treatable. There are stimulants, non-stimulants and antidepressants. Many people also utilize behavioral therapy. Routines are very important, making lists and using smart phone apps**. Get up frequently at work or home. Noise canceling headphones to avoid distraction are available. At work, share the ADHD with your supervisor to discuss needs that will improve your work condition.
ADHD Advantages. There are some.
*** Creativity-many people with ADHD accel in creative professions.
***It can be a powerful driving force to help you achieve goals.
***Hyper focus on interesting, or fun tasks.
***Often more agreeable and empathetic to those around them, a true team player. (Refreshing, right?)
The main thing is not to hide or “just cope” with the symptoms. Life can be easier with help and that reduces your stress load. We all know how important that is.
Cleveland Clinic 2024 & Mayo Clinic Referenced
**Smart phone apps for ADHD.
Inflow, Cost-Free but need a subscription
Routinery, Cost-Free but need a subscription
Todoist-To do list and planner Free to download
Focus@Will, Cost $29.99, Available at IOS and Android