What is attention deficit hyperactive disorder?
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way you think, process emotions, and respond to the environment. It is characterised by a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive or risk-taking behaviour. It is not just a case of poorly disciplined children as the symptoms are due to chemical imbalances in the brain and it does affect adults too.
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. A child with ADHD might daydream a lot, lose or forget things often, squirm or fidget, talk too much, make careless mistakes, take unnecessary risks, have a hard time resisting temptation, have trouble taking turns, or have difficulty getting along with others. If left untreated, however, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviours. The symptoms continue, can be severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.
Can adults be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder?
Contrary to popular belief, some people can live most of their lives before finally being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. On reflection, it’s usually clear that the signs were always there, you just weren’t diagnosed.
Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty paying attention, memory loss, impulsiveness, and restlessness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Many adults with ADHD aren't aware they have it — they just know that everyday tasks can be a challenge. Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.
Adult ADHD symptoms may include:
· Impulsiveness
· Disorganization and problems prioritizing
· Poor time management skills
· Problems focusing on a task
· Trouble multitasking
· Excessive activity or restlessness
· Poor planning
· Low frustration tolerance
· Frequent mood swings
· Problems following through and completing tasks
· Hot temper
· Trouble coping with stress
· Memory loss
How does attention deficit hyperactive disorder impact life?
Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems. Indecision paralysis, or analysis paralysis, and poor impulse control can make it difficult to perform even basic household chores and develop life skills. Short term memory loss can be a significant aspect of the disability and sometimes you can spend an hour trying to find your car in a carpark or have to return home to grab something you forgot, every day.
Teenagers and young adults often have a reduced ability to focus and concentrate, which are some of the symptoms of ADHD, and because of the impulsivity that comes with ADHD this often lead teens and young adults to engage in drugs and alcohol, and other risk-taking behaviours.
The inability to focus and often being told to “apply yourself” can leave you feeling dejected and could lead to you dropping out of school or being unable to work. This can also lead to depression and anxiety.
What treatments are available?
No treatments are 100% effective, but medications is recognised as giving the most effective benefits. The best results are when medication is combined with other non-pharmacological treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy, ADHD Coaching and psychotherapy for associated conditions. Medications can stimulants or non-stimulants.
Our support team can help you in your everyday life to experience a greater quality of life by ensuring you’re eating healthy, nutritious meals, attending appointments, keeping yourself and home clean and hygienic, as well as accessing the community and rebuilding interpersonal skills.
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