Symptoms often begin in childhood, but many adults only begin to consider whether they may have ADHD after their child is diagnosed with ADHD.
When a child is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), many parents begin to look at their emotions and behavior with new eyes. Could they also have unrecognized ADHD? After all, it runs in families.
“For many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD in their child is the first trigger for them to get themselves tested,” says Dr. Dr. Matthias Rudolph says:
ADHD is a genetically determined neurobiological metabolic disorder in which the brain becomes hypersensitive to sensory stimuli and the balance of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine is disrupted.
ADHD, depression most common among Hong Kong schoolchildren: study
ADHD, depression most common among Hong Kong schoolchildren: study
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can include inattention, impulsivity, decreased frustration tolerance, and sometimes restlessness, forgetfulness, and daydreaming.
Some people with ADHD typically act on their “gut feelings,” have frequent mood swings, and are prone to abruptly ending relationships or quitting jobs. Some people are devoted to sports, especially extreme sports.
Alcohol and drug abuse are not uncommon, but the latter is not caused by a “kick.”
“Some people with ADHD take medications to try to treat their symptoms on their own,” says Dr. Carolyn Zimmermann, a neurologist in Munich, Germany.
A further symptom is “losing the thread,” as Rudolph calls it. Many people with ADHD have difficulty planning their day systematically and often misplace things such as keys, smartphones, and credit cards.
On the other hand, many people are able to focus on what they find enjoyable. They are consummate crisis managers and work at their best when others are at a loss.
“This is why so many of them go into the arts and show business, and work in IT and startups,” Zimmerman says.
Rudolph said women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD, largely due to common gender stereotypes and expectations. In other words, boys are noisy and fidgety, while girls are quiet and dreamy.
“But if you look closely, this isn’t necessarily true,” he says.
The biggest difference between men and women regarding ADHD is that men tend to outwardize their symptoms and blame others for their misbehavior, whereas women tend to internalize their symptoms and blame themselves. That’s what he says.
As a result, “many women come to me with depression and anxiety.”
‘I cried from morning till night’: Chinese women with ADHD don’t get professional help
‘I cried from morning till night’: Chinese women with ADHD don’t get professional help
Rudolph said 80% of adults with ADHD have a co-occurring disorder, and 60% have two or more co-occurring disorders. These include depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction.
To get tested for ADHD, you can see a neurologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or psychosomatic specialist. However, you need to be patient as you may have to wait for months to get an appointment.
If you still have old elementary school reports, you can also check the teacher’s comments on them. Both Rudolph and Zimmerman urge adults to be tested for ADHD every time someone comes into surgery, because symptoms of adult ADHD begin in childhood and continue into adulthood.
It can also be helpful to give your doctor a list of your symptoms, Zimmerman says.
If the diagnosis is positive, treatment for ADHD consists of several components. Medication is important and is often complemented by cognitive behavioral therapy aimed at building a better life.
Other factors include occupational therapy, sports, and self-help groups.
