ADULT ADHD: DO I HAVE IT?

You might be living as an adult with ADHD and not even know it. What are the symptoms and what kind of help is available?

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Saying a child has ADHD doesn’t sound so bad. The full name, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, sounds more daunting. Even so, it doesn’t mean your child can’t get a good education and have a fulfilling life.

ADHD is a common mental disorder among children. Symptoms include struggling to focus (inattention), excess movement that don’t fit the setting (hyperactivity) and acting without thinking (impulsivity).

The American Psychiatric Association says ADHD is often first noticed in school children when it leads to disruption in the classroom or struggles with schoolwork. It is more common among boys than girls.

There is no lab test for it. The diagnosis is based on parents, teachers and others answering questions and on a medical evaluation to make sure the cause isn’t something else, such as problems with sight or hearing.

ADHD and adults
ADHD isn’t cured, it's managed. Education departments have plans in place to help ADHD kids: tutoring, changes in the classroom setup, alternative teaching techniques and even a modified curriculum.

ADHD was first mentioned back in 1902, but only recognised as a mental disorder in the ‘50s. The definition professionals use now was only drawn up in 2000. This means if you were a kid before then, there’s a chance nobody knew you had ADHD.

Does it matter? Even with ADHD, you might feel fine, and you may have worked out ways to deal with your “quirks”.

The symptoms might not be as obvious as in kids. A few might look different. For instance, instead of hyperactivity there might be problems with executive function (mental skills that help you plan, organise, pay attention, process information, and control behaviour).

The symptoms might fade as you grow older. But for some adults, ADHD make even everyday tasks a challenge.



SYMPTOMS
If your difficulties are recent or popped up just a few times in the past, you probably don't have ADHD. It’s diagnosed only when symptoms are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your life, according to the Mayo Clinic in the US.

But if you tick several of the boxes below, talk to your doctor:
• Impulsiveness
• Disorganisation and problems prioritising
• Poor time management
• Problems focusing on a task
• Trouble multitasking
• Excessive activity or restlessness
• Poor planning
• Low tolerance for frustration
• Frequent mood swings
• Problems completing tasks
• A short temper
• Trouble coping with stress
• Procrastination (putting off tasks to later)

TREATMENTS
Medication or therapy, ideally both, can make life easier. Whether you’re trying to concentrate in a meeting, remember stuff, follow instructions, learn a new skill, read a book, stay in a conversation, not feel bored often, not be late or forgetful.

Get diagnosed. ADHD often runs in families. If your child has it, you might too. Knowing you do, means you will also be able to understand and support your child better.

Exercise regularly. Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce the symptoms. You don’t have to go to the gym. A 30-minute walk four times a week is enough to provide benefits. Team sport can be good because the social part keeps it interesting.

Stick to a regular sleep schedule. ADHD causes sleep problems in some grown-ups. Try to get up at the same time even if you wake up a little tired and have some quiet time for an hour or two before lights out.

Eat regularly. Many people with ADHD often go without a meal for hours and then binge on what is around. Have regular meals or snacks no more than three hours apart.

HELP LOVED ONES TO UNDERSTAND
People who don’t know you have ADHD or don’t understand it, might consider you irresponsible or flighty. That’s one reason why it can be tricky to explain. Friends and family might think you’re looking for excuses to dodge responsibilities. And even with the best intentions, they might give unsolicited advice.

You don’t have to come out to the world as ADHD. Your medical advisors need to know but for the rest, explain if it will be helpful in some way.



Related article: When learning isn’t as easy as A-B-C

LIVING WITH IT
Here are five tips from Different Brains to help you through the day:

1. Create short to-do lists of no more than five items make it easier to manage activities and time.
2. Set an alarm for activities to avoid over-committing and losing track of time.
3. Be realistic with time. Most tasks take longer than you think. Leave some room for that.
4. Split up long tasks into portions that are easier to manage and complete.
5. Prepare. Get everything you need for a task so you don’t have to look for them later and end up distracted.

Untreated ADHD can make you depressed or anxious, flatten your self-esteem, make it hard to get ahead in your career or have a solid relationship. But with good help and support, you can be productive, organised and in control.

Related article: 10 Ways to improve your attention span

HELPFUL LINKS
General information: https://www.additudemag.com
Call the SADAG helpline if you think you may have adult ADHD: 0800 55 44 33
Support group (also for children): http://www.adhasa.co.za

Sources: https://www.healthline.com, https://www.mayoclinic.org, https://www.webmd.com, https://www.helpguide.org, https://www.additudemag.com, https://www.verywellmind.com.