ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects 5 to 8% of children and young adults, and 2 to 3% of grown-ups. While ADHD often manifests itself in the young, symptoms of this mental health condition can often persist into adulthood. The good news is that it’s highly treatable. Learn how to identify the symptoms here:
By Joyce Teo, Straits Times / Additional Reporting by Natalya Molok
Missed that doctor’s meeting? How about that promise you made to your child’s teacher? Or those bills that had to be paid off last week? ADHD makes it difficult to juggle adult responsibilities, even more so than in childhood.
A troubled marriage shouldn’t be a red flag for ADHD, but individuals who do have the condition often face strained relationships because of a lack of communication, which leads to feelings of abandonment.
Did you set out to take a photo of something but find yourself scrolling through your contact list instead? If you have adult ADHD, you may find that your attention is often derailed by the smallest things.
Problems with attention result in poor listening skills in many adults with ADHD. This can cause unnecessary arguments or miscommunications whether at work or at home.
If you find yourself always putting off existing tasks, it’s time to start thinking about ADHD. Adults with ADHD often procrastinate when starting things that require a lot of attention.
One of the ways ADHD manifests itself differently in adults is that grown-ups often feel restless or find that they can’t relax, while children are deemed “hyperactive” instead.
People with ADHD not only get distracted easily leading them to be late for appointments or work, but they also underestimate how much time it takes to finish a task.
ADHD can lead to emotional outbursts that disappear as soon as they emerge. Wild swings in emotions and an inability to control feelings could be a warning sign.
If you find yourself living with these symptoms, consult a medical professional immediately. They are the ones who are best placed to help you cope with the condition easily and painlessly. Remember, ADHD is treatable and many adults who have it lead perfectly normal and fulfilling lives.