Adult ADHD is a congenital disorder that arises when the frontal lobe, which controls attention, is underdeveloped. The frontal lobe regulates thinking and decision-making, and if this area is underdeveloped, it can cause issues with emotional control. ADHD is typically known to appear in childhood or adolescence, but it can also be diagnosed later in adulthood.
What are the symptoms of adult ADHD?
Adult ADHD is defined by inattention, disorganization, and hyperactivity or impulsivity. The main symptoms include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention deficit. Secondary symptoms include difficulty with emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships and decreased learning and performance abilities.
Mostly persistent from childhood
Most ADHD cases start in childhood, and many persist into adulthood. If the individual does not receive appropriate treatment in time, they may struggle to perform cognitive functions properly. This may lead to difficulties in academics, work, and interpersonal relationships. Experts say that this can also lead to various mental health issues.
Mental disorders accompany many cases
Adult ADHD patients have a higher chance of having other mental disorders—for example, depression and bipolar disorder (a condition where mania and depression occur alternately). In particular, the chance of suffering from depression is about 11 times higher, which is significantly higher compared to those without ADHD. Also, the prevalence rate by age group showed that people in their 20s and 30s have about 4 times higher rates than those over 60.
Behavior that can easily be overlooked may indicate ADHD
The main symptoms of adult ADHD are decreased attention and concentration. If you struggle to focus or complete tasks at work, or if you keep forgetting and making mistakes, you might want to consider the possibility of adult ADHD. Frequent irritation and slips of the tongue are also among the symptoms. On the other hand, if you have an excessive perfectionist tendency to avoid mistakes, you could also be diagnosed with ADHD.
Do you constantly verbalize your thoughts?
If there are people who keep talking without listening to others or interrupt others to express their thoughts, this behavior, known as ‘overtalking,’ could be a sign of mental health conditions such as ADHD, autism, and bipolar disorder. While over-talking itself does not indicate a mental health condition, experts say that certain mental conditions can trigger over-talking.
Adult ADHD Self-Diagnosis Table
If you suspect adult ADHD, it’s advisable to do a self-diagnosis as follows and then visit a mental health clinic to check for any other mental disorders. You have difficulty finishing the complex parts of a task / You struggle to proceed in order when doing tasks that require a system / You forget appointments or things to do and experience difficulties / You avoid or postpone troublesome tasks / You fidget with your hands or feet when sitting for a long time / You are excessively active as if you have a motor running / If you answered ‘Sometimes/Often/Very often’ to more than 4 of these questions, there is a high possibility of adult ADHD.
Risk of dementia increases
In a study that investigated the correlation between adult ADHD and dementia, it was found that people who developed ADHD in adulthood had about 2.7 times higher risk of dementia than those without ADHD. However, among those who developed ADHD, those who actively received treatment after diagnosis had a lower risk of dementia. This emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment.
Famous as a study drug?
ADHD is primarily treated with medication, and the most commonly used drug is a stimulant called ‘methylphenidate.’ When ADHD patients take this dopamine supplement, they can see quick effects, such as calming down within 30 minutes. However, this drug is now known as a ‘study drug,’ leading to indiscriminate use. Experts point out that this medication, which is a treatment, only helps when there are symptoms of ADHD and can cause illness if taken by people without symptoms.
What if you are diagnosed with adult ADHD?
If you are determined to have adult ADHD, medication treatment is primarily implemented, along with behavior therapy and social skills training, depending on individual symptoms. Behavior therapy includes using notes or schedulers to improve work efficiency and concentration.
It would be best if you didn’t hesitate to get treatment
Many patients hesitate to get treatment, even though they know their problems and situation. The negative image that comes to mind when thinking about psychiatry prevents them from receiving treatment. However, if ADHD is appropriately treated early, it can improve the quality of life. Therefore, if you suspect you have ADHD, you should immediately visit a hospital and receive appropriate treatment.
By. Shin Young Jeon
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