ADHD is a common mental illness, but it is usually misdiagnosed and not treated on time. Most people think that ADHD adults are always hyperactive, and all their symptoms are generally apparent. However, the reality is quite different as, in most cases, your loved one or anyone you know might have some hidden ADHD symptoms that you are unaware of. So, each individual should have complete knowledge of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults.
ADHD in Adults: Top Things to Know!
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the mental stability of individuals. Any individual, including children, adolescents, as well as adults, can suffer from this mental issue. In addition, the most common symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactive behavior, impulsivity, etc. Untreated ADHD can get prolonged and also affect the adulthood stages. Every individual, whether the sufferer or the person who is close to him, should have absolute knowledge of ADHD. Always remember that a lack of understanding or wrong information can harm individuals. So before wrongly labeling any individual with over-sensitive, stupid, or any other name, read this article and upgrade your knowledge in each aspect of this mental illness.
1. ADHD cause can vary
Some people think that ADHD is only caused by genes, and if any parent of a child has ADHD, then they will also get this disorder. But this is not true, as ADHD causes are diverse. Different environmental, psychological, and biological factors can also contribute to the development of ADHD in individuals. But along with this, always remember that whatever the cause, you will get the same symptoms, including inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactive behavior.
2. Adults can have ADHD
If ADHD is not diagnosed in childhood stages, then it does not mean that you will not have ADHD in adult stages. Most of the individuals have adult ADHD with unrecognized symptoms of ADHD in childhood. Some of them can cope with their symptoms at an early age and, therefore, remain protected in later stages. So, the onset of ADHD is not limited to the age of the individual.
3. Don’t force the ADHD adult to try harder
ADHD individuals should remain mentally relaxed. If you force him to try harder, things can go wrong. Multiple studies have reported that ADHD adults and children face difficulty in paying attention. When they try to focus on something or put pressure on their mind, the blood flow to the prefrontal cortex region increases, and they face more difficulty paying attention. Therefore, instead of forcing some ADHD individuals to work harder, guide them to optimize the brain for suitable adjustments in each environment or situation.
4. ADHD symptoms can vary in age
You don’t need to get the same ADHD symptoms that you had in your childhood stages. Children are usually more hyperactive with ADHD as compared to adults. But it does not mean that if an adult isn’t showing hyperactive behavior, then he is not a victim of ADHD. There is a greater possibility that other symptoms, such as inattention, are greater than hyperactivity.
5. ADHD individuals are not lazy
If your student, friend, colleague, or any other person tells you he is facing difficulty in learning, remembering things, or not completing tasks on time, then it does not mean he is lazy. Always keep this in mind: the working of the brain of an ADHD individual is quite different from the brain of a normal individual. ADHD individuals do not focus or concentrate on the most important things. Any environmental stimulus, such as sound, can distract them. Even in a conversation, they do not differentiate between good and bad and unintentionally say some harsh words.
ADHD is not a personal flaw. It is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain growth, development, and functioning. Affected individuals also exhibit the following symptoms:
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Sense of forgetfulness
- Impatient behavior
- Forgetfulness
In addition, they have difficulty making important decisions, meeting deadlines, or planning or implementing strategies to achieve their academic or financial goals. Please do not force them to do that urgently or criticize them as they will only feel at ease progressively doing their tasks. If they are making assignments, they can only do this better in chunks.
6. ADHD is exhausting
ADHD adults can not fulfill their responsibilities with ease as they have to struggle more than others. Whether they have to organize things or complete their office task, they feel more mentally exhausted as their mind gets stuck due to millions of messy thoughts.
7. ADHD is not always harmful
If you have ADHD, then it does not mean that you will always face difficulties in your life. This mental illness can be a game changer for you. Some studies have reported that ADHD adults normally get high scores in creative tests or those that determine analytical abilities. In addition, they also perform better in music, drama, visual arts, and related creative activities. They focus more on these activities and show their efforts more. So, if ADHD adults get the best quality treatment on time, they can control their ADHD symptoms and only exhibit the positive ones.
8. No single type of ADHD
People only think that if they have ADHD, then they can only get hyperactive symptoms. However, the brain SPECT imaging indicated about seven types of ADHD. Among them, there are a few types that do not involve hyperactivity. So, each individual should be familiar with each kind and associated symptoms.
9. ADHD adults are not intentionally rude
If a person shows rude behavior, it does not mean he does that intentionally. He might be battling with any mental illness, such as ADHD. In attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the functioning of some brain regions is affected, including the prefrontal cortex. If this region gets affected, focus, concentration, and multiple executive functions will be affected. In addition, due to poor impulse control, they give blunt responses without even thinking for a moment. People consider their behavior more rude and aggressive, which is not intentional.
10. ADHD adults can have strengthened relationships
If you are a partner of any ADHD adult, you should understand why your partner is not paying attention to household chores or constantly forgetting useful things. Instead of acting as a partner, behave like a caring and loving friend. Show your love, support, and encouragement to your partner if they cannot remember. Tell them during the conversation, and note the important information for ease. Moreover, if your partner is getting any therapy or treatment for ADHD, then try to get involved in this to see if the treatment is going right or not.
Furthermore, if your ADHD partner is feeling insecure, then try to diminish it through your behavior. Whether your partner feels anxiety about performing well in a dance competition or completing any task before the specific time frame, be there for support, concern, more love, and encouragement.
11. Don’t judge the ADHD adults with tempers
ADHD adults exhibit more anger outbursts as compared to individuals of the same age. Even on a minor thing or stimuli, they show anger or blast like an explosion. This is due to their instability of emotions, also referred to as deficient emotional self-regulation (DESR). But there is nothing to worry about as symptoms of ADHD can come under control with the help of medications and psychotherapy.
12. ADHD is not a joke
Don’t take ADHD lightly, as it can devastate mental health. ADHD is not a joke, but you should stay mentally relaxed and think about ways to get rid of it. Get knowledge regarding the severity of symptoms or talk to any professional when you feel there is a need for professional support for ADHD.
13. Untreated ADHD is toxic
Those who think that ADHD does not exist in teenagers are wrong. Approximately every third child has ADHD in the United States. Among them, 20% are those who are diagnosed with the symptoms of ADHD, and only ¼ are those who seek professional help. If the ADHD symptoms are not treated in childhood, symptoms persist in adulthood. ADHD adults have to face more complications in different areas of their lives. Various studies have reported that approximately 40% of adults are among those who are prisoners or have done anything wrong in their lives.
14. Medication intake is vital!
If the symptoms of ADHD are not manageable and make it difficult for individuals to pass the day with ease, then it indicates the requirement for medication intake. Professional mental health experts usually recommend some medications, which are referred to as stimulants. Most people think that if they try the medication for some time, then they can get addicted to it. This is wrong. If you have the expert recommendation and an appropriate dosage, you can not experience any harmful effects. You will remain protected from substance abuse and all other consequences.
15. Zero awareness of ADHD is the main problem
If you are having symptoms of ADHD but are unaware of this and not taking professional help, then you are doing wrong with yourself. Approximately 90% of females usually experience a rise in anxiety by wasting their time waiting for a diagnosis. Likewise, ADHD is also misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed in many adult ADHD men and women.
16. ADHD can stop you from satisfying your partner
ADHD adults face multiple sexual issues, and they do not make their partners happy or satisfy them by making inappropriate intimate bonds with them. As inattention is the major common symptom, they do not focus on achieving orgasm.
17. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is not a common diagnostic criterion of ADHD, but it is more common in the case of ADHD. In this phenomenon, people with ADHD usually face more criticism or rejection from others with extreme intensity. This occurs multiple times when they face difficulty coping with the symptoms.
18. Open communication
Try to effectively communicate with adults with ADHD and ask them what they need. Create a friendly and supportive environment so they never hesitate to share their mental issues. Tell them that they are not alone in their mental health struggle and you are always there for their emotional and each kind of support.
Seek Professional Help for ADHD
If you know anyone who is dealing with ADHD and looking for mental support, then Brainpower Wellness Institute should be the best choice. Brainpower is an ideal mental health platform that is renowned for providing a diverse range of mental health services. Individuals suffering from common mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD, can get the best mental health solutions and control their mental illness. Our professional and trained experts provide personalized mental health solutions that work for each individual. So, whatever your mental suffering, you can manage your illness and live a stress-free life.
Step forward and schedule a consultation with our mental health professionals to get the best treatment for ADHD and live a stress-free, happier life forever.
