Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD tend to exhibit symptoms such as problem paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Adults with ADHD may experience unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, and low self-esteem amongst other problems.
Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed in childhood and may become more noticeable as the child ages or circumstances around them changes. Sometimes ADHD may not be recognised in the child and they get diagnosed as an adult.
Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to childhood ADHD, with treatment methods such as psychological counselling, medication and treatments for any co-existing conditions they may be experiencing alongside ADHD such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Many adults with ADHD may not be aware that they are suffering from ADHD, though they may realise that certain everyday tasks can be a challenge. Adults with ADHD may be trouble focusing and prioritising their work, leading to missed deadlines or forgotten meetings and social plans, or they may experience difficulty controlling their impulses such as random bouts of anger, or impatience when waiting in line.
Some adults may find their symptoms get better with age though other adults may continue to experience major symptoms that disrupt their everyday lives. Symptoms of ADHD in adults can range from mild to severe and include:
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown but it has been shown to run in families, meaning if you have a family member with ADHD, there is a chance you might have it too. Some other possible causes include being born prematurely, being exposed to certain environmental factors, head injuries, and high blood pressure and infections during pregnancy.
Your risk of ADHD increases if you have the following risk factors:
Treatment of ADHD may help relieve the symptoms of the mental disorder and make the condition easier to deal with on a daily basis. ADHD is best treated with either medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
