Do you sometimes find it hard to focus on one task? Or do you do something all at once without thinking carefully before doing it? Maybe you are constantly restless and unable to stay in one place. If these things are constantly affecting your daily life, work, and relationships, it may be a condition we are talking about today called adult ADHD . This is actually a condition that is common among many people, but is not well recognized. So let's talk about this in detail, very simply.
What is adult ADHD?
Simply put, adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain function. Its main symptoms are difficulty maintaining attention, impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity. This is not laziness on your part, nor is it a personality flaw. This is a medically recognized condition.
The important thing is that ADHD is not something that develops suddenly in adulthood. Not all adults with ADHD have had the condition since childhood. Some are diagnosed as children, while others are diagnosed as adults. While most children outgrow the condition as they grow older, about 60% of people continue to live with these symptoms into adulthood. Although there is no cure for this condition, it can be successfully controlled and lead a normal life with the right treatment and management.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
Not everyone with ADHD is the same. Symptoms can vary from person to person. For some people, these symptoms have a major impact on their daily lives, while for others, they may not be noticeable at all. Let's take a look at the main symptoms that can be seen.
| The side where the problem occurs | Visible features |
|---|---|
| Focus and organization | Difficulty staying focused on one task, difficulty following instructions, inability to remember information, inability to organize work, procrastination. |
| Hyperactivity and rash decisions | Constant restlessness, inability to stay in one place, talking too much, interrupting others while they are talking, and lack of patience. |
| Emotions and mood | Feeling constantly bored, anxiety, depression, difficulty controlling anger, low self-esteem, and frequent mood swings. |
| Social and personal life | Problems maintaining relationships, risk of drug or alcohol addiction, lack of motivation to start work. |
Think about it, when you have something you love to do, you can focus on it, but when it comes to a boring task, your mind goes nowhere. This is something that many people with ADHD experience.
Are there main types of ADHD?
Yes, ADHD is divided into three main types.
1. Inattentive ADHD: The main problem for these people is lack of attention. They have difficulty organizing tasks, remembering where things are, and following instructions. However, hyperactivity is not very noticeable. This was previously called ADD ( attention deficit disorder).
2. Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD: The main characteristic of these people is that they are restless and act without thinking. They are always restless, talk too much, and have no patience.
3. Combined ADHD: This is the most common type. These people have a combination of symptoms from both of the above types. That is, they have both inattention and hyperactivity.
What are the reasons for this? What are the misconceptions?
Scientists still don't know exactly what causes ADHD. But research has clearly shown that it runs in families . This means that if someone in your family, especially a parent or sibling, has ADHD, you are more likely to develop it too.
It has also been found that people with ADHD have certain differences in the structure of the brain and the function of the chemicals (neurotransmitters) that transmit messages between nerve cells.
The most important thing: ADHD is not a disease caused by parental mistakes, eating sweets, or watching too much TV/phone. These are misconceptions. However, these things may make the symptoms a little worse.
Risk factors include maternal alcohol, tobacco, or drug use during pregnancy, brain injuries, and low birth weight.
How do you know for sure if you have ADHD?
This is a problem that many people have. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. That means it cannot be detected with a blood test or a scan. If you suspect you have ADHD, the best thing to do is to see a psychiatrist who is experienced in this area.
Your doctor may do these things:
- A complete medical examination to see if there is another physical cause for your symptoms.
- Asking about your childhood. Because ADHD doesn't just develop in adulthood, we look for symptoms that were present from childhood.
- Asking to see your school report card (e.g., notes from teachers about attention deficits, behavioral problems)
- Talking to your parents and asking about your behavior as a child.
- Asking if anyone else in the family has this condition.
It is by putting all of this together that the doctor concludes whether you have ADHD or not.
How is it treated?
ADHD is not treated with a single treatment method. Typically, a treatment plan is created by combining one or more of the following methods: medication, behavioral therapy, and counseling.
Medications
Two types of medications are mainly used to control ADHD symptoms.
1. Stimulants: These are the most commonly used. For example, drugs like `Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta).` These control symptoms by balancing the chemicals in the brain related to attention and control. However, when using these, you should follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
2. Non-stimulants: Drugs like Atomoxetine fall into this category. They are recommended for people who are not suitable for stimulants or who have other health problems.
Behavioral Treatments and Therapy
These things are just as important as medicine.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps you change your thinking patterns, behaviors, and the way you deal with problems. It can also help you build self-esteem.
- Mindfulness meditation: These things help to calm the mind and increase focus.
- Life coaching: This helps you organize your daily routine, set goals, and achieve them.
- Family counseling: Helping your family understand ADHD and support you.
Things you can do to live with ADHD
In addition to treatment, there are many things you can do yourself to make life easier.
- Plan your day: Make a to-do list before you start your day. Use a `daily planner` or a `reminder app`.
- Break big tasks into smaller parts: When you suddenly start doing a big task, it can feel overwhelming. So break it into smaller parts and complete it one by one.
- Reduce distractions: When working, turn off things like the TV and phone and choose a quiet place.
- Exercise: Even a little daily exercise can help reduce ADHD symptoms. It releases excess energy in your body and calms your mind.
- Think before making rash decisions: Before you act on an impulse, stop and count to 10. Within that short period of time, you can control your impulse.
- Practice saying 'no': People with ADHD sometimes take on more tasks than they can handle. So be honest about what you can actually do and practice saying 'no' to what you can't.
- Give yourself a gift: When you finish a difficult task, give yourself a small gift and appreciate yourself. It will make you more motivated to do the next task.
- Ask for help: Don't try to do everything alone. When you're feeling overwhelmed, ask for help from a trusted friend, family member, or your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Adult ADHD is a real medical condition. It's not laziness or a personality flaw.
- This condition always begins in childhood. It does not occur all at once in adulthood.
- If you suspect you have ADHD, be sure to see a qualified doctor, such as a psychiatrist, for an accurate diagnosis.
- Symptoms can be very successfully controlled with the right treatment plan that includes medication and behavioral therapy.
- By learning the right management techniques, you can live a successful and fulfilling life with ADHD.
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