Do you often feel like this? "Oh, I don't feel like starting this project," "No matter how much I try, I can't get organized," "Why can't I focus on one thing?" Maybe your friends and family members are telling you to "learn to manage your time." But no matter how hard you try, things just don't work out. If you're living your youth with these kinds of problems, it may not be because you're lazy or weak. The reason may be that you have a condition called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that you don't even know you have.
Although we usually talk about this condition called ADHD in relation to young children, there are cases where it can be diagnosed at a young age, that is, after the age of 18. There are many people who have symptoms since childhood, but who do not recognize them as ADHD until they are young. So let's talk about this precisely and simply today.
How do you diagnose ADHD as a young person?
When young children have ADHD, they are very fidgety and can't stay in one place. But when a young person has ADHD, this hyperactivity may not be seen in the same way. Instead, there is a different kind of restlessness. The feeling of being in a rush, and difficulty sitting still and doing work, is what is most common.
Imagine that you are a student on campus. You can't start and finish an assignment on time like your other friends. You always put it off until the last minute. Then you stay up all night trying to finish it. Or imagine that you have just started a new job. You forget to show up for a meeting on time, and you get yelled at by your boss for not being organized. These are not just random things. These could be symptoms of ADHD .
Check out the table below to see if these characteristics apply to you.
| Common symptoms of ADHD | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Difficulty concentrating | When you're working, you can't keep your mind in one place, and even the smallest thing can distract you. |
| Impulse control | We do things and speak things impulsively without thinking. We regret it later. |
| Lack of organization | Not only on the table and in the room, but everything inside my head feels like chaos. |
| Inability to manage time | They procrastinate, can't finish things on time, and are late for everything. |
| Restlessness | It's hard to stay in one place. I'm always fidgeting and making noises with my pen. |
| Frustration/Mood swings | I get hurt and angry over even the smallest things. It's hard to control my emotions. |
| Difficulty finishing work once started | Many things are started at once, but none of them are finished properly. |
These characteristics can have a major impact on your education, career, friendships, and relationships.
How do you know for sure if you have ADHD?
If you think you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see a doctor, especially a psychiatrist. Don't just assume, "This is just me." The doctor will examine you and make a definitive diagnosis.
Usually, several tests are done for this.
- Physical examination: Check to see if these symptoms are caused by another medical condition.
- Talking about your medical history: They will talk about things like your behavior patterns since childhood and whether anyone in your family has had similar conditions.
- Psychological tests and ADHD rating scales: Special questionnaires and tests are used to understand the depth of your symptoms.
There are three main types of ADHD. Your doctor will determine which type you fall into based on your symptoms.
| ADHD type | What's going on here? |
|---|---|
| Hyperactive-Impulsive Type | This is the least common type. It is mainly characterized by restlessness and a tendency to act without thinking. |
| Inattentive Type | There is less fidgeting here, but it is very difficult to stay focused, remember things, and organize work. These people are called "living in a world of thoughts." |
| Combined Type | This is the most common type. They have characteristics of both types mentioned above. |
Sometimes, people who are considered "high functioning ," meaning they have lived a normal life without major problems, are diagnosed with ADHD late. Because they have unknowingly found ways to live with these symptoms. But deep down, they may be struggling.
Possible problems if left untreated
ADHD is not just an attention problem. If left untreated, it can lead to many challenges in young people's lives. Starting on campus, getting your first job, renting your first house, and everything in "adult" life requires things in our brain called executive functioning skills . That means things like planning, self-control, time management, and memory. It is with these skills that people with ADHD have the most challenges.
If left untreated,
- Money problems arise.
- Get into trouble with the law
- Change jobs frequently, get lost
- Become addicted to drugs or alcohol
- Frequent car accidents
- Problems arise in relationships.
- There is a possibility of developing a poor self-image and other psychological problems.
As one specialist says, "When you live like this your whole life, you start to think, 'This is me, this is how I am.' Actually, it's not you. It's your condition. Treatment is about separating yourself from it."
When you get the right help, you'll realize, "How much more can I do?" And your self-confidence will automatically increase.
What are the treatments for ADHD?
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor will explain the treatment options to you. It is a good idea to read up on the condition before starting treatment. This will help you understand what it is, what it does to brain chemicals, and what the medications do.
There are two main treatment methods:
1. Medication: Medications are given to help balance certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. These can be stimulants (e.g., Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)) or non-stimulants. It may take some time to find the right medication and dosage for you. You will need to work with your doctor to find the right one for you.
2. Counseling and Behavioral Therapy: Once symptoms are controlled with medication, counseling is very important to develop skills to make life easier.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a very helpful treatment for people with ADHD. It teaches you to change your thought patterns and control your behavior.
- Family Therapy: This helps you and your family understand ADHD and support each other in living with it.
Simple things that can make life easier with ADHD
In addition to medication and counseling, there are some simple habits you can incorporate into your daily life that can go a long way in managing your symptoms.
- Write everything down: Become a "list-maker." Write down everything you need to do, things you need to buy, in a notebook or in a note app on your phone.
- Use visual reminders: Write down important things on sticky notes and stick them in places you see them often, like on your mirror or fridge. If you tend to forget where you put things, set aside a specific place for everything.
- Keep your work environment tidy: Working in a cluttered environment can make you more distracted. Keep your desk and room as tidy as possible.
- Preparedness: If you're going on a trip, prepare the things you need a day in advance. Keep things you might forget (e.g. charger, keys) by the door.
- Get Accountability: Get a trusted friend, partner, or family member to remind you of your work and keep you on track. Don't be afraid to say, "I need to finish this today, remind me."
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not a weakness in your character or a sign of laziness. It is a real medical condition that can be treated.
- Even if it was not diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can be diagnosed in adolescence or adulthood.
- If you continue to experience symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, procrastination, and restlessness, don't hesitate to see a doctor.
- ADHD symptoms can be successfully managed with medication and behavioral therapy.
- Even small lifestyle changes can make life with ADHD easier and more successful. You are not alone, get help.
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