Do you also have difficulty completing a task? Do you often forget something? Do you feel like you can't pay attention even when a friend is talking? Do you sometimes feel restless and unable to stay in one place? Although many people think that these are normal things, perhaps behind this is a condition called ADHD , which many people are not aware of, but also affects adults. Let's talk about this simply and in a friendly way today.
What exactly is ADHD?
Simply put, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way our brains function. It can affect a person's ability to maintain attention, control impulsive behavior (impulsiveness), and sometimes hyperactivity .
The condition is often diagnosed in early childhood, usually around age 7. In the past, doctors thought that the condition would "outgrow" as children got older. But recent research has found that more than 60% of children with ADHD continue to have the condition into adulthood .
Surprisingly, most studies suggest that less than 20% of adults with ADHD are aware that they have the condition. And of those who are aware, only about a quarter are receiving treatment .
Are adult ADHD symptoms different from childhood?
Yes, absolutely. If you had ADHD as a child, your symptoms may change as an adult. The mischievousness and hyperactivity you had as a child may have subsided. But other problems may emerge instead.
Imagine that you were not diagnosed with ADHD as a child. Then, as an adult, your symptoms are more likely to be mistaken for something else. For example, about 50% of adults with ADHD also have a condition called anxiety . So sometimes, even a doctor might look at your symptoms and think it's depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
This difference can be understood more clearly from the table below.
| Common ADHD symptoms in childhood | Common ADHD symptoms in adulthood |
|---|---|
| Excessive fidgeting, unable to stay in one place. | Feeling restless and agitated inside. |
| Inability to pay attention in the classroom. | Being lazy to finish a task even after starting it, procrastinating. |
| Impatience, inability to wait one's turn. | Making quick decisions without thinking (Impulsiveness). For example: sudden spending, sudden anger. |
| Constantly losing things. | Difficulty managing time, often being late. |
| Talking in a way that interrupts others. | Problems maintaining relationships, frequent forgetfulness. |
Does gender difference affect ADHD?
This is also a very important point. During childhood, boys are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as girls . But surprisingly, this gap narrows somewhat as we enter adulthood.
But the special thing here is that women are often diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Maybe in their 30s or 40s. Why is that?
Scientists say that ADHD symptoms in women are more subtle than in men. That means they often have symptoms like inattention , rather than hyperactivity, like in boys. This can make it easier for teachers and parents to miss it.
Untreated ADHD makes girls and women more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Often, women only find out they have ADHD after their own child is diagnosed with ADHD. It's when they look at their child's symptoms that they realize, "Wow, I've had this since I was a kid."
Does heredity affect ADHD? (Genetic Factors)
Yes, absolutely. Although the exact cause of ADHD has not yet been discovered, it is clear that it runs in families .
- If someone in your family has ADHD, you are four to six times more likely to develop it too.
- 40% of children with ADHD have at least one parent with ADHD symptoms.
Studies of twins have shown that the heritability of ADHD is as high as 60% to 90% . This means that your genes have a strong influence on whether you develop ADHD.
In addition to genes, several other risk factors have been found to contribute to the development of ADHD.
| Risk Factor | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Head injuries | Especially injuries to the frontal lobe of the brain. |
| Exposure to environmental toxins | For example, exposure to things like lead during childhood. |
| Premature birth | Being born before the due date. |
| Low birth weight | Being underweight at birth. |
| Mother's behavior during pregnancy | Maternal use of tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy. |
If you're thinking, "I have these symptoms too," after reading this article, don't worry. It's not your fault. The best thing to do is talk to a doctor who has expertise in this area. He or she will be able to diagnose your condition and provide you with the most appropriate treatment and advice. It will be a great help in improving your job, relationships, and many other aspects of your life.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not just something that affects children. It is also common among adults, but many people are unaware of it.
- Symptoms of ADHD in adults can be different from those in childhood. Inattention and procrastination may be more prominent than mischief.
- ADHD is often confused with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
- The genetic influence for this condition is very high. This means that it can be hereditary.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, don't be afraid to seek medical advice. Correct diagnosis and treatment can make life easier.
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