Do you sometimes get bored, unable to focus on one task, or constantly forgetting something? Many people think that these are normal things. But this could be a symptom of a condition called ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) , which is not talked about much but is common among adults. In most cases, this condition has been present since childhood, but it may have been present until adulthood without being recognized.
Is adult ADHD different from childhood ADHD?
Yes, it can change to some extent. The hyperactivity seen in childhood may decrease as you become an adult. But other problems may arise instead.
Think about it this way. You have trouble concentrating on work at the office, your mind is always wandering. You struggle to finish an important task with a deadline. Or you constantly forget where you put your keys or purse at home. You have trouble keeping things neat and organized. You say and do things on the spur of the moment (impulsivity). These things can have a big impact on your job, family life, friendships, and even your self-confidence.
The important thing is, ADHD is not your fault or your laziness. It is a treatable medical condition caused by a change in brain function.
The same treatment is given to adults as it is to young children. However, it needs to be tailored to your age, symptoms, and lifestyle. This usually involves a combination of several treatment methods (multimodal treatment). This means things like medications, behavioral modification techniques, life skills training, and counseling.
What medications are used for treatment?
Medication is the mainstay of ADHD treatment. But it can take some time to find the right medication and dosage for you. It's something you need to work with your doctor and try out little by little.
Main types of medicines
1. Stimulants
These are the most common and first-line medications used for ADHD. These medications work to some extent by correcting the functioning of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that are involved in attention and control.
- Methylphenidate
- Amphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Lisdexamfetamine
Usually, your doctor will start you on a very low dose of this medication. Then, the dose is adjusted every 7 days until the side effects are minimal but the symptoms are well controlled. For adults, long-acting medications are often the best choice. Because they work for about 10-14 hours, they can be taken once a day.
| Side effects and risks of stimulant medications | Description |
|---|---|
| Common side effects | Loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, headache, dry mouth, some jitteriness, anxiety, and a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Many of these can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. |
| Not suitable for such people | These medications are not usually given to people with conditions such as heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, bipolar disorder, anxiety, a history of drug addiction, and Tourette's syndrome. If you have any of these other conditions , you should definitely tell your doctor. |
2. Non-stimulants
If stimulant medications don't work for you, your doctor may recommend this type of medication. An example is Atomoxetine (Strattera). These take a while to work, but they work well for some people.
These are not the first choice for ADHD. However, some antidepressants, especially Bupropion (Wellbutrin), have been found to help control ADHD symptoms. Your doctor may consider these medications, especially if you have depression or anxiety along with your ADHD.
How important is talk therapy?
Very important! Good counseling combined with the right medication is a very powerful combination. This will help not only you, but also your family understand ADHD and cope with the problems it brings.
Main consulting methods
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Simply put, it teaches you how to change the way you think and act, and gain control over your life. It can be very helpful for problems at work, in relationships, in time management, and in organizing things.
- Marriage and Family Therapy: This can help your family understand that you are not doing these things out of boredom or irresponsibility, but that this is a medical condition. It can also help you communicate better with each other and identify patterns that are causing problems.
- ADHD Coach: This is a bit of a new thing. This coach helps you with practical things. That is, they give you tips and ideas on how to make plans, set goals, manage time, and organize things.
What if you have other medical conditions along with ADHD?
This is also a very important point. People with ADHD are more likely to develop other mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
So when treating you, your doctor needs to consider all of these things, because medication for one condition can affect another.
For example, some stimulant medications for ADHD can increase anxiety. So if you have both conditions, your doctor will plan your treatment based on the condition that is causing the most problems. Also, studies have shown that properly treating ADHD can help you overcome drug addiction.
Therefore, if you notice any new changes or symptoms, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor about them. The more information you give your doctor, the easier it will be for him to give you the most suitable treatment.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not just something that affects children. Adults can also have this condition, and may not even be diagnosed with it.
- This is not laziness or a mistake. It is a treatable medical condition.
- Treatment is not just about medication. When medication, counseling (therapy), and life skills training are all combined, the results are very successful.
- It may take some time to find the right medication and dosage for you. Be patient and work with your doctor to find the right one.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (such as heart disease, high blood pressure, depression) and any other medications you are taking.
- You are not alone. There are many people who are successfully living with this condition. Seeking the right help is the first step.
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