Can't you do even one thing right? Do you forget everything? It could be Adult ADHD!

There are days when you wonder, 'Why can't I get a single task done?' You can't finish a task you've started, you forget where you put your keys, your mind wanders even when someone is talking. If this happens to you all the time, it's not just laziness or inattention. Today we're talking about ADHD , a condition that can be a cause of this, and is also seen in adults, but isn't talked about much.

Simply put, what is adult ADHD?

Adult ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that occurs due to changes in brain function. It is not a mental illness. Essentially, a person with this condition may have challenges with paying attention, controlling impulses, and sometimes being excessively active (hyperactivity) .

It is important to remember that if an adult has ADHD, it is something that they have had since childhood . Some people are diagnosed as young adults, while others are diagnosed as adults. Not everyone who had ADHD as a child will have it as an adult, but about 60% of people will continue to have the condition into adulthood. Although there is no cure for it, with proper treatment and management, it is possible to live successfully with the condition.

Do you also have these characteristics?

The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from person to person. While some may have mild symptoms, others may have a major impact on their lives. Check the chart below to see if you experience any of these symptoms regularly.

But remember, you may be able to focus better when you're doing something you enjoy. That's normal.

The effects that ADHD can have on your life

Untreated ADHD can have long-term effects on various aspects of life.

• Problems at work: Frequent job changes, inability to get work done properly, loss of joy in the job.
• Educational problems: Low grades since school, failing exams.
• Relationship problems: Inability to maintain a stable relationship, frequent problems.
• Other life problems: frequent car accidents, receiving fines, inability to manage money, increased risk of addiction to smoking or drugs.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

There is no blood test or scan that can definitively diagnose ADHD. If you suspect you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is see a psychiatrist who has experience with ADHD .

Your doctor will often do these things:

• A full body examination to see if these symptoms are caused by another physical condition.
• Asking for information from your childhood (e.g. school report cards, asking parents for details). Because ADHD is not something that develops suddenly in adulthood.
• Asking if anyone in your family has this condition (as this can run in families).
• Perhaps referring for psychological testing.

What are the causes of ADHD?

Scientists still don't know the exact cause of ADHD, but the main thing is that it is genetic , meaning it runs in families.

Additionally, research has found that people with ADHD have certain differences in the structure of their brains and the function of chemicals (neurotransmitters) that transmit messages between nerve cells.

But remember that these things do not cause ADHD:

• Parenting mistakes.
• Eating too much sugar.
• Spending too much time looking at the phone or TV.

Treatment and management

There is no single treatment for ADHD. It involves a combination of medications, behavioral therapy, and counseling, and a treatment plan that works for you.

Medications

There are two main types of medication for ADHD. These should only be used under medical supervision .

1. Stimulants: These are the most commonly used. These drugs stimulate chemicals in the brain related to attention and control. For example, the drug `(Methylphenidate)` is widely used in Sri Lanka.

2. Non-stimulants: Doctors recommend this type of medication for those who are allergic to stimulant medications or for other reasons. For example: `(Atomoxetine)`.

Behavioral therapy and counseling

These things are just as important as medicine.

• Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps you build self-esteem by changing your thinking and behavior patterns.
• Relaxation training and stress management: You can learn ways to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Life coaching: Helps you set goals and organize your work.
• Family therapy: Helping your family understand this situation and help everyone cope with it together.

A few tips to make life easier with ADHD

Along with treatment, there are many things you can do yourself.

• Write everything down: Before you start your day, write down everything you need to do, including important things, in a diary or on an app on your phone . This will greatly reduce the risk of forgetting things.
• Make a schedule: Don't try to do a big task all at once. Break it down into small parts and do them one by one. Give yourself a small reward when you finish each task.
• Remove unnecessary things: Remove distractions (phone, TV) while working. If possible, work in a quiet place.
• Exercise: Exercising for 20-30 minutes a day will reduce your anxiety, stress, and improve your focus.
• Learn to say 'no': People with ADHD have a habit of taking on too many tasks at once. Only take on as much as you can handle. Saying 'no' is not wrong.
• Ask for help: Don't try to do everything alone. Ask for help from a trusted friend or family member. Also, talk to your doctor about everything openly.

ADHD, Adult ADHD, Mental Health, Attention Problems, Restlessness, Procrastination, ADHD Treatment