Do you sometimes feel like this? You can't finish a task properly, you can't keep your mind in one place , you always forget things. Even when you have a lot of work to do, you procrastinate without even thinking about starting any of it. Sometimes you might think to yourself, "Why am I like this? Is there something wrong with me?" If you feel that way, you're not alone. This may be a more common condition than we think. Today we're talking about ADHD, which is such a condition.
The story of famous actress and presenter Busy Philipps is a perfect example of this. Despite making us laugh on TV for years, she has been battling ADHD on the inside. Surprisingly, she was only diagnosed with the condition as an adult. As she says, "I knew from a young age that something was different. I had a hard time focusing on one thing and getting things done."
It was only later, when a doctor told her daughter that she had ADHD, that Bisi began to doubt herself. She realized that she had all the symptoms the doctor had described. Finally, at the age of 39, she was diagnosed with ADHD. That was when she found answers to many of the questions she had had since childhood. Today, she uses her experience to help others who are struggling with similar issues.
Is ADHD something that only occurs in childhood?
Many people think that ADHD is a condition that only affects young children and that gets better as they grow older. But that's not the truth. Experts say that ADHD is a long-term condition that can last a lifetime .
"There is good evidence that ADHD symptoms can fluctuate throughout a person's life," says Anne Arnett, a professor at Harvard Medical School.
This means that ADHD symptoms may have been present in childhood, subsided over time, and then resurfaced in adulthood. Sometimes, even if the condition is diagnosed in childhood, it can be forgotten by family members. This is called a “lost diagnosis.” Recent research has found that 60% of people who had ADHD as a child and thought they were “fine” later had symptoms resurface in adulthood.
Strictly speaking, if an adult has ADHD, the symptoms must have been present before the age of 12, that is, during childhood. Perhaps no one took it into account at that time.
How do ADHD symptoms appear in adulthood?
In childhood, ADHD symptoms are easy for teachers to recognize at school. They include things like not being able to pay attention in class, being restless, and responding quickly without thinking. But as an adult, these symptoms take on a different form.
When major life changes occur, these suppressed ADHD symptoms can suddenly surface.
- During youth: During high school, when you go to university, and when you get your driver's license and start driving, the risk of accidents may increase.
- In adulthood: This condition can worsen when you start a new job, get married, have children, or have more responsibilities in life.
"Even if ADHD symptoms are stable, they can become more severe as new stressors are added to life," says John T. Mitchell, a professor at Duke University.
Let's look at what ADHD symptoms affect adults.
| Symptom category | How it appears in adults |
|---|---|
| Inattention | - It's hard to start a job and finish it. - Small mistakes happen all the time, whether at work or at home. - I often forget or lose things (keys, purse, phone). - Even when someone is talking, my mind goes somewhere else. - It's very difficult to organize and keep things organized. |
| Hyperactivity | - Restlessness, unable to stay in one place for long. - Always shaking his leg and making noises with his fingers. - It feels very awkward when you have to be quiet, like in a meeting. - Always "on the go", always doing something. |
| Impulsivity | - Saying and doing things all at once without thinking. - Interrupts others while they are talking. - It's hard in places where you have to be patient, like in a queue. - Making impulsive decisions without thinking about the consequences (e.g. quitting a job suddenly, spending money recklessly). |
How to manage ADHD?
Don't panic when you see these symptoms. The important thing is that this is a manageable condition.
ADHD is not something that needs to be completely eradicated, it is something that needs to be managed successfully.
There are several treatment methods for this.
Medication
Medications for ADHD work by regulating the levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, which help control symptoms such as attention deficit disorder and restlessness.
There are two main types of medication:
1. Stimulants: These work quickly and give successful results for many people.
2. Non-stimulants: These may take a little longer to work, but may have fewer side effects.
According to Busy Phillips, she experienced side effects like insomnia and loss of appetite when she first started taking stimulants. She says that life became much easier after she found a non-stimulant that worked for her.
Therefore, it is essential to talk to your doctor to determine the type and dosage of medication that is best for you. Never start or stop taking medication on your own.
Behavioral therapy
Along with medication, behavioral therapy is also very important. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in particular, can help you identify the problems that ADHD causes in everyday life (procrastination, difficulty organizing, time management) and learn practical ways to deal with them.
Many adults with ADHD also have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. It's also common to blame themselves for their behavior and have low self-esteem. Treatment can help with all of these.
What do you do if you also have these symptoms?
If after reading this article you feel like you have any of the symptoms mentioned, the most important thing to do is to research it. Don't try to diagnose yourself by searching the internet. See a qualified doctor, talk openly about your concerns, and get a proper test if necessary.
As Busy Phillips says, "I've come to realize that my brain works a little differently. There's nothing to be ashamed of about having ADHD. " She has shown the world how much easier and happier life can be when you correctly identify the condition and take the necessary steps to address it.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not limited to children. Adults can also have this condition. It may have been suppressed in childhood and then resurfaced in adulthood.
- ADHD symptoms can worsen with major life changes, such as job changes, marriage, or having children.
- If you are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, restlessness, procrastination, and frequent forgetting, seek medical advice.
- ADHD is not something to be ashamed of or a weakness. It is simply a change in brain function.
- With the right medication and behavioral therapy, ADHD can be successfully managed and lead a happy and productive life.
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