Do you sometimes wonder, "Why can't I get anything done?" Have you ever had a friend or family member say to you, "You never listen to anything?" Maybe you've wondered, "Why do I forget so many things? Why can't I focus on one thing?" These things aren't just random things. Behind this, there could be a medical condition that we don't pay attention to, but affects many people. Let's talk about it today.
What is ADHD?
Simply put, ADHD stands for `Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder`. In Sinhala, it can be said as ``Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.`` But when we talk, we will use the name ADHD, because that is what most people know and what doctors use.
Many people think that this is something that only affects young children. But that's not true. About 60% of children with ADHD continue to have the condition into adulthood.
The most important thing is that a doctor should definitely determine whether you have ADHD or not. Because its symptoms can be very similar to those of other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, it's best to see a doctor rather than make decisions on your own.
Are these characteristics common to you?
If you have a lot of these symptoms, it's worth seeing a doctor for advice. Let's see what these are.
| Sign / Problem | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Always forgetting things | It's normal to lose your car keys or your purse from time to time. But do you constantly have to look for your mirror, phone, or wallet? Do you constantly forget to call back, pay bills, or make doctor's appointments? |
| Accusations of not listening | We all get distracted when someone is talking. But with ADHD, your mind can wander even when there are no distractions. Paying attention to what the other person is saying can be a real challenge. |
| Being late everywhere | Do you have a constant problem with time management? Do you have a habit of being late for every task or meeting unless you make a big effort? |
| Difficulty concentrating | This is one of the main symptoms of ADHD. It is very difficult to pay attention to one thing at a time, especially for a long time, and to pay attention to small details. |
| Skipping work/stopping midway | Do you have difficulty starting or finishing tasks that require a lot of concentration because of problems with attention and memory? |
| Childhood behavioral problems | To be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you must have had these symptoms as a child. You may not have seen a doctor at that time. But teachers and parents may have accused you of being a "lazy kid" or "naughty." |
| Difficulty controlling impulses | This is not something as trivial as thinking about buying a chocolate bar at a store. It is doing it even though you know the consequences could be dire. For example, starting your car thinking you can run a red light, or saying whatever comes to your mind even though you know it's not a good idea to say it. |
| Difficulty organizing work | Is everything on your desk a mess? Is it hard to decide what to do first and how to complete a task step by step? |
| Restlessness, inability to stay in one place | Children with ADHD are often mischievous and jumpy. But in adults, this can manifest as restlessness, an inability to stay in one place. They often fidget, get up from their chairs and walk around, talk excessively, and interrupt others. |
| Difficulty controlling emotions | Do you get angry easily over small things? Are you constantly frustrated? Do you feel uninterested in doing anything? Do you have difficulty controlling your anger when you do get angry? This could also be part of ADHD. |
How ADHD affects adults
Often, it's when someone with ADHD takes on a big responsibility in life that they find it difficult to cope. Imagine, you were able to cope well when you were in school. But now, with campus work, deadlines at work, or family responsibilities, you may find it difficult to manage these things.
This "point of no return" varies from person to person. If you were a very naughty and restless child as a child, you are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD at that time because you have problems at school. But if you were a child who was not naughty but had poor attention span and daydreamed, no one would have taken you seriously. So you may not recognize this until you are an adult.
Why are women and intelligent people more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD?
This is a very important point. Especially for women and those with high intelligence ``(IQ)``, it can be very late to recognize that they have ADHD. The reason is that they use their intelligence and unconsciously develop various strategies to cope with these problems. Therefore, it does not seem like a big problem from the outside.
- You may be a talkative person.
- It's hard to stay in one place, you always have to walk.
- Although it may seem like you're daydreaming, your mind is actually jumping from one thing to another.
- Although it's easy to make friends, it's hard to maintain those relationships.
- To do something like others, you may have to work harder or take longer than them.
- You're afraid of losing friends, so you hang on to relationships that aren't good for you.
How do you know for sure if you have ADHD?
A general practitioner, psychiatrist, or psychologist with experience in adult ADHD can make an accurate diagnosis.
There is no single test (like a blood test) to diagnose ADHD. Your doctor will talk to you and ask you a lot of questions about your symptoms, how long they have been present, and how they have affected your life (work, relationships).
To be accurately diagnosed with ADHD, it's not enough to have one or two of these symptoms. They must have had a significant impact on your life.
Also, remember that ADHD is often hereditary. Some studies suggest that it has a 75% genetic influence. So take a moment to think about whether your mother or father had these traits.
Okay, what do you do now? Next...
The good news is that ADHD is a manageable condition. You don't have to struggle with it alone.
Talk therapy or counseling can be a great way to help you learn the best ways to deal with challenges such as time management, organization, and impulse control.
When you find out about this too late, you may feel relieved on one hand, thinking, "Oh... it's not my fault, this is a medical condition." But at the same time, you may also feel sad, thinking, "If only I had known earlier, I could have made fewer mistakes in my life." All of these feelings are normal. Career counseling can help you deal with those feelings.
If you are married, it is a good idea for both of you to go to couples therapy together. This will help you both understand how this situation has affected your relationship and help you deal with it together in the future.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is a common condition not only in children but also in adults.
- If you are constantly experiencing forgetfulness, lack of attention, and procrastination, it could be ADHD.
- This is not your laziness or your fault. This is a medical condition.
- You can only know for sure if you see a doctor. So, if you have these symptoms, don't delay in seeking medical advice.
- With the right treatment and strategies, you can definitely manage ADHD and live a successful and happy life.
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