ADHD
What is ADHD?
At first, it was believed that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was a condition that affected children and adolescents. Although it was known that children with ADHD were more likely to have difficulties in adulthood, clinicians usually diagnosed and treated these as other conditions. More recently, ADHD has been an increasingly common problem in adults as well as children. Frequently over diagnosed, this disorder has become nearly epidemic in our society and requires careful and thoughtful evaluation.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be present with or without hyperactivity or inactiveness. The diagnosis and treatment are similar regardless. A diagnosis is not made unless it can be demonstrated that there are actual impairments in functioning in a variety of different settings, e.g., home, school, and work.
The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults can be a complex process. By definition, ADHD is a condition that has its onset in childhood. Not everyone has an accurate recall of their early life. Often it is useful to get information from relatives, spouse or old school records. Careful evaluation and history is vital to making a proper diagnosis. Particular attention must be paid to medical and neurologic issues in these individuals. Often Psychological testing is helpful and frequently other studies are useful tools in assisting in making an accurate diagnosis.
ADHD in adults
As a child moves from adolescence to adulthood, the predominant symptoms of ADHD tend to shift from external, visible ones (such as physical hyperactivity) to internal symptoms. There seems to be a decrease in observable symptoms of ADHD with age. Although a given adult may not meet the full criteria for full ADHD any longer, they may still experience significant impairment in certain aspects of life. Depending on professional or domestic situation, the adult may need to deal with more complex, abstract issues. A given individual’s perception of their degree of impairment may vary.
Many adults were never correctly diagnosed, even when they were children. Sometimes this was because their main symptoms were inattention and impulsivity rather than physical hyperactivity. In other cases, the individual used their high intelligence or great determination to mask the ADHD symptoms. Often this compensation occurred at great emotional cost. Many high-functioning individuals with ADHD may harbor feelings of poor self-worth. They may see themselves as failures and feel that they constantly let others down. Over the years, the individual adapts to the situation. These adaptations, positive or negative, become part of one’s personality, layered over the ADHD symptoms. Many of these symptoms are also elements of codependency and intimacy dysfunctions resulting from childhood abandonment, emotional and / or sexual abuse.
What are the signs & symptoms of ADHD?
The trademark symptoms of ADD and ADHD are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Symptoms usually present in childhood before the age of 7 but may be subtle as all children can at times display some of these behaviors. Though there are several signs and symptoms of ADD/ ADHD many may not apparent until the individual is in a setting that calls upon skill sets that bring into sharper focus his or her deficits. Some of these may include the following:
Difficulty paying attention to details, carelessness with schoolwork or work in general
Distractibility, poor concentration, focus
Inability to sustain attention or focus on tasks
Difficulty completing tasks, lack of follow through
Inability to prioritize
Procrastination, forgetfulness
Generally disorganized work habits
Often, individuals recall a history of hyperactivity as a child which may include behaviors such as fidgeting and squirming, always being on the go, getting into trouble in class etc. In adolescents, teens and young adults, this may present more as impulsivity - e.g. difficulty-delaying gratification, which leads to all sorts of behaviors associated with poor judgment.
Adults with ADHD are often bored with tedious, repetitive tasks. They may also have trouble with planning and organization. Procrastination is very common. They often become frustrated or angry rapidly, but then cool off just as quickly. Impulsivity may lead to frequent job changes, troubled romantic relationships, financial problems and a tendency to interrupt others. College students may have trouble staying focused on paperwork or lectures.
ADHD treatments vary but often involve the use of stimulants, which are medications that require careful regulation. When correctly diagnosed and treated, individuals often report excellent responses to available medications as well as the multiple therapies available to augment the pharmacologic treatments, all of which help to restore the individual to good mental health. Call Kalayil Psychiatry today or complete the online form to schedule an evaluation and personalized ADHD treatment in Chicago.