“As an adult with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), I have faced many challenges in my life. For example, it was very difficult for me to concentrate and concentrate on a task. Therefore, I had to put more effort into completing the tasks given at work or school. Because of my hyperactivity, it was difficult for me to sit or listen and I wanted to go somewhere and stand. I also had difficulty with time management and often procrastinated or forgot things. These difficulties have affected my work performance, personal relationships and general quality of life in my daily life.”
Although ADHD can be observed in different ways in every adult, the difficulties experienced by an adult with ADHD are expressed in the above sentences. ADHD in adults is a process that makes life difficult and requires support.
What is Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults?
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is generally known as a childhood disorder. . However, as many people don't know, ADHD is a condition that occurs in adults as well. Although ADHD is often an unnoticed or unrecognized condition in adulthood, it can cause many problems in adults' lives as well.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults include attention deficit, poor organizational skills, time management problems, forgetfulness and boredom. It shows features similar to childhood, such as being mobile to escape. However, in adulthood, these symptoms may manifest themselves more prominently in various areas of daily life such as work life, school, family and social relationships. In business life, problems such as difficulty in doing business regularly, distraction at work, organizational problems and being constantly late may occur. In family life, it is also possible to have difficulties in doing housework, not making payments on time, and having conflicts with family members.
Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is possible in adulthood, too. With the diagnosis and treatment, the quality of adults with ADHD may improve. However, many adults hesitate to be diagnosed with ADHD and therefore may not start treatment. Therefore, increasing awareness of ADHD
Symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults
Adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shows similar symptoms to its childhood symptoms, but its symptoms can occur in different ways. These symptoms include:
Attention deficit: Adults with ADHD may have trouble concentrating on tasks that require prolonged attention. They may show signs of being distracted and easily bored. For example, instead of listening to an important speaker at a meeting, their minds may wander to different things and be interested in completely different things in the meeting. Also, while working on a task, they may often leave their work unfinished and switch to doing something else.
Hyperactivity: Adults with ADHD tend to be restless and restless. They may exhibit behaviors such as constantly standing up, walking, or moving their hands or legs. For example, instead of sitting in a meeting, they fidget all the time and may constantly try different positions. In addition, their speech may have a fast and hard-to-stop tempo.
Impulsivity / Impulsivity: Adults with ADHD may exhibit behaviors such as acting impulsively, making quick decisions and taking risks. For example, they may react quickly in an argument and regret later. In addition, they may be prone to take risks in their financial decisions and then face great harm.
Organizational problems: Adults with ADHD may have poor time management, planning, organizing and other organizational skills. They cannot accurately predict the time they need to complete their work, and therefore they constantly leave things to the last minute. For example, they incorrectly estimate the time it takes to complete a project and experience great last-minute stress.
Forgetfulness: Adults with ADHD may have trouble remembering important tasks or meetings. Also, they often lose or forget their belongings. For example, they may lose their keys at home or at work, or have trouble remembering important dates.
Social and emotional problems: Growing up with ADHD grudges may have difficulty in social interactions. They may have emotional control problems, have tantrums, and have trouble expressing themselves. They may also experience difficulties in their relationships with other people.
What are the Subtypes of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults?
ADHD in adults can be observed in different forms. ADHD symptoms may appear in a person intermittently or continuously. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in adults is generally seen in three subtypes. The 3 subtypes of ADHD seen in adults are:
1) Attention deficit type: This subtype is characterized by attention deficit. People have trouble concentrating and are easily distracted. They also have trouble maintaining their attention. Some examples might be:
Frequently distracted and easily bored
Difficulty completing tasks
Inability to deal with details
Difficulty planning and organizing
Forgetfulness or lost things
2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity type: This subtype is characterized by hyperactivity and/or uncontrolled behavior. People cannot stand still and feel the need to constantly move. In addition, they frequently exhibit behaviors such as behaving without thinking and interrupting. Some examples might be:
Constantly moving or being restless
Excessive talking or interrupting
Ignoring or not responding
Impatientness or inability to wait
Risky behaviors or irritability
3) Combined type: This subtype includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. While people have difficulty in concentrating, they also feel the need to move constantly and may exhibit uncontrolled behaviors. Some examples might be:
Constantly on the move or restless
Difficulty getting things done
Excessive talking or interrupting
Impatient or can't wait
Forgetfulness or lost things
ADHD Or Not? : Conditions that can be confused with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults
Symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in adults, some other psychiatric disorders It can also be similar to iatric or medical conditions and can therefore be difficult to diagnose. Some conditions such as the following can be confused with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:
Depression: Symptoms of depression may be similar to those of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. For example, when a person is depressed, they are often distracted and have trouble completing tasks. >
Bipolar disorder: In bipolar disorder, people can sometimes be overly energetic and hyperactive. This condition shows symptoms similar to attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.
Thyroid disorders: Failure of thyroid hormones to work properly may cause the person to show symptoms similar to attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.
Drug or alcohol use : The use of drugs or alcohol can cause symptoms such as attention deficit and hyperactivity in people.
Neurological disorders: Neurological disorders such as brain damage, infections or tumors can cause the person to show attention deficit and hyperactivity-like symptoms.
Therefore, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, the causes and severity of the symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist.
Conditions That May Accompany Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly complex disorder not only in terms of its symptoms, but also in terms of other accompanying medical or psychiatric conditions. Some conditions that may accompany ADHD are:
Anxiety disorders: ADHD is frequently seen in adults with anxiety disorder. Generally, people with anxiety disorders show more attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in stressful situations. At the same time, people with ADHD have a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
Depression: Depression is common in adults with ADHD. Depression symptoms can lead to increased attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms. Depression and ADHD
Bipolar disorder: People with bipolar disorder are also likely to have attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, bipolar disorder should be considered in some cases when ADHD is diagnosed.
Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea, sleep deprivation and sleep disorders are common in adults with ADHD. Insomnia can worsen the symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity.
Dependence: Substance abuse and alcohol abuse are common in adults with ADHD. This may cause the treatment to be more complex and long-lasting.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Adults with ADHD have a higher risk of developing OCD. People with OCD struggle with repetitive thoughts and behaviors, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Social anxiety disorder: Individuals with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder may also have social anxiety disorder.
What Causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults?
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also be seen in adults and usually comes from childhood. Although the exact causes of ADHD are not fully known, genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the emergence of ADHD.
Genetic factors: ADHD has a family history and genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of ADHD. is considered. Some genes are thought to be associated with ADHD.
Environmental factors: It is thought that environmental factors such as problems during pregnancy or birth, environmental toxins (eg lead), malnutrition or stressful living conditions may contribute to the development of ADHD.
Chemical imbalances in the brain: An imbalance of chemicals in the brain such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which are thought to be related to ADHD, are also among the causes of ADHD.
The exact causes of ADHD are still unclear, however, a combination of these factors is thought to play a role in the emergence of ADHD.
How to Diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults?
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