Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects both children and adults.
Adult ADHD can manifest in various forms , often less obvious than in childhood.
This disorder is characterized by difficulty maintaining attention, increased impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity. However, adult ADHD is not limited to these visible signs. It profoundly affects organizational and emotional abilities, as well as social interactions.
Understanding adult ADHD is essential for better managing its impact on daily life. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about adult ADHD, its symptoms and impact, diagnosis, and treatments.
Symptoms of adult ADHD
Difficulty concentrating
Adults with ADHD often have great difficulty concentrating on tasks, especially those they find monotonous. They may start several projects at once but struggle to finish them, which can hinder their performance at work.
Disorganization and oversights
Adult ADHD frequently manifests as disorganization and frequent forgetfulness .
Forgetting appointments or meetings, constantly losing keys, or being unable to keep to a schedule are typical examples of an adult with ADHD.
This can be detrimental to both professional and personal life, where daily obligations can seem insurmountable.
Adults with ADHD often need to develop organizational strategies to compensate for these repetitive forgetfulnesses.
Impulsivity and impatience
One of the defining characteristics of ADHD in adults is impulsivity , which can be reflected in making hasty decisions or frequently interrupting conversations .
For example, an adult with ADHD might impulsively quit their job without considering the financial consequences.
This constant impatience can also create tension in interactions with others.
Mental or physical agitation
Adults with ADHD often describe inner restlessness that is difficult to control . This can manifest as a constant need to move, such as tapping their fingers or frequently changing position. Mentally, they may experience incessant thoughts, making it difficult to achieve a calm or focused state of mind.
Difficult time management
For an adult with ADHD, time management is often a major challenge .
Frequent delays, underestimating the time needed to complete a task, or the inability to follow a strict schedule are common indicators.
This can lead to problems, such as missing important deadlines at work or consistently arriving late to personal events.
Emotional hypersensitivity
Adult ADHD is often accompanied by emotional hypersensitivity , which amplifies reactions to stressful or conflictual situations. This symptom can lead to heightened arguments in personal relationships or a tendency to feel easily overwhelmed.
For example, a simple criticism can be perceived disproportionately, increasing feelings of vulnerability.
Impact of ADHD on daily life
Difficulty maintaining professional stability
Adults with ADHD often struggle to maintain stable employment due to difficulties meeting deadlines or staying focused on their tasks. Their fluctuating productivity can make them feel inadequate in demanding work environments.
strained personal relationships
The impulsivity, impatience, and emotional hypersensitivity characteristic of adult ADHD can cause misunderstandings or conflicts in personal relationships .
For example, an adult with ADHD may forget important commitments, generating frustration among their loved ones.
Feelings of failure and decreased self-esteem
Due to the recurring challenges they face, adults with ADHD may develop a sense of failure. This feeling is often reinforced by criticism or a perceived inability to achieve their own goals, leading to decreased self-esteem.
Increased risk of associated disorders
Adult-onset ADHD is often accompanied by associated disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or burnout. These disorders, combined with the daily stress caused by adult ADHD, can intensify mental and physical exhaustion.
Mental fatigue
Living with adult ADHD often means juggling a multitude of thoughts and disorganizations, which can lead to significant mental fatigue . Simple tasks can feel overwhelming due to a lack of mental energy.
Difficulty maintaining routines
Difficulty following a consistent routine is another common challenge faced by adults with ADHD. This lack of structure can complicate aspects of life, such as maintaining a healthy diet or keeping a living space organized.
Diagnosis of ADHD in adults
Who performs the diagnosis?
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is usually made by a healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist or a specialist neurologist .
A complete evaluation of personal and family history is often necessary to confirm the presence of the disorder.
The stages of diagnosing adult ADHD
The steps include a series of questionnaires to analyze associated symptoms, in-depth discussions with the patient, and sometimes cognitive assessments. This multidimensional approach helps to rule out other potential causes of the difficulties experienced.
Treatments for ADHD in adults
Therapies and support
Cognitive behavioral therapy is often recommended for adults with ADHD to help them accept and better cope with their symptoms on a daily basis.
Drug treatments
Psychostimulant treatments may be prescribed by a specialist physician to reduce difficult-to-control symptoms and optimize cognitive abilities through hormonal stimulation.
Daily organizational strategies
Including daily routines and organizational tools , such as digital reminders or to-do lists, can help structure days and reduce frustrations related to disorganization.
The role of lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, through a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and regular physical activity, also helps to reduce the intensity of adult ADHD symptoms.
FAQ: ADHD in adults
How can you tell if an adult has ADHD?
The main signs of ADHD in adults include persistent difficulty concentrating, marked impulsivity, and an inability to organize daily tasks effectively. Only a professional can make an official diagnosis.
How does an adult with ADHD behave?
An adult with ADHD may display impulsive behavior, have difficulty meeting deadlines, and sometimes appear distracted.
Is adult ADHD treatable?
Adult ADHD is not curable, but it can be effectively managed with appropriate treatments, such as therapies, medication, organizational strategies, and a healthy lifestyle.
What is the average life expectancy of adults with ADHD?
The life expectancy of adults with ADHD may be slightly reduced due to risky behaviors associated with ADHD, but appropriate management can reduce these impacts.
What are the causes of ADHD in adults?
ADHD is primarily caused by genetic factors, although environmental influences during childhood can also play a significant role.
