Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that begins in childhood but can persist through adulthood. Many adults struggle with the main symptoms of ADHD, including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. If treatment isn't received, this disorder can disrupt an adult's ability to be successful at work and maintain lasting friendships and romantic relationships.
Symptoms
An adult who struggles with ADHD probably has a difficult time concentrating at work, paying attention during business meetings and turning in projects on time. These issues can lead to the adult being demoted or fired, and certainly, they don't help the person succeed. Adults with this disorder also have problems with impulsivity. For instance, an adult with this disorder is more likely to gamble, have unprotected sex, or drink and drive without thinking about the consequences. This disorder also makes coping with stress and staying organized difficult. Many adults with ADHD have unstable relationships, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Causes
There isn't one specific cause of ADHD. The Mayo Clinic reports that several factors may lead someone to develop this disorder. These factors include genetics, exposure to toxins in the womb and altered brain function.
Considerations
Many adults that struggle with everyday tasks such as paying their bills on time, remembering appointments and dates, and keeping their households clean don't realize that they suffer from ADHD. These things have been something the person has always struggled with, so the person doesn't usually recognize it as a mental health issue.
Misconceptions
Adults with this disorder might be labeled as difficult or lazy by co-workers, family members and friends. People in the adult's life might not understand that the symptoms are not intentional. For instance, an adult with ADHD might interrupt his friends on a regular basis and turn the topic of conversation back on himself. This is due to one of main components of ADHD, impulsivity; however, it's usually seen as self-centered and intentional.
Professional Treatment
Most mental health professionals recommend a combination of psychotherapy and medication for adults who struggle with ADHD. Medications for ADHD, such as stimulants, help reduce the symptoms of the disorder, which allows adults to live more normal lives. In psychotherapy, adults learn about the disorder, time-management skills, how to reduce impulsive behavior and communication skills. The most common form of psychotherapy used to treat ADHD in adults is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapists teach their clients how their thoughts impact their emotions and behaviors and provide specific behavioral techniques to reduce symptoms.
Self-Help
Adults with ADHD already have a disadvantage, so it's important that they rely on simple self-help techniques to reduce their symptoms. For instance, it's critical that adults with this disorder exercise regularly in order to deal with their hyperactivity and sleep eight hours at night to improve concentration, according to Helpguide.org. Adults should also work on setting small, specific goals to get and stay organized.
