WHAT IS

Adult ADHD?

ADHD

What is Adult ADHD?

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that always begins in childhood and affects both males and females. It is associated with difficulties in social, academic, family, mental health and occupational functioning.

The UK Adult ADHD Network (2018) estimates a worldwide prevalence of ADHD in approximately 5% in children. Some children do outgrow symptoms. However, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2017) suggest that of those diagnosed in childhood, approximately two thirds will retain the diagnosis by the age of eighteen; with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland (2017) suggesting that between 2.5% and 4% of British adults may benefit from treatment of ADHD.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2018) advise that ADHD should be considered as a possible diagnosis in all age groups and it is not unusual for people to be diagnosed as late as in their 60s.

Commonly experienced symptoms

Finding it hard to concentrate and focus on what you are doing, especially if it is repetitive and under-stimulating
Finding it hard to multitask or follow complex instructions
Finding it hard to follow through on plans, or even make plans
Finding it hard to relax and unwind, even towards bedtime
Making mistakes because of poor concentration
Forgetting things like appointments or meetings
Feeling impatient or irritable
Finding it hard to make friends or maintain friendships
Finding it hard to stick at a job

What adult ADHD is not

Over many years there has been a lack of quality information available about ADHD. Thankfully as more scientifically validated research has been and continues to be undertaken, we are all starting to have much more of an understanding about what it is, how it is best treated, and some of its causes.

Firstly it is not only a childhood condition. However, it is a condition that was always present in childhood if it presents in adulthood. As it is a neurological condition, ADHD isn’t caused by having food or drink with additives in it. Neither is it caused by bad parenting or by children behaving badly. It is also not a mental illness, although mental illness is common in those with ADHD. Having another condition such as a mental illness co-existing alongside is known as a co-morbidity and this is a fairly common presentation for many. There is no one definitive identified cause for ADHD but there is strong scientific evidence to suggest that often the most likely cause is that the condition is inherited biologically from family members.

Is there a cure for ADHD?

There is no cure for ADHD but there is treatment which can help you to function, especially in areas of attention and focus, and which can make a considerable difference to your quality of life. The most effective treatment is medication and this seems to be effective for around 70% of adults with ADHD.

That said, management of ADHD involves educational, psychological, and skill-based interventions as well as medication.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (2017) advise that the treatment you receive from a professional should also aim to help you learn to mange this condition yourself over your lifetime.