Did you know: ADHD doesn’t just affect kids; adults can have it too. An expert tells us all the must-know facts.
Have you ever wondered if the restlessness, inattention, and impulsivity you experienced as a child still lingers in adulthood? As it turns out, this isn’t uncommon. In our quest to shed light on lesser-known mental health disorders, we speak to Dr Adrian Loh from Promises Healthcare, who shares that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among adults is a common issue, but it’s not typically talked about. Yup, ADHD isn’t just about unruly kids – adult ADHD is an actual diagnosis. If you’re wondering how it’s diagnosed and you’re curious to learn more, read on for the must-know facts about this disorder.
Adult ADHD: The ups and downs
Let’s bust a myth: ADHD isn’t just a childhood problem; it can stick around into adulthood. ADHD may have also been undiagnosed in childhood for a variety of reasons. Following progress into adulthood, the deficits associated with it may become more pronounced. An adult with untreated ADHD may be more forgetful and this can lead to important tasks being overlooked. He or she may also be less able to absorb details from a conversation, and may underperform in work and school.
Many people may misjudge them as being lazy or unmotivated, which can result in conflicts with others or even a marital breakdown. But with the right treatment to manage their ADHD symptoms, these individuals will be able to lead a functional and fulfilling life, Dr Loh shares.
If you find yourself struggling to complete tasks, focus your attention, or control those spontaneous impulses, that may be a sign of potential ADHD. That said, the symptoms can vary from person to person, so seek medical advice when in doubt.
How ADHD finds its way into adulthood
Genetics can play a role, too. If a close relative like a parent or sibling has ADHD, the odds of you developing it increase. Other risk factors include atypical patterns in neurotransmitters (that’s the chemical signals in your brain), maternal smoking and alcohol use when the child is in the womb, traumatic brain injury at a young age, and more.
Navigating life with adult ADHD
Healthy lifestyle habits (think: regular exercise, sufficient sleep and a balanced diet) are essential in mitigating the impact of adult ADHD. For some, establishing these healthy routines might be all you need to regulate your symptoms.
For others, treatment options like psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) and medications (which help to optimise the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain) may be required. If you’re investing in supplements, don’t skip out on brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids.
On the search for professional treatment? Book a consultation at Promises Healthcare for comprehensive, personalised services to manage your symptoms. The process begins with an initial assessment and tests, before going into your suggested treatment plan. With a dedicated team of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and executive coaches, you’ll be assured of continued care to support your lifestyle and treatment goals.
This post is in partnership with Promises Healthcare.
