ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can not only be suffered in childhood or adolescence, but also in adulthood. In fact, it has been found that when this type of disorder is not treated during childhood, the chances of it appearing in adulthood are 50%. But what is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? It is a mental disorder that encompasses different problems that appear constantly, such as, for example, great difficulty concentrating and paying attention, maintaining extremely impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. All of this can have many consequences for the person who suffers from it, such as having serious difficulties maintaining stable relationships, school and work problems, low self-esteem, depression, etc.
In this PsychologyFor article: ADHD in adults: symptoms and treatment we are going to provide you with all the necessary information so that you can learn more about this condition.
The most common symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults that usually appear are the following:
Hyperactivity. They are usually people who cannot be calm and find it difficult to stay and rest. They prefer to be constantly doing one or more activities at a time, they spend many hours working or studying and, in short, they like to stay busy all the time.
Attention deficit. It is very difficult for them to concentrate fully on the activities they are doing, even when they are talking to other people, it is very difficult for them to pay attention to what they are saying for a long time. It is quite a challenge for them to be able to organize themselves correctly to carry out their tasks and pending issues, since they also tend to ignore things very easily.
Impulsiveness. These are quite impulsive people who tend to act almost all the time without thinking, which makes them easily lose control of the situation. Other problems that they may have due to their high degree of impulsivity are that their interpersonal relationships tend to be quite unstable, they can change jobs easily, they may have problems with alcohol and/or drug consumption, engage in high-risk behaviors, etc. .
Communication problems. Often, people who have this type of disorder tend to have problems communicating appropriately with others. In general, they tend to speak in a very fast and disorganized manner, since they themselves feel an internal desperation that does not allow them to stop and think a little more about what they are going to say and how to do it. This obviously has consequences in different areas, especially in the workplace and their interpersonal relationships.
Causes of ADHD
The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is unknown; however, it has been found that there are some factors that can influence the development of this type of mental disorder. Some of the main factors that have been found are the following:
Genetic factors This type of disorder can be hereditary, so if you have parents who suffer from it, the chances of it appearing significantly increase.
Environmental factors When the person was constantly exposed to environmental toxins since childhood, such as lead, which can be found in the pipes of old buildings or in paint.
Biological factors Premature birth and problems in the central nervous system.
Treatment of ADHD in adults
He ADHD treatment in adults It is very similar to the treatment in children. This type of treatment includes a psychotherapeutic combination with the use of drugs:
Pharmacotherapy The medications most frequently used to treat this type of disorder in adults are the following: methylphenidate, modafinil, atomoxetine, brupropion, among others. The dose used varies from one person to another and, in many cases, it has to be tested with each person to determine which one gives the expected result. This treatment must always be carried out under the supervision of a specialist and be strict with the doses prescribed.
Psychotherapeutic treatment The patient is informed in detail about this condition, given tools and taught techniques so that they can achieve greater control over their impulses. They are also provided with techniques that allow them to better organize their time, achieve greater concentration in everything they do and better face the challenges they have to go through in their daily lives due to this condition.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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