How is Adult ADHD Recognized?

Have you heard of adult ADHD? You might think of it in relation to children. If you have it, you might not realize that the way you’re used to living isn’t just the way things have to be, and you struggle for a valid reason.

Living every day struggling with memory, concentration, and brain fog can make you feel scattered, overwhelmed, and exhausted. You might feel guilty for having trouble completing tasks or underperforming at work. You might not understand why you can’t “get your life together.”

Treatment for adult ADHD can help you:

• Identify the root cause of your symptoms,
• Consider whether you might have an ADHD diagnosis,
• And reach your potential even while dealing with a distracted brain.

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of ADHD in adults, how the disorder was first identified, the types of ADHD, common symptoms, related conditions, and the best forms of treatment.

What is Adult ADHD?

ADHD is widely known in popular culture; millions of children have been diagnosed with it. The number was around 9% in 2016, while around 4% of adults have been diagnosed. It’s slightly more common in men than women.

ADHD can be shorthand for not being able to focus, but it’s more complex than that. It is a mental health disorder. The Mayo Clinic describes it as including “a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.” The letters ADHD stand for “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.”

ADHD diagnosis refers to an array of characteristics that make it difficult for an individual to achieve focus, calmness, and measured decision-making. ADHD doesn’t just cause problems with focus; it also makes it hard for a person to remember things, organize their lives, and even think clearly. Stereotypically, ADHD involves a hyperactive child who can’t focus on schoolwork. But ADHD isn’t always so easily identified.

An adult may struggle for many years, even decades, before getting an accurate diagnosis, possibly blaming him or herself for not excelling more in school or at work, and not realizing that their struggles with attention and executive function aren’t a character flaw.

How is ADHD Recognized?

The second Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-II, included a diagnosis of Hyperkinetic Impulse Disorder in 1968. In 1980, the DSM-III changed the name of the disorder to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Later, it was updated to ADHD, and the three defining characteristics included inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Finally, the 2000 version, DSM-IV, recognized three different subtypes of ADHD:

1. Combined type,
2. Predominantly inattentive type,
3. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type.

So, it took a while, but ADHD was eventually recognized in the literature as we know it today. Researchers are still learning more about it, but now it is recognized as a real issue with recognized treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms of Adult ADHD

The Mayo Clinic supplies a list of the most common symptoms to consider if you think you or a loved one may have ADHD. These symptoms can apply to both children and adults:

• Impulsiveness
• Disorganization and problems prioritizing
• Poor time management skills
• Problems focusing on a task
• Trouble multitasking
• Excessive activity or restlessness
• Poor planning
• Low frustration tolerance
• Frequent mood swings
• Problems following through and completing tasks
• Hot temper
• Trouble coping with stress

As you can see, these symptoms can also characterize other conditions or temporary situations. It’s important not to self-diagnose if you think you may have ADHD. Contact our counseling office today at (424) 361-6199 to get a professional opinion.

Differences Between Adult ADHD and Childhood ADHD

Considering an ADHD diagnosis as an adult may lead you to hunt for information online, much of which is geared towards a childhood diagnosis. It’s important to consider that what you might think is ADHD could also be symptoms caused by a different condition, or possibly multiple diagnoses.

Either way, ADHD does not develop in adulthood. To qualify for a diagnosis, significant symptoms must have been present before age twelve, no matter how old you are now. But that doesn’t mean that you’ll immediately remember and recognize those symptoms, particularly if you were used to masking them to cope.

As an adult, you probably have developed your own set of coping behaviors, despite the difficulty caused by the symptoms in your daily life. Adults are rarely seen as stereotypically hyperactive with ADHD, but you may recognize symptoms of restlessness and impulsiveness, as well as attention issues.

What About Severe Adult ADHD?

In general, symptoms of ADHD in adults tend to be subtler than those in children, but ADHD occurs on a spectrum. More significant symptoms can interfere substantially with functioning and relationships, leading to problems like:

• Reckless driving and/or frequent car accidents.
• Lack of organization leading to lateness, missed appointments, problems at work, etc.
• Relationship and/or marriage problems stemming from symptoms.
• Outbursts of anger.

If you recognize these problems, you might be on your way to a diagnosis. Be sure to consider your symptoms and communicate all your experiences to your counselor. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, and there is help and hope for better functioning.

Co-Occurring Disorders with ADHD

Co-occurring disorders (or morbidities) occur in up to 80% of adults with ADHD. The most common are:

• Depression disorders.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Substance use disorder (SUD).
• Bipolar disorder (BPD).
• Personality disorders (borderline, antisocial, avoidant, narcissistic, etc.).

Co-occurring disorders are mental health disorders that occur at the same time as ADHD and are often linked. Having symptoms of multiple conditions can make sorting through your symptoms even more confusing and challenging, which is why speaking with a mental health professional can help you make sense of your symptoms and move towards any possible diagnosis.

What if It’s Not ADHD?

Aside from co-occurring disorders, other conditions may be confused with ADHD, or even lead to a misdiagnosis in some cases. Misdiagnosis tends to happen more often in children, who can’t describe their symptoms as easily as adults can, but it can happen with adults as well.

Common conditions that are often confused with ADHD include:

Bipolar disorder. The difference, according to Healthline, is that bipolar disorder affects mood, in contrast with ADHD, which primarily affects attention and behavior.

Autism. ADHD and autism are related but distinct conditions. They are more easily confused in children, but it’s worth considering whether you have symptoms of autism if you think you might have ADHD.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause executive function issues like ADHD.

Sensory processing disorders. It’s quite common for people to have symptoms of both SPD and ADHD.

Sleeping problems. Sleeping problems can cause issues with memory and concentration, so it’s worth ruling out whether your symptoms are caused by sleep deprivation.

Keep in mind that these conditions may also be co-occurring with ADHD, and it’s always possible that you might have more than one diagnosis. The better you can identify what you’re struggling with, the sooner you’ll be on the road to knowing the best treatment options for you as an individual.

Treatment Options for Adult ADHD

The treatment option that is right for you will be highly dependent on your situation, your medical history, level of functioning, personal preferences, any co-occurring physical or mental health conditions, etc. Your counselor and a medical doctor may be both involved to help you manage your symptoms and make a treatment plan.

The most common treatments for adult ADHD include psychotherapy (usually cognitive behavioral therapy) stress management tools, counseling, or coaching, and possibly medication. Your medication options can be discussed with your doctor and include stimulants, non-stimulants, antidepressants, etc. Your counselor can help you figure out your options, and you can discuss any possible side effects and pros/cons with your doctor.

If you are struggling with symptoms of adult ADHD, you’re not alone and there is hope and help for you. Contact our office today at (424) 361-6199 or click here to fill out our online contact form and be connected with a Christian ADHD counselor who can help you on your healing journey.