ADHD is often thought as a childhood disorder
On average, individuals are diagnosed before the age of 12. However, ADHD doesn’t simply go away when we become adults. Sometimes, people with ADHD don’t know they have it. Why is that? It could be that parents, teachers, and doctors didn’t feel that an individual met the criteria for a diagnosis. Or, the idea was that the individual was simply acting as a child would. Most of the time, ADHD symptoms are more present in children than in adults. Because as we age and make our way through life, we learn how to cope. Even if we aren’t aware of it, everything that we encounter in life is a lesson. We are constantly learning and adapting our behaviors. Which, in turn, changes the way people with ADHD move through life.
So, what exactly does ADHD in adults look like? Some individuals may have textbook symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, distractibility, inattentiveness, trouble staying still, but ADHD is far more than an attention disorder. ADHD can also cause depression, emotional burnout, difficulty maintaining relationships, and impulsive behaviors. You may find it hard too
wake up in the morning, keep a schedule, stay organized, stay productive at work, and manage time. Individuals may also try to take on various activities at once or acquire many hobbies, which often go unfinished.
I think I have ADHD; what do I do now?
First, it is important to know that you are not alone. Population surveys suggest that ADHD occurs in 2.5% of adults. That may not seem like a lot, but mental health is fluid, and many people can have similar experiences and symptoms.
Second, here at Transformative Growth, we have a variety of clinicians to help with medication management, ADHD testing, psychotherapy, and education.
Starting your mental wellness journey can be intimidating. But we are here to make the transition to self-care an easy and safe, and positive experience.
ADHD resources
ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association)
https://add.org/resources/
• Free Webinars
• Support Groups
• ADDA Insider (newsletter)
NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know
• Extensive information on ADHD in adult
