ADHD in adults

ADHD is less apparent in adulthood than it is in hyperactive children and teenagers. Adults with ADHD mainly have problems organizing their everyday life or work, focusing on tasks for longer periods of time, and keeping appointments.

They can also be very impulsive, though. Adults who have ADHD may talk a lot and constantly interrupt others. Some get into trouble quite easily, end relationships suddenly, switch jobs at the drop of a hat, or quit before they have found a new position. They may also cause problems on the roads, for instance due to reckless driving.

Many adults with ADHD have trouble keeping their emotions under control. They are irritable and have a low tolerance for frustration. When stressed, they find it hard to attend to their responsibilities. In general, adults with ADHD also have difficulty setting and reaching goals.

It comes down to this: If someone has psychological problems that significantly affect his or her quality of life for a longer period of time, then it is a good idea to seek professional advice. It is also important to be cautious when diagnosing ADHD to avoid unnecessary or incorrect treatment.

The criteria for diagnosing ADHD in adults are essentially the same as those for diagnosing ADHD in children. If the following criteria are met, the person is considered to have ADHD:

• The abnormal behavior started in childhood
• There are at least six signs of inattentiveness, hyperactivity or impulsiveness
• There are problems in more than one area of the person’s life
• There are major problems in social or professional settings

Some people who have ADHD were never diagnosed with it as children. There is a special questionnaire for those adults (e.g. the Wender Utah Rating Scale), designed to help the doctor to diagnose it by looking back. This has to be done before any medication can be prescribed.

It is important to rule out any other mental disorders that may be causing the symptoms. Sometimes ADHD is mistaken for another condition, such as borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder.

Many people with ADHD also have other disorders or problems, such as social behavior disorders, depression, tic disorders and alcohol or drug dependency. These kinds of problems may be complications of ADHD. Adults with ADHD often report low levels of self-esteem, which can sometimes lead to depression. Alcohol and drug use may be an attempt to cope with ADHD or relieve the symptoms.

Most of the problems that adults with ADHD have are related to their short attention span or impulsiveness. Some of them develop good coping strategies, though, including the following:

• Plan your day in detail and make a list to help you remember what you need to do. It is important not to take on too much at a time.
• Divide tasks into smaller steps to make it easier to slowly work your way through them.
• Put reminders in places where they can help you, like on your front door or refrigerator, or in the car.
• Make a note of important appointments and chores in a notebook or in an app.
• Introduce routines and always keep important things – like the keys to the house or your wallet – in the same place.

Because ADHD causes different problems in different people, it’s hard to give general advice. But many people find out over time what can help them cope better in everyday life. Support from family and friends is helpful here.

ADHD in adults is usually treated by psychiatrists, specialists for psychosomatic medicine, neurologists or psychotherapists. Before young people with ADHD turn 18, it's a good idea to get a head start with finding a new practice because you may have to wait a long time to get an appointment. In some cases young adults can continue treatment with their child psychiatrist or therapist until they turn 21.

People who have mental disorders often ask themselves whether they should tell other people about their diagnosis. Close friends or family members may already know, but it's a different matter at the workplace. Whether or not to tell your coworkers or boss is a very difficult and personal decision. Many people decide to keep the diagnosis to themselves for one or more of the following reasons:

• They are afraid of losing their job or of not being hired.
• Discrimination in the workplace may be a concern.
• They're not sure what sort of rights they have as an employee.
• They consider their disorder to be a private matter that is no one else’s business.

But there are also good reasons for not keeping the diagnosis a secret:

• Over time, it can be mentally exhausting to hide the disorder from others.
• It may be stressful to keep worrying about whether someone notices.
• Dealing with your problems honestly and openly can make things easier.
• If no one knows about your condition, it will not be possible to apply for help from your employer.
• If your coworkers and boss know about the disorder, they're more likely to offer support and understanding.

Because the advantages and disadvantages of being open about having ADHD can vary so much from person to person, there is no general advice concerning who to tell about the diagnosis. It may help to discuss the issue with your doctor or psychotherapist. In larger companies, it may be possible to talk to someone from the works council or the company’s medical services first.