Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects nearly 5 percent of children. With proper therapy, most kids generally manage the symptoms better as they grow older. Some, however, will experience aggravated ADHD as adults, especially if previous therapies were sparse and inconsistent.
Some adults, one the other hand, might develop ADHD symptoms for the first time. In 2006, experts pegged 4.4 percent of Americans have adult ADHD from the ages of 18 to 44, as per the National Institutes of Health.
That estimated number rose to 8.2 percent over the years and experts said most adults remain undiagnosed for the condition. There are some ways, however, to determine adult ADHD based on a World Health Organization advisory group, as per NPR.
Adults with ADHD often find difficulty concentrating or focusing on a conversation. They sometimes try to finish the other person's sentence or cut off the person talking.
They fidget on their seat during long meetings or on occasions where they have to remain seated. They are unable to relax during idle times.
When given tasks, adults with ADHD tend to put off things to do at the last minute. If they're unable to do the tasks, it's because they rely heavily on other people to bring order in their lives.
Adults with ADHD manifest impulsiveness, restlessness, mood swings, lack of planning, disorganization, poor time management and focus. Adults with ADHD face challenges at work and have difficulty coping with stress. They also cannot keep track of their bills and are prone to hot tempers so they could encounter legal problems more than the average person, as per Mayo Clinic.
Experts recommend seeing a therapist, especially if the adult with ADHD finds his life disrupted or in disarray. Treatment for adult ADHD involves different approaches, such as medication or counseling and it depends on the evaluation of a therapist. Learn more about testing for adult ADHD below.
