Adult ADHD

Introduction

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD (and also known as attention deficit disorder or ADD), among adults, is a neurological disorder associated with inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHD has different levels of severity (mild, moderate and severe), and it’s diagnosed three times more often in men than in women. About four percent of American adults have ADHD.

You can be rest assured that at Skooc, you and your family are in good hands. 

Symptoms

Keep a look out for some of the following signs:

• Trouble focusing and concentrating - easily distracted by exterior noises, may “zone out” while in conversations, struggle to finish tasks or have difficulty following directions

• Hyperactive Young Adults - restless and on edge, being quick to bore, risk-taking behaviour, excessive talking and multitasking, and constant fidgeting

• Lack of organisation and often Procrastinating - papers stacked up on desks, cluttered cars, forgotten appointments, misplaced items — and put off tasks to the last minute or fail to finish them on a regular basis

• Problems controlling impulses - may act rashly or blurt out comments, difficult for them to sit still for long periods, such as in class, at a performance or at a meeting 

• Emotional Difficulties - find managing their feelings of anger and frustration challenging, resulting in irritability, stress, mood swings and outbursts

• Restlessness and Unable to Relax - find it difficult to wind down or participate in stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation.

• Difficulty with Relationships and Disruptive Behavior - can cause conflicts with family and friends and put a strain on romantic relationships

• Academic Difficulties - find it difficult sitting still or following their teachers’ lectures or focusing on tasks 

• Thrill-seeking - people with ADHD often have lower levels of dopamine, causing them to seek stimulation from risky activities such as reckless driving, argument provocation, unprotected sex and substance use. 

• Work Issues with respect to prioritising and multitasking- personality conflicts with coworkers, inability to focus on or complete tasks, difficulty sitting still at meetings and being frequently bored due to lack of stimulation.

If you notice recurring instances of a few of these symptoms, we at Skooc recommend a formal evaluation. 

Diagnosis

At Skooc, we help you better understand what you are going through. Although the signs of ADHD can vary by individual, there are a number of symptoms that can indicate a person has ADHD if they are consistently noticeable for at least six months and are seen in multiple settings, such as school, work or home. These signs are especially indicative of possible ADHD if an adolescent has demonstrated these symptoms prior to age 12. 

A psychologist, psychiatrist or other clinicians with expertise in ADHD can make a diagnosis and do a series of tests.

There are three main types of ADHD, and testing may depend on your symptoms. The types are:

• Impulsive-hyperactive - This is the least common form of ADHD. It causes you to act on impulse and have restless tendencies.

• Inattentive and distractible - This type involves issues with your ability to pay attention.

• Combined - This is the most common kind and shows symptoms of both of the other forms.

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Next Steps and Intervention

Our team of professional psychologists at Skooc can help you by providing the necessary interventions. 

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a common type of psychotherapy for people with ADHD. It can help you learn how to manage your behaviour and take control of your thinking patterns. 

Usually, a combination of medication and behaviour therapy is best in helping those with ADHD navigate the world. At Skooc, behavioural therapy may include 

• Teaching the family how to cope with emotions

• Social Skills training 

• Problem-solving

• Organisational skills