There are over 11 million adults in the US who struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. People who have ADHD struggle to focus, stay on task, work for long periods, and stay organized. ADHD in adults is completely normal, but it can impact your daily life, especially in a fast-paced world. Adults with ADHD can become restless or be extremely impulsive. This can be hard when adults are expected to be stable and reliable as they don’t have caretakers keeping track of all of their appointments and tasks. This blog will discuss more facts about ADHD and treatment methods that are effective for these individuals.
What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. Some individuals don’t get diagnosed with ADHD until later in life, because children typically have shorter attention spans. The signs of ADHD in children get chalked up to immaturity or naivety that comes with younger years.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, the following symptoms must be present in two or more settings (work, school, home, with family or friends, and other social activities).
- Inattention: Difficulty paying attention or staying focused on one task.
- Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: too much energy or moving around too much. Some individuals talk fast or non-stop or constantly need to fidget.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Mood swings, irritability, or difficulty managing complex emotions.
How Does ADHD Affect Adults?
Similar to other mental health struggles, ADHD in adults can affect all areas of life. Those with ADHD can see its effects in social, work, and personal life. Adults with ADHD often struggle with work performance and productivity. Dealing with inattention at work may hinder career advancement. Some individuals with ADHD can do well in specific fields because they can learn something quickly since they tend to hyperfocus on one thing.
Individuals can also struggle with self-esteem when diagnosed with ADHD. The struggles of hyperactivity or mood swings can cause feelings of inadequacy. Persistent struggles can wear on relationships, lead to feelings of inadequacy, and heighten depression.
Treatment Methods For ADHD In Adults
More people are getting proper diagnoses for ADHD and are looking for a treatment method that works best for them. There are multiple therapy types, medications, and natural methods that can help with the symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Medication
Research has shown that medication can be highly effective. While all medications can have side effects, there are stimulants and non-stimulant medications that can work for ADHD patients. Some antidepressants are also used to treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. It is best to do your research on how other medications will interact with this new ADHD medication and what the side effects of the medicine are. Some medications can cause diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart problems, etc.
Psychotherapy
Therapy on its own has not been shown to treat the root symptoms of ADHD, but it can be used in conjunction with other methods. Therapy can help individuals develop better-coping strategies and help with anxiety and depression that can accompany ADHD. Working with a therapist can help ADHD adults set better goals and learn to set clear boundaries.
Complementary Methods
People often combine natural products or vitamins with their other medications to help manage their symptoms. Actions labeled as “self-care” are also effective for those with ADHD (art, spending time alone, exercise, meditation, organizational apps, support groups, etc.)
Using complementary methods and coping strategies can help adults with ADHD if they are nervous about medication. Sticking with a routine and using methods that work for you is the only way to help improve your daily life.
Following A Routine
Staying organized and following a routine can help ADHD in adults. Getting used to completing certain tasks and doing small things before jumping into a hobby at home can help you perform better as an adult. Building routines can help ADHD individuals avoid losing things, forgetting appointments, missing school pickup, being late to work, or neglecting household chores. Everyone’s routine will look different, but creating a repeating to-do list on your phone can help.
Additional Tips To Help Thrive As An Adult With ADHD
- Use a day planner to keep track of activities, to-do’s, and appointments
- Use color-coded labels or give every item a “home.”
- Set reminders or alarms on your phone
- Utilize frequent exercise to help increase dopamine levels
- Set short timers to help you focus on a defined task
- Minimize distractions
- Listen to music or wear noise-cancelling headphones during work or cleaning
- Maintain a clean space
- Know your boundaries and limits
