Both adults and children can present with Attention Deficit Disorder (“ADHD”). ADHD is not just for children as diagnosticians originally thought. ADHD symptoms can begin in early childhood but can and often do persist into both adolescence and adulthood.
Symptoms of the condition manifest themselves differently in adults than in children according to Eileen Bailey, a writer and health advocate, although both exhibit some key indicators. Both adults and children exhibit three crucial symptoms: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. (Department of Health & Human Services )
WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES IN ADHD SIGNS BETWEEN CHILDREN AND ADULTS?
Hyperactivity
Adults with hyperactivity seem to be extremely restless and often doodle, fidget, and move their limbs unnecessarily. They are easily bored, move from job-to-job, and often leave programs and tasks uncompleted, and lack crucial time management skills. In addition, they are restless, they have trouble remaining still and staying focused on the task at hand, and they have a hard time maintaining healthy relationships. They exhibit “risky” behaviors and seem to prefer fast-paced activities and constant movement. Adults present as restless while children appear to be in constant motion. Children, on the other hand, run and jump excessively, squirm and have trouble remaining seated. They talk excessively, cannot sit still and have a hard time focusing on extended activities and tasks.
Inattention
Adults with ADHD manifest inattention differently than children do. Children make careless mistakes at school, don’t pay attention well in a classroom setting, have short attention spans, don’t listen and don’t process information well, leave schoolwork and chores uncompleted, have difficulty moving from activity to activity, have no organizational skills, lose things often, and are extremely forgetful. Adults, on the other hand, lose and misplace important items like keys, wallets, and phones, and misplace key papers and documents. Adults fail to complete important tasks, are easily distracted, have difficulty following conversations, are often late and unfocused, are poorly motivated, lose track of time and can be poor employees.
Impulsivity
Impulsiveness is exhibited by both adults and children with ADHD. Adults often spend money compulsively and recklessly, destroy household budgets and income, participate in “risky” behaviors such as gambling addiction, risky sex, drugs, and driving at excessive speeds. They often interrupt other people during conversations, blurt out inappropriate comments, and are often offensive and hurtful. Children, on the other hand, yell out answers in class, have trouble waiting for their turn, and act without thinking about consequences.
Adults with ADHD may also exhibit additional comorbidities (or co- symptoms) such as anxiety or depression. The severity of these co-symptoms may vary from person-to–person. About fifty percent of adults that have ADHD suffer from anxiety as well.
DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT ADHD
Adults with ADHD and learning disabilities often feel a sense of shame and despair. Many adults are relieved when they are diagnosed because it helps to explain their inherent differences, difficulties, and past failures. Many individuals with learning disabilities have higher than average IQs but just process information a bit differently. Coping strategies make all the difference. Recognizing the problem is the first step in addressing this condition. Testing and diagnosing the condition are vital tools as well (Understanding ADHD — Diagnosis and Treatment).
ADHD is a lifelong condition that can be addressed with medication and/or psychological counseling. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown although research indicates that both genetics and the environment play a factor. ADHD tends to run in families. Environmental factors also increase the risk of getting the condition. It is known, for instance, that exposure to lead or certain toxic substances likely lead to promoting the condition. Problems in early childhood development like exposure to trauma may also play a significant role as well. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services )
ADHD is Treatable
In summation, ADHD is a treatable mental health condition. In adults, it presents with persistent symptoms such as disorganization, problems prioritizing, poor management skills, trouble focusing on tasks, trouble multitasking, restlessness, excessive activity, poor planning skills, low frustration levels, frequent mood swings, and trouble coping with stress. The problem can lead to unstable relationships, poor work ethic, trouble in school, and low self-esteem. Symptoms usually manifest themselves in early childhood and may persist into adulthood.
The good news is that the condition is treatable and that both children and adults can be taught to cope with the disorder and lead both fruitful and productive lives.
Adults and children can present with other learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dysgraphia. Many famous people live and function with disabilities. Acknowledging the condition and addressing it seems to make all the difference. People with disabilities may have greater challenges than most, but often live accomplished and productive lives nonetheless.
From Visually.