Adult ADHD is better understood today than in the past but is still the focus of much research. Despite being labelled as an adult condition, it’s believed to begin in childhood. However, sometimes the symptoms aren’t recognised or a diagnosis made when a person is young.
Being undiagnosed as an adult can lead to challenges in daily life. These can range from minor to monumental. But the most important thing to understand about adult ADHD is that it’s highly treatable. Indeed, one of the most frequent comments made by those who eventually get a diagnosis and put a treatment plan in place is that:
“It’s life-changing”.
What Causes Adult ADHD?
The causes of Adult ADHD – indeed, ADHD in all ages – are thought to be multifaceted. This includes the structure of the brain and how it functions, genetics, brain injuries and even certain environmental and social issues.
Brain structure and function
Research appears to show differences in brain structure and function in those diagnosed with ADHD. The brain is made up of different areas, each of which is responsible for various processes, such as hearing, sight, memory, emotions, problem-solving, judgement etc.
Brain scans of those who suffer from ADHD suggest that some areas of the brain might be structured differently, with some regions being larger and others smaller. It’s also believed that the chemicals (neurotransmitters) within the brain work differently.
Genetics
ADHD seems to run in families, leading experts to believe that genetics plays a strong role. However, while the risk of having the condition is elevated in those whose immediate relatives have an ADHD diagnosis, it’s not thought that this is down to a single genetic issue. The current understanding is that the genetic link is likely to be complex, with more than one factor at play.
Other risk factors
A lot of research is being carried out into other possible causes of adult ADHD. There is evidence that the following can also be risk factors:
- Central nervous system problems during development.
- Exposure to toxins, such as lead, as a child.
- Having a mother who smoked, drank alcohol or used drugs during pregnancy.
- Being born prematurely.
- A severe head injury (at any time of life).
- Being diagnosed with epilepsy.
- Traumatic events during childhood.
What are the Symptoms of Adult ADHD?
The symptoms of adult ADHD range from very subtle to the extreme. While childhood symptoms are often highlighted by obvious hyperactivity, challenging behaviours and concentration difficulties, the condition can manifest very differently as a person gets older. They can also be different in men and women.
While there are no ‘typical’ adult ADHD symptoms, some examples include:
- Being forgetful.
- Continually misplacing and losing things.
- Organisational difficulties.
- Interrupting others or blurting things out.
- Mood swings, impatience or being quick to anger.
- Risky activities, such as driving too fast or substance abuse.
- Leaving things until the last possible moment (and, thus, having problems meeting deadlines)
In some cases, those living with undiagnosed adult ADHD learn coping mechanisms that allow them to function in a more ‘normal’ manner. Indeed, many people with the condition are extremely successful – something that further masks the symptoms.
What can exacerbate the symptoms of Adult ADHD?
Certain things can cause symptoms to flare. While they might not be true for everyone, anything that upsets body and brain equilibrium can be a culprit. These include:
- Not getting enough sleep: This is a common trigger and can also increase related conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Lack of sleep doesn’t just make you tired, it can have a profound effect on how you focus and even negatively affect motor skills.
- Excessive screen time: There is some evidence that links ADHD with screen time. However, which one fuels the other is not yet known. But what is proven is that the blue light emitted from screens (all screens) can upset sleep patterns, which in turn can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
- Mess and clutter: Whether in the home or workplace, piles of stuff around can trigger negative thoughts about everything you have to do. In turn, this can raise anxiety and other ADHD symptoms.
- Lack of exercise: Not enough physical exertion can increase brain haze and other symptoms. While this is true for everyone, it can be doubly so for those with adult ADHD.
- Too much junk or ultra-processed food: While there’s not currently any definitive evidence around nutrition and adult ADHD symptoms, certain ingredients – such as food colouring – has been proven to affect children with the condition. A healthy diet appears to help a lot of people manage their symptoms. This includes managing your weight, which can be helped by adding plenty of fruit and vegetables into your diet, as well as eating foods as close to their natural state as possible.
- Hormonal change: Fluctuating hormones, especially during perimenopause and menopause, can heighten symptoms. Seeing a menopause specialist who also has experience with adult ADHD can be a key step to navigating increased ADHD symptoms during these years. Andropause (often somewhat inaccurately referred to as the male menopause) can also be a time when symptoms worsen in men.
- Smoking: While there’s currently only limited research into the link between nicotine and adult ADHD symptoms, there is evidence that it can aggravate hyperactivity symptoms. While it can be challenging to quit, following a clinical stop smoking service can have multiple health benefits in addition to helping reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
How is Adult ADHD Treated?
A combination approach is the most effective treatment. This includes some or all of the following: Medication, therapy, education and skills training. Because adult ADHD manifests in many different ways, it can take a little time to determine the right cocktail of treatments that work.
Medication
There are five medications currently licensed in the UK for treating ADHD. These are:
- Methylphenidate.
- Lisdexamfetamine.
- Dexamfetamine.
- Atomoxetine.
- Guanfacine.
The first three stimulate areas of the brain, boosting and balancing the chemicals responsible for behaviours and attention. Atomoxetine works in a slightly different way, by increasing the uptake of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline.
While the first three stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed, Atomoxetine can be a successful option when these aren’t appropriate.
The fifth medication in the list, Guanfacine, is only used in adults under certain strict conditions and in conjunction with specialist advice.
Therapies
Therapies and counselling are usually prescribed in conjunction with medication. These might include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This is a structured approach to help you learn coping skills to navigate challenges. It can help with behaviour management and turning negative thought patterns into positive ones. CBT takes time but can be very effective at helping overcome how you think and deal with situations. It can also help reduce co-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
- Relationship therapy: Can be especially useful to help both you and your partner or family members better understand the condition and learn how to help.
Education
Having a better understanding of adult ADHD is a vital step towards living with and controlling the condition. Indeed, the title, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is somewhat misleading. Those affected don’t have a deficit of attention – they have an abundance of it.
The challenge is learning how to direct and focus this attention. Education includes increasing your understanding of the condition and the treatments. In turn, this plays a big part in helping you make sense of a diagnosis.
Support groups can be a good place to share experiences and connect with others. As well as being a safe space to communicate your feelings, it can help to hear first-hand how other people are navigating their symptoms.
Skills training
This is sometimes referred to as psychoeducation – and is often addressed with some of the aforementioned counselling and therapies. Skills training can be effective to help adults learn how to better deal with:
- Low self-esteem.
- Anger management.
- Improving relationships.
- Impulsive behaviours.
- Past failures and disappointments.
- Improving problem-solving skills.
- Improving organisational and/or time management skills.
Why getting a diagnosis is so important
Untreated ADHD makes dealing with regular life much more challenging. Even though many people with the condition lead extremely successful lives, they have to work far harder to do so.
Developing coping strategies is common, but it still means that excessive energy and time are needed to reach goals. Even more importantly, undiagnosed ADHD can lead to other debilitating conditions, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and addiction.
Some of the most common issues of living with undiagnosed adult ADHD include:
- Irritability.
- Frustration.
- Low self-esteem.
- Procrastination.
- Long and short-term memory issues.
- Relationship challenges.
- Career progression issues.
- Financial mishaps.
Living with Adult ADHD
While much of the above can make for tough reading, the overwhelming positive takeaway is that:
Adult ADHD is highly treatable.
The right treatment and management can transform your life – but the first step is to get that vital diagnosis.
The Dr Jenni Clinic offers a dedicated Adult ADHD service. When you book an appointment with us, the key focus is on listening to your concerns and understanding how your symptoms impact everyday life. You’ll undergo a physical examination to rule out other possible causes. We’ll also discuss other possible related conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Once a diagnosis is reached, then we can format a treatment plan. This will be tailored to your needs – because everyone is different. Your pathway to effective management will be bespoke and closely monitored, with any necessary tweaks being implemented along the way.
The sooner a diagnosis is in place, the quicker the symptoms can be addressed.
Call our team or book your initial appointment online today.
Adult ADHD FAQs?
Q: How does adult ADHD affect everyday life?
A: The condition can manifest in many different ways – and has significantly different symptoms to the condition in children. For instance, adults might experience challenges with concentration, meeting deadlines, controlling emotions, timekeeping, organisation and following instructions. They might also struggle with anxiety and stress or indulge in impulsive or risky behaviours.
Q: Can adult ADHD be cured?
A: No, adult ADHD can’t be cured. However, effective adult ADHD treatment can dramatically improve symptoms and make everyday life far easier to navigate.
Q: Can menopause make adult ADHD worse?
A: Yes, fluctuating hormones can significantly exacerbate the symptoms of adult ADHD during perimenopause and menopause. This can cause problems with memory, emotions, organisational skills, focus and attention. While this can be true for all women at this time of life, it can be even more debilitating for those with diagnosed or undiagnosed adult ADHD. It’s important not to ignore any worsening symptoms, as good menopause treatment – such as through The Menopause Company – can provide excellent support and management options.
Q: Can adult ADHD get worse in pregnancy?
A: While there isn’t a huge amount of definitive research concerning adult ADHD and pregnancy, it would make sense that hormonal changes can cause a change in symptoms. This might be further exacerbated by the individual’s desire to reduce or stop medication during this time. It’s important not to make such decisions without clinical consultation.
Q: Do men and women have different adult ADHD symptoms?
A: While both genders can present with similar symptoms, men are more likely to display higher-risk and more aggressive behaviours. While there are no typical adult ADHD symptoms for either sex, women might more commonly report anxiety, depression and feelings of low self-worth.
Q: How can I support a loved one with adult ADHD?
A: Living with someone with adult ADHD can be challenging. The best way to support them is to educate yourself about the condition, be supportive, help them find treatment, assist them with their management pathway and – above all – communicate with them in ways that they feel comfortable with. You should also take care of your own mental and physical health. No one can provide effective support if they ignore their own needs.
Read more about our Adult ADHD Service