Adults living with ADHD
When people think of ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), they link this to children, but as we know this doesn’t disappear with age. More and more people are being diagnosed later in life and in the UK an estimated 3-4% of adults have ADHD. Adult life and ADHD can bring a whole load of challenges to daily life, mental heath, work and relationships (which we will explore separately).
What Is Adult ADHD?
Adult ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder show by patterns of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although the same as children, it can appear differently, not as much running round the classroom in your 30s. This can be seen as time management struggles, unable to focus at work, unable to organise and often emotional regulation issues.
As I said this is being diagnosed more and more later in life, is this because we know more about ADHD now? or because the sigma is being removed by people talking more outwardly about this? or is it simply because information about ADHD is spread through social media and we can link this to our own behaviours?
Sadly, unless this is pointed out to people in their school-age years or their parents/ carers were aware and escalate this, people can struggle for years.
Some adults may know, they feel and think differently, or feel they struggle with situations. However, many don’t even realise and this can lead to mental health struggles, frustration, shame & self doubting especially when people are labeled as lazy, irresponsible and showing risky behaviours. But who is encouraging us to search for a diagnosis in our 30s? or even pointing these things out that we may not have noticed? or even booking an appointment to discuss, because we all know people with ADHD aren’t the best at making and keeping appointments.
As we know ADHD is very often genetic, so when we raise concerns about our children should we be reviewed as well? While we don’t want those lists to take any longer to get through, this could help many people. Like many other neurodiversities, there is a spectrum and while this affects people differently, when we are adults our lives are so different from our neighbours. It can be hard to focus (had to put that in), where the differences lay and how this affects us. For example, when we are at school and such a presence is expected of us, this is not relative to the differing occupations/ or lack of when we are adults.
Adult ADHD and mental health
ADHD comes with links to many other conditions, it is said that around 75% of adult ADHD also have a mental health condition. As with ADHD and many mental health conditions there are a lot of overlaps, which can make diagnosis of this harder. ADHD can affect all or few aspects of life, which again can affect our mental health, diagnosed or not.
Sleep – This can be affected in a range of ways, impacting our overall wellbeing and impacting all aspects of life.
Burnout – Adults and ADHD people alike, can easily become burnt out however, chronic stress and trying to manage ADHD symptoms can add to this.
Substance abuse – Thought to be linked to the person trying to manage the symptoms of ADHD
Addictive behaviors – A large amount of studies show a strong link between ADHD and addictions, drinking, smoking, gambling ect. People with ADHD are said to be 5-10 times more likely to have an addiction that someone without ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect that ADHD may be affecting your life, or the life of someone close to you. Take the first step in getting help, speak to a professional about your concerns. First step being your GP, take a list of your concerns, or ask someone to do this for you as we know being in the room with the GP can be very distracting. If you think it may help, you could take a trusted person with you. The diagnosis process is not a quick one, this is often done through self-reports, interviews and they’ll ask about your behavior as a child.
Treatment usually involves a combination of:
Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications. This can help regulate brain chemistry, improving focus and impulse control. It is aways the choice of the person with the diagnosis if they wish to try medication.
Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy, or talking therapy, is a helpful way to learn strategies to help people cope with the day-to-day struggles, and talk about their feelings and manage these in a positive way.
Coaching: ADHD coaches can help and signpost other tools to help manage many adult responsibilities and build routines to help you manage ADHD and daily life.
Supporting someone with ADHD
Living, working or socialising with someone who has ADHD can have its challenges, understanding them is the first step. Communication goes a long way and can lead to more effective support for the person with ADHD. Creating routines, and offering help in a way that suits the situation (don’t baby them) can aid them in helping themselves.
The goal is partnership, not parenting.
Services to contact if in need
If you are thinking about self harming or ending your life, Please go to A&E or call 999
Concerns you or someone you care about is developing a mental health condition – contact the persons GP urgently, or seek urgent help from professionals.
Mental health support
Samaritans – 24 hours a day – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.uk
Shout – 24 hours a day- text SHOUT to 85258. https://giveusashout.org/get-help/
Mind – information line – call 0300 123 3393. email info@mind.org.uk
Support with addiction
Frank – call 0300 123 6600. talktofrank.com
We are with you – contact wearewithyou.org.uk
Alcoholics Anonymous– call 0800 9177 650- email help@aamail.org
Narcotics Anonymous– call 0300 999 1212
Gamcare- call 0808 8020 133
From our spicy family to yours x
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