I think when people hear or see the term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, they might picture a young child who has trouble concentrating and has an abundance of energy. However, what does it look like when an adult has ADHD? Recently, a friend of mine met with a mental health professional for the first time and after completing some assessments they were told that they met the criteria for ADHD. This diagnosis felt liberating for my friend because it helped explain many things they had been struggling with.
So, what symptoms might an adult with ADHD experience?
Common symptoms of ADHD in adults
If you or a loved one feels that the following symptoms align with what they experience, they could check with a mental health provider to see if they meet the criteria for ADHD.
- Feelings of restlessness
- Trouble multitasking
- Irritability
- Acting impulsively
- Difficulty with time management and planning
- Difficulty managing stress
- Acting impulsively
- Problems with staying on task
Managing ADHD
After receiving their diagnosis, my friend was prescribed medication to help manage symptoms. However, medication is just one of the treatment options for ADHD. Some other treatment options include therapy and lifestyle changes.
Therapy
Therapy can help someone with ADHD learn to develop strategies for controlling irritability and anger and impulse control. It can also help to improve self-esteem and increase problem-solving skills.
Lifestyle changes
Some simple lifestyle changes to help manage ADHD are keeping track of tasks by creating a list and prioritizing the items on it. Breaking down tasks into manageable steps can also help to stay focused. Following a consistent routine and using a calendar can assist with time management and organization. It’s also ok to ask for help, whether you’re asking a friend, loved one, or mental health professional.
ADHD in adults is something that can cause great distress especially when it is undiagnosed, but there are many effective treatments methods out there. if you or someone you know is struggling you can reach out to Covenant Family Solutions for guidance and support. We are happy to point you in the right direction for treatment that is right for you.
