The real reason you need to take adult ADHD seriously

ADHD is most commonly associated with school-age children, but studies indicate that approximately 3-4 % of adults worldwide are also affected. Untreated, this can be hugely problematic, causing work, relationships, and personal safety difficulties. Here we discuss common signs of ADHD in adults and what to do if you think you or a loved one might be affected. 

How do I know if I have ADHD?

ADHD is characterised by three core symptoms: hyperactivity, difficulty sustaining attention, and increased impulsivity.

In children these qualities are usually easy to spot: your child might have difficulty sitting still, paying attention at school, and thinking through decisions, for example.

However, in adults, these characteristics are more readily masked. For instance, adult lives are often less structured than school-aged children's, and adults with ADHD often have to develop coping strategies to overcome their difficulties.

Signs that you might have adult ADHD include:

• Misplacing important belongings, such as your phone or keys, regularly
• Habitually struggling to keep to deadlines and attend appointments on time without an obvious reason
• Difficulty staying on task during a conversation or activity due to your mind wandering or being distracted by things going on around you
• Feeling restless, jittery or fidgety, particularly when sitting or standing still
• Being very talkative, perhaps to the point of speaking over people or speaking to others when it might be unusual to do so

Naturally, these tendencies can greatly impact work and social relationships. If their cause has not been explained, sufferers can be left feeling like they are less competent, intelligent, or likeable than their peers. 

How do I know when to seek help?

Like other psychological conditions, ADHD is only a problem when it harms your health and/or happiness. Many people live with ADHD and have an excellent quality of life; however, it is also important to note that ADHD is associated with certain difficulties. For this reason, it is completely appropriate to seek support if you feel you need it.

Perhaps the gravest risk associated with ADHD is the risk of accident or injury. Because people with ADHD tend to be impulsive, studies have found that adults with ADHD are more likely to have serious accidents than non-sufferers.

Studies have also shown that ADHD can have a widespread negative impact on core areas of day-to-day life. For instance, adults with ADHD are statistically less likely to find and maintain stable employment, which can cause financial difficulties. Furthermore, they are more likely to be divorced, more likely to get into trouble with the criminal justice system, and less likely to graduate from university than peers without ADHD. In addition, ADHD in adulthood is often associated with over-reliance on recreational drugs.  

What can I do about it?

If you suspect that you, or someone close to you, might have ADHD, it's advisable to get a professional assessment – your GP should be able to help with this.

Additionally, you may wish to see a psychiatrist, who might prescribe medication to help you focus your attention better. Similarly, psychologists can help you to develop coping strategies to minimise the impact of your ADHD on your day-to-day life. Psychologists and counsellors are also well-placed to discuss the emotional impact of your diagnosis in a safe and containing environment.

Read about our ADHD assessments