Know about the symptoms and causes of ADHD in adults

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition where a person has a consistent pattern of inattentiveness and/or being hyperactive-impulsive. This condition is observed to interfere with the daily functioning of the person who is diagnosed with it.

There are various physical and mental problems that may be caused if ADHD is left untreated. It also puts a strain on relationships and makes it difficult to manage everyday activities. Below are some of the common question about ADHD in adults that will help you understand this condition better.

What are the causes of ADHD?

ADHD can be caused by various factors that can affect the basic functioning of the brain. Below are some of the common causes of ADHD in adults-

• Family history- One of the most common causes of ADHD is family history. There are various researches that have concluded that a person who has had a family history of ADHD is more prone to be afflicted with the same.
• Nutrition and dietary habits- There are certain components of a diet that have been associated with having effects on behavior like food additives and sugar. Some experts believe that food additives can exacerbate ADHD in adults.

What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?

The symptoms of ADHD in adults is different than that of kids. Below are some of the common symptoms of ADHD in adults-

• finding it hard to follow directions
• difficulty in concentrating
• finding it hard to organize tasks
• inability to finish work on time
• tendency to forget information

These causes can negatively affect various areas of life, professional as well as personal. ADHD leads to inattentiveness in adults. Getting treatments and therapies to manage the symptoms of ADHD in adults is quite essential.

What are some of the challenges people with ADHD face?

People who have been diagnosed with ADHD face challenges in different areas of their life. Some of the challenges that people diagnosed with ADHD face are-

• People with ADHD have trouble with chronic boredom, anxiety, depression, trouble in controlling anger, impulsiveness, low self-esteem, poor organization skills, relationship problems, and low motivation.
• Some of the other challenges also include chronic forgetfulness and lateness, trouble in concentrating while reading, problems at work, low tolerance for frustration, mood swings, procrastination, and substance abuse or addiction.

These challenges can be quite difficult to overcome, and the person diagnosed may be either seriously affected or may not be bothered by it much. Also, know that no two people who have been diagnosed with adult ADHD are exactly alike. Some people may be able to concentrate on a certain task if they are excited about it; whereas, some may not be able to focus at all no matter what they do. Some people may look for stimulation while others will try to avoid it. Some may prefer not being social at all; whereas, others may be very social and jump from one relationship to other constantly.

Which are some of the therapy options and behavioral treatments for ADHD in adults?

Therapy and other behavioral treatments are also a part of treating ADHD in adults. Some of the common therapy and behavioral treatments that the doctor may suggest are-

• Relaxation training and stress management- This helps in reducing anxiety and stress.
• Family education and therapy- This can help the person and also his/her loved ones to understand ADHD better and find ways to cope with it. This will also help reduce the influence of ADHD on everyday life.
• Cognitive and behavioral therapy- This therapy can help in providing motivation and dealing with self-esteem issues.
• Life coaching- Life coaching may help find the support that is needed to work. It might also help better one’s productivity at work along with relationships.

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