Attention Decit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a common problem in childhood development but it is now known to be prevalent in adults especially those who suffered from it in childhood. ADHD in adults is characterised by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness. The patients are in a situation of not able to follow instructions, have problems completing tasks within timelines and experience difculties in concentrating as well as remembering information. LfADHD in adults is not dealt with it can result into emotional, vocational behavioural as well as social problems. It is reported that about 60 percent of adults who suffered ADHD during their childhood will remain with the disorder into adulthood. Males are more prone to ADHD than females during childhood but it affects both equally in adulthood.
Adult ADHD goes beyond poor concentration and lack of attention but it involves problems in emotion moderation and lack of self regulation especially with impulse level and activity control. This lack of emotions management results in people with ADHD reacting to small issues with excessive unparalleled behaviour while they would not be aware if important proceedings. ADHD have been reported to be prevalent to individuals with a history of poor academic performance, had more frequent disciplinary actions in school or may have often times dropped out of school. Poor occupational achievement and change of employees due to poor performances has also been some of the problems that link to ADHD in adults.
In children the disorder is manifest through external and observable symptoms. As one grows with age the observable signs of ADHD tend to decline. Adults with ADHD exhibit longer delays before they refocus at a moment when their attention is actually misdirected. This gives them trouble in switching tasks. Hyperactivity in adults with ADHD shows with them getting bored and uninterested easily and often they tend to change their sitting posture often as opposed to sitting still. Neuropsychological tests done on people with ADHD reveal that they have problems with organisation, attentive listening, visual tracking and sustained effort as well.
Attention decit hyperactivity disorder has been said to be caused by both genetic factors and risk factors through life experiences. ADHD in adults is a neurochemical and a neuroanatomical disorder. It is believed that people suffering from ADHD have certain chemicals in the brain that exist in the wrong portions of the brain or they are present in harmful quantities. These chemicals may fail to work at times while working at other times and their function is beyond an individual’s control. In addition, some nerve groups are said to be out of their rightful position within the brain which implies a delay of nerve signals or acceleration of the same on the other extreme.
Various studies have indicated that adults with ADHD respond well to antidepressants and stimulants. Treatment is hence available for ADHD in adults and its effectiveness is as that recorded in children. Psychotherapy for instance may help in nurturing increased ineffective habits awareness. Further, such therapy would be instrumental in helping individual suffering from ADHD to improve their planning and organizational skills. However, therapy alone cannot yield satisfactory results but needs to be coupled with right medication. Medication will be vital in alleviating impulsivity, inattention and restlessness while counselling will deal with poor interpersonal skills.