Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterised by difficulties in concentrating for long periods of time, being easily distracted, speaking before thinking and not thinking things through. The symptoms are intense and frequent enough to impact people’s broader lives, specifically their education, work and relationships. Studies show that approximately 3% of adults are diagnoses with ADHD. Treatment varies depending upon the needs of the adult and any other mental health issues they may be experiencing. Treatment can vary from psychological interventions to medications, to lifestyle changes. 

 

Typical symptoms of ADHD:

• Inattention: difficulty concentration, difficulty staying focused, forgetfulness, trouble organising tasks and activities, tendency to lose things.

• Hyperactivity/impulsivity: fidgeting and restlessness, difficulty sitting for long periods of time, difficulty engaging in quiet activities, difficulty waiting their turn, actin or speaking debone thinking things through. 

• The symptoms must have started prior to 12 years of age. If symptoms started later in life then it likely due to a different cause. 

• There are three main types of ADHD. 1) Predominately inattentive type where the person mostly has symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity. 2) Predominately hyperactive-impulsive type where the person mostly has symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity rather than inattention. 3) Combined type where the person has both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. 

 

Causes for ADHD:
There is no single cause, rather there are a range of factors:

• Genes: ADHD runs in the family and is one of the strongest risk factors. 

• Neurobiological factors: differences in areas of the brain and brain activity.

• Environmental: pregnancy and birth factors such as maternal smoking, alcohol and substance use, extreme stress during pregnancy, low infant birth weight and prematurity. Certain environmental toxins can affect brain development and behaviour. Dietary factors where there are nutritional deficiencies or a sensitivity to certain foods. 

 

Treatment for adults:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most helpful approach currently. CBT education the adult about ADHD and how it impacts people. Organising, planning and time management skills training is essential and how to develop strategies to achieve desired goals. 

• Training in problem solving and strategies for reducing distractions. 

• Thinking in more helpful and realistic ways.

• Couples counselling: relationship difficulties are not uncommon when one person has ADHD. Couples counselling helps both partners to understand how their attitudes and behaviours influence the relationship, improve communication, learn to express and care for the emotions of themselves and their partner.