ADHD in Adults

“Adults with ADHD have an open ADDvantage over the rest of the world.” Dr G. Serfontein

“When I used to work as a nurse they called me Supernurse-I like being in the thick of the action and used to ask for the most difficult and exciting jobs.”

“I couldn’t count the number of jobs he has had in the past ten years.”

The fact that ADHD may progress into adulthood has only been fully recognised in the past ten or so years.  Although much of the work on adult ADHD has been anecdotal, studies are now emerging and there is increasing understanding and awareness of the genuine and complicated nature of the condition in adults. Frequently, as the years go by, life’s difficulties tend to compound the situation.  A third to half of children diagnosed with ADHD have at least one parent who is found to also have the same condition. Other members of the extended family may also have ADHD, although this may not have previously been recognised as such, especially in very bright families.  Because ADHD is a strongly genetic condition it occurs families in the same way as can asthma, diabetes and other medical conditions.

ADHD can cause difficulties not only in the teenage years, but also later on in life.  The diverging life patterns that we see in teenagers continue in adulthood, resulting in an even wider variation in the way people have coped with the condition.  Among this spectrum of difficulties, some patterns are more common than others. One of the most difficult times is the transition hiatus period between leaving scholl or university, with structure and support, prior to entering long term relationship and employment.

Common Life Patterns:

  • Persistence of core inattentiveness and impulsivity with a decrease in hyperactivity
  • ADHD in women
  • The persistently hyperactive person
  • Anti-social behaviour
  •  Other family members with ADHD
  • Concentration problems
  • Verbal, physical and emotional impulsiveness
  • Anxiety, depression and low self-esteem
  • Very high or very low libido
  • Achievement using unconventional means
  • Workplace difficulties
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Difficulties with the law
  • More car accidents and speeding fines
  • Poor financial management
  • Problems with family life
  • Dietary and weight difficulties
  • Being more prone to accidents
  • Disorganisation and poor time management skills
  • Problems in following through and finishing things
  • Academic underachievement
  • Problems in child rearing, mood swings and impulsiveness

There are therefore a wide range of life patterns in adults with ADHD.  There are many very successful adults who have used their ADHD to their advantage.  If the problems have not been too severe, and learning and self-esteem are reasonably intact, the wider environment after leaving school may be very beneficial.  Provided there is enough structure, sufficient and appropriate opportunities of interest to the person with ADHD, their positive characteristics can be constructively used, even if in somewhat unconventional ways.

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