ADHD in adults, more common than you’d think

There is a common misconception that ADHD only affects children, and that even children with ADHD grow out of it. This is of course, wrong, ADHD affects adults as often as it does children and many who were affected by ADHD in their youth will not outgrow it, being affected by it long into their adult life.

The problem is that few adults who have ADHD are completely unaware of it, so they continue on in life unaware of it and cannot appropriately alter their lives to make up for this illness. There are however obvious signs of ADHD that can be observed that can lead to the realization that one could have ADHD.

Risky driving:

An atypical problem associated with ADHD is a difficulty focusing on a singular task, unfortunately this applies to driving. Studies show that teens and adults who suffer from ADHD are far more likely to be involved in dangerous accidents or included in acts of dangerous driving and lose their licenses.

Running Late:
(This makes me believe I have ADHD) It has become a bit of a joke in my family how I am never on time, this is of course true, and fairly common in those who suffer from ADHD. In recorded studies it’s shown that those affected by this lateness are fully aware that they will be late and yet always end up being late through unconscious decisions or distractions.

Outbursts:
Many adults who suffer from ADHD have problems controlling themselves, both in anger management and impulse control. It is not uncommon for adults who suffer ADHD to be members of Anger Management groups or accused of violent crime. ADHD sufferers are known for poor impulse control, often acting before thinking and lashing out at others verbally.

Hyperfocus:

As a strange contrast to their normal behavior, sufferers of ADHD have demonstrated the ability to “Hyperfocus” on an activity they find interesting ignoring all outside influences, putting their full potential into the completion of a single task. However there perquisite to this is that the sufferer of ADHD must find the subject interesting, and therefore placing any activity they find “Dull” below the activity they can “Hyperfocus” on a scale of importance, making it more difficult for them to complete “Dull” day to  day tasks,

Distraction:
The most obvious sign of ADHD is the ease of which an individual becomes distracted, or how long they can remain on task before straying off topic. Many sufferers of ADHD have trouble concentrating on a single task for elongated periods of time, a fact that can put strain on relationships (as the suffer of ADHD finds it difficult to remember specific dates or commitments relevant to the relationship.) careers (the sufferer cannot focus on their work for long periods of time) and ambitions (even the suffer’s ideals become difficult to hold in mind).

What causes ADHD?
In short, we don’t know what causes ADHD. We know what effects ADHD have on our minds and personalities but we are unaware of the true cause of ADHD, although theories have been made. One such theory suggests that prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol, but further study is required to solidify this theory.

The effects of ADHD on the Brain are as such; normally the neurotransmitters in the attention control section are as active as every other transmitter in the brain; however in a brain affected by ADHD the neurotransmitter’s are far less active, meaning the sufferers attention-span decreases rapidly.

It’s difficult to “Diagnose” ADHD in adults, as few adults are aware they may have it, normally seeing a Psychiatrist for a different mental condition they believe themselves to have which leads to the discovery of ADHD. As it is unknown for an individual to develop ADHD (as the illness needs to manifest in child) so when a subject is believed to be ADHD positive an amount of background checks need to be undertaken to see if the patient has been either been previously diagnosed with ADHD or demonstrated symptoms of the illness before hand.

Complications:

There are many complications that are inherent to adult ADHD; other mental disorders occasionally develop in those diagnosed with ADHD, commonly depression and anxiety. In addition a large amount of ADHD sufferers take solace in drug use and smoking, often with smoking or the taking of recreational drugs becoming the point of the suffers Hyperfocus.

Natural ways to treat ADHD:

There are many ways to supplement your lifestyle with the aim of minimizing the symptoms of ADHD, with the majority of them being based off of nutritional supplements:

• Zinc: Certain studies show that sufferers of ADHD have lower levels of Zinc, which led to a series of tests wherein studies demonstrated that those who took the supplement demonstrated a lowering of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Fish Oil: Fish oil’s contain omega-3 fatty acids, of which some studies suggest that can improve concentration and mental skills.
• St. John’s Wort: As a common supplement for treating depression, anxiety and sleep disorders and whilst it has been said to have no effects on ADHD, St. Johns Wort has demonstrated uses for the more common side effects of ADHD (Depression etc).
• Ginkgo: A few studies have demonstrated that Ginkgo leaves have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms, but more study is needed to confirm this.
• Melatonin: Some research shows that the hormone melatonin improves the symptoms of sleep problems in many sufferers of ADHD

Diet:

By keeping a diet that is low in sugar and high in vitamins and minerals, the natural symptoms of ADHD will become less prevalent. However be aware to avoid foods high in artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Try and keep to a diets consisting mainly of organic foods, as close to raw as possible (bar the food).

Alternative:

There are a few alternative methods for treating ADHD that are linked more psychological methods of treatment;

1.       By creating a routine and schedule for yourself (or the affected) you are more likely to keep to previously set goals.

2.       Take time out from electronic devices as well as other distractions, allowing for time to wind down and relax.

3.       Take up a hobby that involves relaxation, taking a walk or painting.

With the information I have provide, you should be able to spot signs of ADHD with a lot more ease, as well as find ways to naturally treat the symptoms. However, one thing is definitely known, if you have reached the end of this article, it’s safe to say, you don’t have ADHD.