Adult attention deficit disorder (ADHD) is not just limited to children. A large majority of children that struggle with this mental health condition continue to have symptoms as they grow up, which creates persistent problems for the individual. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work performance, impulsive behaviour, low self-esteem, and other problems.
However, adult ADHD symptoms are often not as straightforward as ADHD symptoms of a child, so some adults might not even be aware that they have ADHD. For example, hyperactivity often decreases in adults while struggles with restlessness and difficulty paying attention may arise. In addition, the individual may experience the inability to control impulses such as impatience while waiting in line or mood swings that usually result in outbursts of anger.
Some other adult ADHD symptoms include:
- Impulsiveness
- Disorganisation and problems prioritising
- Poor time management skills
- Problems focusing on a task
- Trouble multitasking
- Excessive activity or restlessness
- Poor planning
- Low frustration tolerance
- Frequent mood swings
- Problems following through and completing tasks
- Hot temper
- Trouble coping with stress
Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to treatment for a child, which includes medication, psychological counselling, and treatment of any other mental health conditions that could be occurring alongside ADHD.