Adult ADHD is frequently undiagnosed and not sufficiently treated. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmental condition that starts in early childhood. ADHD affects the way the brain processes and retains information. In addition, it also affects brain areas which are important in delaying gratification and thinking before acting which results in impulsivity. Previously it was thought that you outgrow ADHD, but research has shown that ADHD frequently persists into adulthood.

Here is a useful video explaining the symptoms of Adult ADHD.

It is a highly inherited condition with the heritability from a 1st Generation relative thought to be around 75%. It is a diagnosis often made in retrospect. Many adults are diagnosed after they have taken their children for treatment for ADHD and have realised that they in fact also had ADHD as a child.

Signs of Adult ADHD include impulsivity (at meetings saying things before you think), impatience (how do you cope in the Post Office queues?), high levels of distractibility and inability to stay on one task, inattention, restlessness and procrastination. Substance Abuse is associated with Adult ADHD.

In order to make a diagnosis of ADHD these features need to have been there for a long time and affect all areas of your life. Adult ADHD ‘can’t’ officially be diagnosed when you are depressed, anxious or using substances since many of the signs and symptoms of these conditions are similar. It is best to wait until your other mental health conditions are treated before making a diagnosis.

Here is a useful online symptom checklist which you can do and share the results with your treating medical practitioner. If you think you may have ADHD, please discuss it with your doctor and see what treatment options are available for you.

ADHD Adult Screening checklist

This is another great video which is presented by a lady with ADHD.

From Hyper to Hyper-focused: ADHD in the Workplace