It’s common for people to develop misconceptions about attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – that it only affects children and not adults. However, adults too can be diagnosed with the disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it’s reported that approximately 4.4 percent of adults could have ADHD.

Adults who have ADHD typically see vastly different and less obvious symptoms compared to a child. Here’s all the essential information you need to know about adult ADHD.

Common ADHD Symptoms

According to the NIMH, individuals who have ADHD will have various symptoms, yet there are some more common similarities including hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention. It is also said that these people mostly experience an unchanged combination of symptom types or simply just one type. People with ADHD also have difficulties keeping a close eye on details for prolonged periods, time management, organization, following directions or listening closely.

The signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity may include:

  • Talking excessively
  • Not able to carry out leisure activities quietly
  • Interrupting or intruding on others
  • Starting to answer questions before being completely asked

Impact of Dual Diagnoses on Health

The main challenge in adult ADHD is that it frequently presents with another mental health condition. Based on studies by the national resource center, almost 40% of adults who have ADHD also have a co-existing mood disorder. Furthermore, an additional 47% of adults suffer from a co-existing anxiety disorder.

The diagnosis of adult ADHD is required for thorough evaluations in order to check for any existing conditions or symptoms present.

Treatment Options

If it’s suspected that you have a type of hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, talk to your physician and see if they can refer you to a mental health specialist to perform a detailed evaluation.

Stimulants are the most prevalent type of treatment option for ADHD. While these medications are effective, they can have various adverse secondary effects which would require a healthcare provider’s monitoring and permission before stopping usage.

Another type of treatment is talk therapy or psychotherapy. It aims to help people with ADHD to better cope with their daily struggles and challenges, albeit it’s not very effective in treating the core effects of ADHD.

A pharmacogenomic test, like the ClarityX Mindwell and the ClarityX Max Rx tests, can inform a healthcare professional about how your genes can affect your medication metabolism and how you will respond to certain psychiatric drugs. The ClarityX tests incorporate the latest clinical guidance from key governing and scientific organizations and are trusted by more than 2,000 healthcare providers.

What to Do if You Think You Have Adult ADHD

Only a physician can provide a diagnosis for ADHD, so if you’re unsure, do consult with a healthcare provider. It’s recommended you prepare a list of questions or concerns beforehand so you can ask the doctor. Be honest and open about your issues or the challenges that you face, and also the many details of symptoms including the frequency, when they started, how they affect your life, etc.