Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is usually associated with childhood, but it often goes undiagnosed in many adults. In fact, diagnosing ADHD in adults has become a crucial aspect of mental health awareness. Recognising the symptoms in adults can be challenging due to the subtlety of their manifestation, but it is a key step towards understanding and managing this neurodivergent disorder.
Unlike in childhood, where hyperactivity is frequently a prominent feature, adult ADHD can manifest more discreetly. ADHD coach Meghann Birks said: “One of the symptoms of ADHD is ‘time blindness’, which can manifest as not being able to ‘feel time’, difficulty managing tasks and sequencing, remembering to schedule time for things like driving, trouble estimating how long things will take, and arriving late or early for almost everything. Due to problems producing, accessing and/or utilising dopamine, adults may also feel stuck in procrastination, have a hard time starting and/or completing tasks, and suffer from disrupted sleep patterns.”
It’s important to recognise that ADHD in adults can significantly affect many aspects of life, including work performance, relationships, and overall well-being. Diagnosis is the first step, but there are many things you can do to manage ADHD in adulthood. “ADHD is highly individualised, and can be influenced by trauma, hormones, lifestyle factors and comorbidities,” Meghann said. She recommends you find an experienced practitioner who understands your own unique flavour of ADHD and together create a plan to move forward that best suits your own needs.
As awareness grows, destigmatising adult ADHD is crucial. By shedding light on the complexities of adults living with ADHD, we pave the way for a more compassionate and informed approach to mental health in our communities.
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