Although we believed that ADHD only appears at a young age for decades, new research gave us new insights into this disorder. Many adults claim they started experiencing adult onset ADHD, which we thought was impossible. But is that really ADHD? If so, how do you manage it? Find out in the text below.
Can ADHD Onset in Adulthood?
Yes, ADHD can indeed onset in adulthood. Although it’s usually considered a childhood disorder, adult onset ADHD has become a lot more common. This phenomenon raises questions about the unique characteristics and challenges of adult onset ADHD.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are a lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms are easily recognizable in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, these symptoms can extend into adulthood, and sometimes they’ll start emerging in grown individuals for the first time.
The transition to adulthood is a stressful period, and it can be a trigger for ADHD symptoms you previously haven’t noticed. However, these symptoms can manifest in different ways, making diagnosis and recognition a bit more complex.
It’s important to understand that adult onset ADHD is not a result of personal failure or a lack of discipline. Instead, it’s a disorder that can robustly impact your everyday life. Luckily, there are ways of treating it, as long as you have proper guidance from medical professionals.
What Causes Adult Onset ADHD?
Adult onset attention deficit disorder can come from a singular or a combination of factors. Those can be genetic, neurological changes, and even environmental factors. Studies further show that sleep disorders and substance abuse can lead to adult onset ADHD.
Genetic predisposition:
A family history of ADHD can significantly increase the likelihood of ADHD onset in adulthood. If close relatives have been diagnosed with the disorder, a genetic predisposition may become more visible in adulthood.
Neurological changes:
The brain continuously develops and changes throughout our lives. In some cases, these changes can lead to ADHD symptoms.
Environmental stress:
High stress levels and significant changes are other triggers for adult onset ADHD. The challenges in adulthood can be severe, where work pressure, relationship issues, and other situations can have a traumatic reaction. These experiences can trigger ADHD tendencies.
Substance abuse:
A study by PubMed did research on adult onset attention deficit disorder and made an interesting conclusion. The study looked at teenagers and young adults who didn’t have ADHD as kids but were seeking medication for ADHD-like symptoms later on. They found that most of these cases didn’t actually have late-onset ADHD. Many times, the symptoms were related to heavy substance use or other mental health issues. The study concluded that not everyone seeking treatment for late-onset ADHD really has it, and doctors should carefully check for other causes like substance use or different mental health conditions before prescribing medication.
How to Know If You Have Adult ADHD?
Adult onset ADHD usually comes with a set of distinct symptoms. It’s also common that they manifest differently than those who were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood. If you suspect you may have adult ADHD, these symptoms could be a way to tell:
- Difficulty staying focused:
Adults with ADHD will struggle to stay concentrated on tasks. They get distracted easily, which results in incomplete projects.
- Impulsivity:
Adult onset attention deficit disorder frequently comes with impulsive behavior. Do you make decisions without careful consideration? Interrupt others in conversations? React prematurely? If so, chances are you might have ADHD.
- Disorganization:
Another symptom of ADHD onset in adulthood is a lack of organization. That can be troublesome as you struggle with time management, affecting your work and personal life.
- Forgetfulness:
Difficulty remembering appointments, deadlines, or everyday tasks is a common symptom of adult ADHD.
- Procrastination:
Procrastination is one of the most common ADHD signs, especially regarding tasks that require a lot of effort.
If you have these symptoms and they affect your daily life, don’t hesitate to visit a professional for an evaluation. Psychiatrists and psychologists have reliable methods of determining your state and leading you through the necessary steps.
Managing ADHD Through Lifestyle Habits
While you can’t cure ADHD entirely, positive lifestyle changes can drastically improve the symptoms. You can successfully manage adult onset attention deficit disorder by making a few changes to your routine.
Make a structured routine
As organization is a weak point for people with ADHD, making a routine can make it much easier to structure your tasks. You can use planners or set reminders to achieve consistency. Also, breaking down large tasks into smaller steps is an excellent way to get things done.
Regular exercise
Exercise has been shown to positively affect attention and mood, making it a valuable addition to your ADHD management program. Simply choose an activity you enjoy (gym, biking, or even walking), and aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Healthy eating
Foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbs can positively impact ADHD symptoms. These foods will help build new connections in the brain, stabilize blood sugar levels, and provide sustained energy. And on top of managing your symptoms, you’ll get various other health benefits.
Adequate sleep
Sufficient and quality sleep should be on top of your priority list. A lack of sleep can worsen ADHD symptoms since it’ll affect your concentration and cognitive function. The best approach is to make a consistent sleep routine and stick to it.
Mindfulness and relaxation
These methods are especially useful on those days when you feel extra anxious and distressed. Techniques like deep breathing and meditation can calm your mind and make it much easier to get through the day.
Minimize distractions
Distractions can be a particularly tricky challenge of adult onset ADHD. Hence, try to create an environment where you minimize those distractions. You can organize your workspace, block distracting websites while working, or leave your phone in another room if it is too tempting to reach for it.
Final thoughts
Although adult onset ADHD can be a very challenging disorder, there are practical ways to manage it. Regardless if your symptoms are mild or severe, making these lifestyle changes will undoubtedly be a helping hand in coping with them.
Of course, if you encounter the symptoms, it’s always a good idea to seek professional guidance, as therapy and medication can enhance the effectiveness of these strategies. Combining the two will unlock your path to a more balanced and fulfilled life.
