60% of Children with ADHD will Continue to Have Significant Problems as Adults

In the past there has been controversy over whether children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. The results of a 16 year follow-up study have just been published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and has confirmed that about 60% of children with moderate to severe ADHD still have significant problems in adulthood.

The symptoms of ADHD in adults are sometimes less obvious than in childhood making diagnosis more difficult. As a result less than 25% of adults with ADHD have a diagnosis. At The Perth Brain Centre some of the most common problems that we see adults with ADHD present with are:

How do you treat ADHD?

Difficulty concentrating and staying focused

Adults with ADHD often have trouble staying focused, particularly when having to attend to daily or boring tasks, or when reading or listening to other people. They often “zone out” without realising it, even in the middle of a conversation. Adults with ADHD often struggle to complete tasks, even ones that seem very simple, and tend to overlook details leading to mistakes.

Hyperfocus

Many adults with ADHD will show hyperfocus which is a tendency to become completely absorbed in tasks that are stimulating and rewarding. The most common problem we see in clinic is when people become hyperfocussed on playing computer games for hours.

Disorganisation and forgetfulness

For many adults with ADHD life often seems chaotic and and of control. It is really common to have difficulties with planning and organisation both at home and at work. Adults with ADHD often procrastinate and have problems starting and finishing projects. They are often late and frequently miss appointments and deadlines.

Impulsivity

At The Perth Brain Centre some of the adults with ADHD we help have difficulty with impulse control. They will often talk or act before thinking, have little patience, and will interrupt others all the time. Adults with ADHD may have difficulties with self-control, may take extra risks and have more addictive personalities.

Emotional difficulties

Many adults with ADHD find it hard to manage their feelings, especially when it comes to emotions like anger or frustration. They may get flustered and stressed out easily and be prone to mood swings or irritability. Many adults with ADHD have low self-esteem and have a sense of insecurity and underachievement.

Hyperactivity or restlessness

Hyperactivity in adults with ADHD can look the same as it does in children and people can be very energetic and have difficulty sitting still. However for many adults with ADHD, the symptoms of hyperactivity become more subtle and internal as they grow older often causing a sense of internal restlessness and agitation.

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