Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a childhood condition, but many adults live with it without knowing. Psychiatrist Mercedes Loro López, of the University Hospital of Guadalajara, explains what to look for.
What is ADHD?
ADHD affects how the brain regulates attention, impulses and activity. It begins in childhood, but many people only realise they have it as adults.
How common is it?
ADHD is estimated to affect around 6–7% of children and adolescents in Spain, and around 3–4% of adults, many of whom remain undiagnosed.
Symptoms in adults
In adults, ADHD often looks different from the hyperactive child of popular imagination. Common difficulties include:
- planning and organising tasks;
- frequent forgetfulness and losing things;
- managing time and keeping to schedules;
- sustaining attention at work or in conversations;
- impulsive reactions and difficulty controlling emotions.
These problems can lead to difficulties at work, conflict with family and friends, and a feeling of never reaching one’s potential.
Why it is missed
Dr Loro explains that it is not that ADHD suddenly appears in adulthood, but that people who were never diagnosed as children are now being recognised. Decades ago the condition was rarely identified, and many people learned to cope alone, sometimes with great difficulty.
Getting a diagnosis
To distinguish ADHD from ordinary distraction or disorganisation, specialists look for:
- a long-standing pattern of symptoms that began in childhood;
- evidence that the symptoms cause real problems in several areas of life;
- a detailed clinical history.
If problems with concentration have appeared only recently, other causes — such as stress, anxiety, depression or sleep problems — should be considered first.
Treatment
Treatment in adults is usually multimodal, combining:
- medication, which can improve attention and reduce impulsivity;
- psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to develop skills for planning, organisation and emotional regulation.
With the right treatment, many people see improvements at work, at home and in their wellbeing.
Never too late
Dr Loro stresses that it is never too late to be diagnosed or treated: even at 50, if a person believes their life could improve, it is worth trying. Well treated, she says, ADHD can change a person’s life.
Practical tips
- Use planners, apps and alarms for tasks and deadlines.
- Break large projects into smaller steps.
- Keep your workspace tidy to reduce distractions.
- Talk openly with employers or loved ones about what helps you.
If you recognise these symptoms, talk to your GP, who can refer you for a specialist assessment.
