by What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – ADHD for short – is referred to as a mental disorder by the Federal Ministry of Health. Around 2 to 6 percent of all children and adolescents suffer from ADHD. are characteristic of ADHD hyperactivity (excessive urge to move), inattention (impaired ability to concentrate) and impulsiveness (imprudent action).
To correctly diagnose ADHD whenever the abnormalities occur over a period of time and in different areas of the child’s life. The diagnosis and treatment are carried out after a differentiated examination by a doctor or psychotherapist.
Adults can have ADHD too
ADHD does not only affect children, adults can also have the syndrome. ADHD was either introduced in childhood or at a later point in time. A low level of attention can be observed in all affected adults with ADHD. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness, which are very pronounced in children and adolescents, decrease in adulthood. Instead, adults with ADHD are restless and more erratic than other people.
ADHD can make people’s professional and personal lives difficult. Those affected have problems adhering to structures. For example, they forget appointments, fail to meet deadlines, or have trouble concentrating at work.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults
In adults, ADHD manifests itself through the following symptoms:
- Decreased performance: A lack of attention, inconsistent work or forgetting tasks are typical behavior patterns of adults with ADHD.
- Emotional Stability: Adults with ADHD suffer from severe mood swings, are prone to depressive moods and make erratic decisions.
- Impulsive behavior: ADHD sufferers often act spontaneously, talk a lot and interrupt others in conversation.
- Voltage Tolerance: Those affected do not cope well with stress and do not manage to deal with pressure. The low stress tolerance is expressed, among other things, by problems falling asleep or an exaggerated need for rest when overwhelmed.
- Disturbed social behavior: Adults with ADHD find it difficult to follow rules (e.g., driving), cross boundaries with others, and are socially isolated.
- Problems organizing everyday life: ADHD sufferers often find it difficult to keep their lives in order. They misplace or forget things, show up late for appointments, or have trouble doing the housework.
- Low self-esteem
- avoidance behavior
- addiction problems
Differences between the sexes are recognizable, but there is no scientific evidence to prove this with certainty.
According to this, women with ADHD have the following characteristics:
- dreaminess
- Chaotic thinking and acting
- Problems with structuring and planned action
- uncertainties
- tension
- mood swings
Men have the following problems:
- Strong inner restlessness and nervousness
- impatience
- Problems with teamwork
- Quick distraction
Causes of ADHD
In ADHD patients, brain regions that are important for behavioral control and attention are particularly affected. In ADHD, the messenger substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain are imbalanced. The major cause of ADHD is genetics. In addition, environmental influences such as premature birth, birth complications or drug and nicotine consumption during pregnancy play an important role.
Treatment options for ADHD in adults
There are various non-drug and drug therapies used to treat ADHD in adults. Which therapy method makes the most sense depends on the individual and the symptoms. Those affected should therefore seek comprehensive advice from their doctor. In the case of severe suffering, medication can alleviate the symptoms. Drugs are often used in combination with other therapy options such as psychotherapy. Using behavioral therapy, adults with ADHD learn to carefully change their thought and behavior patterns.
Sources: bundesgesundheitsminister.de, adhs.info, adhs-ratgeber.com
