ADHD in adults
ADHD is a developmental disorder characterised by concentration problems, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Essentially, it is a lack of self-control. ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, but it can often persist into adulthood. There are differences between ADHD in adults and children in terms of the type of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Below is an overview of these differences based on recent scientific research.
Symptoms and complaints of ADHD in adults
ADHD symptoms are often more pronounced in children than in adults. This is particularly true for hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Children are expected to sit quietly and silently in their chairs in class all day long, when they would rather be running around, climbing on things or playing football. This is especially true for children with ADHD. In adults with ADHD, hyperactivity often decreases in favour of inner restlessness. They often voluntarily or involuntarily choose a hobby or job that involves a lot of movement and variety. When they get older, adults often learn to control their physical ADHD symptoms themselves. As a result, attention problems often become more prominent. Expectations in terms of organisation, planning, time management, social demands, etc. also become greater and more complex as we grow older. We notice this in adults in the form of forgetfulness, losing or misplacing things, in their professional lives and in the household.
Detailed list of ADHD symptoms in adults
Careless with a lack of detail
Repeatedly starting new interests
while dropping old ones
Difficulties in organising
Difficulties in focusing and creating priorities
Losing and misplacing things
Forgetfulness
Restlessness and lacking focus
Speaking out of turn
Verbally impulsive, interrupting others
Changing moods, irritable and quick-tempered
Difficulties with stress
Often impatient
Taking risks, such as dangerous driving
Related conditions in adults with ADHD
- Very often this is depression
- Personality disorder
- Bipolarity
- OCD
- Relational problems and social anxiety
- Burnout
- Borderline
- Addiction
- ASD
- Psychosis
- Anxiety Disorders
- Postnatal depression
Diagnostic difficulties in adults
Research into ADHD in adults is often more difficult than in children. Over the course of their lives, adults have learned to conceal, address or compensate for their symptoms. Or they have developed other problems in addition to ADHD, such as addiction or behavioural problems. This makes the ADHD symptoms themselves difficult for the researcher to identify. Adults also often misjudge their ADHD symptoms in childhood. And it is sometimes difficult or undesirable to find testimonials from their former school or parents. That is why we request old school reports and, if possible, also involve the partner or a parent. With children, direct input can be obtained from parents and school, with direct behavioural observation. With adults, we often have to rely on self-reporting. This requires the researcher to make a careful clinical assessment, preferably based on extensive experience and knowledge.
Percentage of ADHD in adults
Research shows that some children experience fewer symptoms from puberty onwards, but 60-75% of these children will continue to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults.
Gender differences in adults
Girls and women were underdiagnosed in the past, but are now catching up. Adult women with ADHD symptoms show less hyperactivity and more attention and emotional problems than adult men.
Treatment of adults with ADHD
Treatment for ADHD in children often involves addressing specific behaviours and medication. Adults are sometimes also given medication (off-label) on a temporary basis, but more attention is paid to healthy lifestyle habits and to dealing with the problems they face on a daily basis. That is why we have a healthy treatment programme that is available for purchase here but is provided free of charge to people who are diagnosed here.
Psychologists
Jan Schrans
Approval Numer: 641104942 jan.schrans@gmail.com
Sabine Vranken
Approval Number: 692109216 psysabinevranken@gmail.com
SCHRANS Jan
