
Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD Symptoms
Table of Contents
What is ADHD?
What Causes ADHD?
- Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
- Brain injury
- Exposure to lead at a young age or other environmental factors
- Low birth weight
- Premature delivery 2
ADD vs. ADHD
Statistics on ADHD
ADHD in Children
- Over twice as many boys are diagnosed with ADHD compared to girls (12.9% compared to 5.6%).
- About 30% of children who have ADHD are also diagnosed with anxiety.
- 62% of children diagnosed with ADHD take ADHD medication.
- Approximately 47% of children diagnosed with this disorder received behavioral treatment to work on their ADHD symptoms.4
ADHD in Adults
If you or a loved one are displaying signs of ADHD or adult ADHD, seek the opinion of a medical professional. There are multiple ways that a doctor might do an ADHD test.
What Can an ADHD Test Do for You?
Types of ADHD
There are different types of ADHD including:
Inattentive ADHD
Inattentive ADHD is also known as ADD. This type of ADHD is more internal and can often be mistaken as anxiety or a mood disorder in adults. Inattentive ADHD is often characterized by daydreaming, trouble focusing, and forgetfulness.
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
Combination Type
What are the Symptoms of ADHD?
Inattentive ADHD Symptoms
Common inattentive ADHD symptoms are:
- Appearing distracted when being spoken to
- Daydreaming or zoning out frequently
- Difficulty concentrating
- Being easily distracted by external stimuli
- Leaving projects unfinished
- Losing things easily
- Problems staying organized
- Trouble following organized instructions
All of these symptoms can negatively impact adults who struggle with inattentive ADHD. However, there are treatment options available.
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD Symptoms
- Blurting out comments at inappropriate times
- Fidgeting or squirming
- Interrupting conversations
- Nonstop talking
- Lacking patience
- Trouble sitting still or completing quiet tasks
- Trouble waiting inline
Combination Type Symptoms
Common combination type ADHD signs are:
- Appearing to not listen when spoken to
- Becoming confused easily
- Being easily distracted
- Difficulty completing assignments or tasks
- Difficulty following instructions
- Easily forgetting things or events
All of these symptoms can negatively impact someone who struggles with combination-type ADHD. However, proper treatment and support can help make it easier to deal with the symptoms.
The Connection Between ADHD and Addiction
There is a strong correlation between ADHD and addiction. Studies have shown that those who struggle with ADHD are more likely to develop a substance use disorder at some point in their life.
What Drugs Do People with ADHD Typically Abuse?
What Causes Addiction?
Symptoms of ADHD can make someone more likely to abuse addictive substances. Those who struggle with ADHD will have reduced impulse control, which can lead to a person being more likely to abuse drugs in a binge-like pattern. Behavioral issues that lead to addiction are also common in those who struggle with ADHD. This disorder can lead to someone being more susceptible to developing an addiction. Lastly, those who struggle with ADHD may try to use recreational drugs as a form of self-medication to deal with their symptoms. Over time, self-medication can lead to developing a dependence on the drug.
Treatment for ADHD and Addiction
Detox for Dual Diagnosis SUD and ADHD
When treating someone with a dual diagnosis of both SUD and ADHD, both issues must be treated simultaneously to get the best results. During the detox process, a dual-diagnosis patient will receive services that will treat the symptoms associated with both addiction and ADHD. Treating both disorders will help make the detox more safe, effective, and comfortable for the patient.
Therapies
ADHD Medication
Aftercare
Aftercare programs are recommended for both ADHD and addiction for those who have a dual diagnosis. Behavioral therapy, group therapy, and 12-step programs can all be useful forms of aftercare to help maintain sobriety long-term.
Brain Mapping for ADHD
What is Brain Mapping?
Types of Brain Scans
There are three different types of brain scans that might be used which are computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positive emission tomography (PET).
Brain Mapping for ADHD
Resources
- https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
- https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
- https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/add-vs-adhd
- https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
- https://www.additudemag.com/statistics-of-adhd/
- https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-hyperactive-impulsive-type
- https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-and-substance-abuse-is-there-a-link
- https://www.clearmindcenter.com/downloads/Neuro-Map_Guide.pdf