Are you an adult with attention deficit?

Are you an adult with attention deficit? It is often assumed that attention deficit with or without hyperactivity does not occur in adulthood. Now, this assumption has now been clearly demonstrated to be inaccurate, if not false. In fact, The scientific studies that we will point out below have demonstrated the presence of this deficit in adults.

This is very clearly reflected in the stories and comments heard in consultation. They manifest recurring difficulties, for years, in different areas. In turn, these difficulties are a consequence of the negative effects of chronic symptoms. Attention deficit with or without hyperactivity does exist in adults!

So that, Today it is proven that attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, is not an exclusive disorder of childhood.: in a high proportion of people it continues throughout adulthood. On the other hand, it is no less true that the adult with attention deficit may have autonomously developed certain strategies that successfully compensate for the difficulties that arise from the disorder.

Typical behaviors in an adult with attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, make up symptoms that tend to build and sustain subjectivity. A world of its own, often not exempt from suffering, limitations and challenges that affect a wide range of vital areas.

Adult with attention deficit: devastating effects

According to research carried out by JR Valdizán, AC Izaguerri-Gracia, around 4.4% of the adult population could suffer from attention deficit and impulsivity disorders. Of that proportion, only 1% would have been diagnosed. Furthermore, a good part of this sample may present hyperactivity.

Likewise, other studies suggest an even higher percentage. From the Department of Psychiatry at Syracuse University in New York, ADHD would have an incidence of up to 5% in the adult population.. What’s more, 67% of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder continue to have the symptoms into adulthood. This can interfere with their performance in multiple areas, such as personal relationships, the workplace, vocation or work. course of their studies. The existence of attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, in adults is irrefutable. Even more, Having grown up with this syndrome without knowing it can have devastating effects. Furthermore, the prevalence of the disorder is higher in women, with a predominance of inattention (that is, without hyperactivity).

The lack of hyperactivity often disguises the problem and makes it go unnoticed as a real difficulty. In fact, Only in recent years has attention deficit without hyperactivity begun to be detected and treated in women. On the other hand, symptomatic behaviors of attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, increase emotional, intellectual, physical, etc. risks. Chronic deficits bring enormous pain and conflict.

Difficulties in maintaining attention are reflected in low performance, impulsive behavior in decision making, low self-esteem or family problems. It is more difficult for an adult with attention deficit to organize and satisfactorily control his or her life in general, unless he or she has acquired strategies that precisely compensate for this difficulty.

Complex diagnosis

In it Journal World Psychiatry We can see a very interesting 2008 study published on the subject. Dr. Stephen Faraone points out that it has only been 30 years since psychiatry began to perceive the impact and great need to take into account adults with attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity. Thus, psychometric studies show us that the tests we currently have have high internal consistency and reliability, and that they are therefore useful when making a diagnosis.

However The problem is that not everyone is aware that they have a clinical condition. From an early age they have integrated that behavior, that focus, that impulsivity until they come to think that it is their own personality.

However, there is no longer any doubt about the fact that This disorder exists, and is detectable in adults. Furthermore, once diagnosed, its treatment is effective.

From the child to the adult with attention deficit

It was previously believed that attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, encompassed a series of difficulties typical of childhood. It was thought that with growth they would give way and disappear. Unfortunately, in many cases this is not the case. A large proportion of children with attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, will continue with it throughout their lives.

It has also been proven that, when they are mild, the symptoms of attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, can help shape a style, a way of being. In many cases, attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, changes in some of its forms of manifestation as the adolescent grows and becomes an adultbut the core problems remain stable.

Progressively, Disabilities have painful and complex secondary consequences.. This is detrimental to self-concept and the emotions that derive from it (self-esteem). And it is that Low self-esteem is a typical consequence in adults who suffer from attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity.

Adult with attention deficit: main symptoms

From the Department of Psychology at the University of Levander, they point out to us in a study published in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, that adults with attention deficit usually present quite serious social impairment. Thus, it is important to clarify that attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, It manifests itself through different symptoms that have been grouped for classification. In this sense, remember that someone can suffer from this disorder even if they do not identify with all of them.

According to the most used psychology texts, the first symptoms are grouped into three large basic groups: attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Symptoms referred to attention

The person does not pay enough attention to details. Makes careless errors in schoolwork, work, or other activities.He often has difficulty maintaining attention on tasks or recreational activities.Often appears not to listen when spoken to directly. Frequently does not follow instructions and does not complete tasks or obligations.They dream awake.They avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort.They are easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli.

Symptoms related to hyperactivity

Often moves hands or feet excessively.Frequently “runs on” or acts as if he has a motor. Often talks excessively.He has difficulty dedicating himself calmly to leisure activities.

Symptoms related to impulsivity

Often rushes answers before questions have been completed.He has difficulty keeping his turn.Often interrupts or intrudes on the activities of others.

Research shows certain deficits, several already mentioned, and here somewhat more specific: deficits in attention not only limit or hinder the ability to maintain a listening attitude. For example, also Being skilled at activating, organizing, starting and sustaining attention at work can be a real ordeal.

Furthermore, there may be problems sustaining energy and effort. Likewise, there may be a changing mood and marked sensitivity to criticism. Memory failures are also common.. They may have difficulties recovering concepts already learned, remembering names, dates and information in general.

Both those who suffer from impulsivity and attention deficit, as well as those who also present hyperactivity, suffer enormous and broad impacts linked to the symptoms described. Around them A range of diverse forms of suffering and secondary consequences usually unfold, most of them based on misunderstanding.

Other “adult characteristics” of attention deficit (with or without hyperactivity)

Other features of people who suffer from attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, are the following:

Low resistance to fatigue when they have to do a task for a long period.Problems with self-control and behavior regulation.Difficulties in regulating emotions, motivation, activating to…Low self-esteem.Difficulties in personal relationships. Difficulties with their impulsivity in areas with significant potential risks: expenses, various addictions, food, physical safety, sexual relations, etc.Problems “resisting temptations.”

As we have seen, much information has circulated in recent times about attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, has had children and adolescents as its main focus. However, without neglecting all the work that can be done with children who have attention deficit, it is time to put it on adults as well.

And you, do you identify with these symptoms? Are you an adult with attention deficit with or without hyperactivity? If the answer is yes, then We recommend that you visit a specialist. Attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, can be treated so that the difficulties it may cause in your daily life are much smaller or even, and in the best of cases, non-existent.

Bibliographic references:

Hallowell, Edward M.; Ratey, John J. “ADHD: Controlling Hyperactivity.” Ed. Paidós. 2001.

Russell A. Barkley. “ Taking control of ADHD in adulthood. Publisher: Octaedro. 2013.

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