Adult ADHD
English 2 Honors
Thesis
Can adults have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Up to sixty-five percent of children with ADHD may still exhibit symptoms into adult hood, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (Wilson). One may think adults with ADHD are like their child counterparts, but this is not so. Even though an adult with ADHD seems to blend into society normally, they will still have struggles. Although society generally associates ADHD with only children, it is important to understand that adults can also suffer from ADHD.
Just a myth?
Many people believe that adults cannot have ADHD and is a myth.
Get it together!
Adults with ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their thoughts.
Stressed out?
Having ADHD is a constant battle.
Co-occuring dissorders of ADHD and their consequenses
Two studies of adults with ADHD found that more than four in five met the criteria for at least one other psychiatric disorder. The most common co-occurring disorders were anxiety, major depression, dysthymia, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and substance abuse (Goodman)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
ODD is often associated with children. However as the case may be, some adults tend to still have this disorder into their adulthood. Others do not understand the adult simply because they still have minor tantrums.
Depression and Anxiety
Often, adults with ADHD feel as if they have absolutely no control over their emotions. Whether it may just be crying, they feel as if they are going crazy.
Conduct Disorder AKA Substance Abuse
When adults have ADHD and they are not medicated, their mind needs to have something to focus on. This leads to self medicating with drugs, alcohol, or even just being a workaholic.
Communication and Relationships
Miscommunication
An ADHD adult tends to miss social cues; if time is spent working on being able to recognize them; the adult is likely to make friends more easily.
Misuse of Body Language
Most people with ADHD cannot read simple body language. Even if your posture says "I like you as a friend" they are likely to interpret that you like them more than one.
ADHD In the Workplace
Adults with ADHD reported lower educational achievement and were less likely to be high school or college graduates. Higher education is associated with an expected higher income, and is also associated with rates of full-time employment (Wilson).
Poor Orginazation Skills
The ADHD mind is less capable of handling order and structure. Adults with ADHD tend to have problems with memory and attention rather than with hyperactivity (Goodman).
Trouble with Authority Figures
The adult struggles with concentration and remembering important due dates, therefore bosses get upset with the ADHD worker which in turn upsets them and may cost the adult their job.