Should You Be Assessed For ADHD? Psychiatrist, Dr Stephen Humphries - Harley Therapy

Summary

Dr. Stephen Humphries, a consultant psychiatrist, explains adult ADHD in this informative video. He discusses how ADHD often presents differently in adults, with inattention being the primary symptom, as hyperactivity and impulsivity tend to decrease over time. He emphasizes that ADHD is frequently underdiagnosed, despite affecting about 4% of the adult population. The video highlights common adult ADHD challenges, including procrastination, distractibility, and difficulties in maintaining focus. Dr. Humphries also addresses treatment options, including medications and their benefits. He encourages adults to consider assessment if they experience these symptoms, as effective treatment can improve quality of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 ADHD is a common but often underdiagnosed condition in adulthood, with approximately 4% of the adult population affected, but fewer than 1% diagnosed.
• 😀 Unlike childhood ADHD, adult ADHD presents with less hyperactivity and impulsivity, and more inattentiveness, which is the most common symptom in adults.
• 😀 A key misconception is that adults cannot have ADHD; however, research debunked this idea, showing that 60-70% of children with ADHD retain symptoms into adulthood.
• 😀 Stimulants like Ritalin may not work for everyone. Research shows that only individuals with ADHD respond positively to stimulant medication, while non-ADHD individuals may see a decline in performance.
• 😀 In childhood, ADHD can often be overlooked if a child is bright and coasts through school without doing much work. The challenges tend to surface in secondary school and beyond.
• 😀 Procrastination is a hallmark of ADHD. Many adults with ADHD delay tasks, particularly those they find boring or routine, often relying on stress to generate focus.
• 😀 Adults with ADHD may struggle with consistent focus and concentration, often experiencing 'zoning out' or difficulty maintaining a train of thought.
• 😀 Hyperfocus is a feature of ADHD where individuals can concentrate intensely on tasks like video games, but may struggle with less stimulating tasks like homework.
• 😀 In adulthood, ADHD often leads to difficulty completing tasks or maintaining long-term relationships. Jobs and careers may also suffer due to loss of interest or energy.
• 😀 ADHD in adults is frequently associated with comorbid mood disorders, such as anxiety, frustration, and depression, often misdiagnosed as primary depression.
• 😀 Modern ADHD treatments are effective, long-lasting, non-addictive, and can be taken intermittently without inducing tolerance, similar to wearing glasses only when needed.

Q & A

What is ADHD in adulthood and how does it differ from childhood ADHD?

ADHD in adulthood is a condition that persists from childhood, but the symptoms tend to differ. While childhood ADHD often involves hyperactivity and impulsivity, adults are more likely to present with inattentiveness. Hyperactivity and impulsivity tend to lessen, while inattention remains a significant feature.

Why is ADHD often underdiagnosed in adults?

ADHD is often underdiagnosed in adults because the condition was historically viewed as part of hyperkinetic disorders, which are much more severe and easier to identify. Research from the 1990s suggested that ADHD did not persist beyond childhood, but this was later debunked. Additionally, symptoms in adults are more subtle, making it harder to diagnose.

What are some common misconceptions about ADHD in adults?

A common misconception is that adults with ADHD would respond to stimulant medications in the same way as individuals without ADHD. However, people without ADHD who take stimulants for cognitive performance often experience a decline in focus. Only individuals with ADHD respond positively to stimulant treatments.

How does ADHD manifest in adulthood compared to childhood?

In adulthood, ADHD tends to show less hyperactivity and impulsivity but still involves significant inattention. Adults with ADHD might struggle with tasks like organizing and completing work, maintaining focus on long-term goals, and dealing with procrastination. They may also experience difficulties in relationships and have inconsistent life patterns.

What challenges do individuals with ADHD face in academic settings?

Adults with ADHD often struggled with consistency in their academic work, particularly at the secondary school and university levels. They might have coasted through primary school but struggled with the demands of secondary school or university. Tasks like coursework and studying for exams can be overwhelming, often resulting in procrastination and last-minute work.

What is hyperfocus, and how does it relate to ADHD?

Hyperfocus is a phenomenon where individuals with ADHD can intensely concentrate on specific tasks, especially those that evoke strong emotional or dopamine responses, like playing video games. While they may be able to focus on these activities for long periods, they often struggle with tasks that do not generate similar engagement.

How do mood disorders relate to ADHD in adulthood?

Adults with ADHD often experience comorbid mood disorders, including anxiety, frustration, and low-grade depression. These emotional difficulties are a result of the chronic disorganization and challenges ADHD brings to their daily lives, often leading to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment for depression.

What are some common consequences of untreated ADHD in adults?

Untreated ADHD in adults can lead to chronic procrastination, job instability, relationship difficulties, and an overall sense of disorganization. Adults may frequently switch jobs, struggle to complete projects, or face challenges maintaining long-term relationships due to these ongoing issues.

How does ADHD affect an individual's ability to sustain relationships?

People with ADHD often have difficulties maintaining consistent relationships. They may struggle with impulsivity and inattentiveness, which can create challenges in personal interactions. Their tendency to lose focus or become distracted can lead to misunderstandings, and they may move from one relationship to another due to an initial excitement that eventually fades.

What treatments are available for ADHD, and how effective are they?

Modern treatments for ADHD are highly effective and include non-addictive medications that do not induce tolerance. Some medications offer long-lasting effects throughout the day, and patients often take breaks from treatment, depending on their needs. Medications work quickly once the correct dosage is reached, offering a significant improvement in focus and organization.