Will A Child With ADHD Become An Adult With ADHD?
Until recently it was believed that ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was overcome with growth. That is, it “disappeared” as the child grew.
We now know that ADHD appears in childhood and that symptoms can last through adolescence and adulthood.
While some children apparently seem to overcome this disorder (actually learning to live with hyperactivity and to control their urges), in most cases those with ADHD continue to suffer from it even as adults.
The nature of the ADHD
The nature of ADHD is chronic. For this reason the symptoms can present themselves in different forms depending on how the individual develops in the different stages of his life.
Symptoms may even subside as the person grows. For example, the state of agitation may decrease with the passage of time. However, they never disappear.
Adolescents and adults with ADHD have many resources and strategies to use in case the symptoms of their disorder at some point become problematic.
Diagnosis of ADHD
It happens that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is diagnosed not in childhood, but in adolescence or even in adult life.
This typically happens especially when the symptoms have more to do with lack of attention and not so much with symptoms related to impulsivity or hyperactivity.
Although the individual can successfully manage symptoms in childhood, adolescence or adulthood, this disorder can result in a greater need for attention, planning and even organization. This is why addressing ADHD can be a little more complicated and new strategies will be needed.
When a teenager or an adult is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, this diagnosis can cause a kind of feeling of relief.
In fact, the patient will finally receive an explanation of all the obstacles he has found himself having to face in his life.
Furthermore, in addition to offering him consolation, this diagnosis will prepare him to face daily challenges with new strategies. The individual will feel safer to talk about what is happening with friends and family.
When the ADHD extends beyond infancy
ADHD in adolescence
Adolescents with ADHD who have not yet been diagnosed with the disorder or who are not yet on treatment have few tools and resources to be able to manage symptoms.
As a result, adolescents tend to have greater difficulty in combating symptoms, which in turn can lead to problems in everyday life.
Like all their peers, teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder want their independence. However, not being able to control their impulsivity, they are more likely to engage in behavior that can carry risks.
All of these difficulties can lead to emotional problems and low self-esteem. This is why it is vital to be alert for possible symptoms of ADHD.
Only in this way will we be able to offer our children the help they need to develop the ability to control and have a certain behavior. And we will be able to avoid their school, work, social, couple problems and so on.
ADHD in adulthood
In adulthood, the symptoms of hyperactivity are present in people’s lives in a more subtle way. Adult individuals with this disorder, for example, may experience inner restlessness, intermittent attention, poor organization. Or they are pushed to postpone what they have to do or make hasty decisions.
Even if they are not seen clearly, the symptoms can very negatively affect a person’s life.
In fact, individuals affected by this disorder may encounter problems in carrying out the tasks entrusted to them at work, they can respond with impulsiveness in situations where moderate and respectful behavior is required.
An adult with ADHD who does not get the help they need may experience problems at work and may even have difficulty maintaining friendships or even relationships.
That is why it is vital to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from childhood. Only in this way can an individual who is affected by it begin to develop the skills that will serve him for the rest of his life.
Skills that will also make it easier for him to integrate into society in all areas. As well as obviously making him feel good about himself.
