ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder. In adults it can significantly impair the quality of life, especially if undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It is a complex, insufficiently researched and very interesting neurodevelopmental disorder according to Ellen Starr couple counselling.
What is it really about?
There are many misconceptions associated with ADHD. For example, it is generally believed that only children suffer from it, which is wrong - ADHD is no less present in adults.
Previously, the possibility that adults might have ADHD had not even been considered. There are at least two reasons for this. First, a prejudice has been created that this disorder is exclusively related to some (obvious) hyperactive behavior. Second, an adult is expected to be functional, responsible, and productive. If he/ she doesn’t fit into society, then he/ she’s just lazy, stupid, incompetent, and so on.
The matter was aggravated by the fact that ADHD in adults is often masked by other disorders and problems - anxiety, depression, perfectionism, sleep problems, addictions and substance abuse.
People suffering from undiagnosed and untreated ADHD are under constant stress. The environment can perceive such a person as lazy, irresponsible.
All this further worsens the condition of an individual with ADHD. This disorder, directly and indirectly, can negatively affect every aspect of the lives of people who suffer from it.
Physical and mental problems
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can cause and worsen other health problems, such as:
- compulsive overeating;
- alcohol and drug abuse;
- anxiety;
- constant tension and stress;
- low self-esteem.
In addition, due to ADHD, you can skip examinations, avoid going to the doctor, ignore professional advice and instructions, forget to take medication.
Financial difficulties
ADHD can create career problems for people, and it usually causes a strong sense of failure: it is very difficult to follow the rules, meet deadlines, as well as stick to the usual 9-5 routines.
Managing a home budget can also be problematic - from unpaid bills to debts due to impulsive spending of money.
Relationship problems
ADHD can make relationships with other people very difficult. Individuals who struggle with this disorder often hear complaints from their loved ones about how they should clean up after themselves, pay more attention while being told something, do more effort…
Also, people close to those with ADHD can be unhappy because they (wrongly) conclude that someone is irresponsible, insensitive, dislikes them and so on.
ADHD is not a matter of character or will
ADHD in adults often leads to frustration, feelings of shame, hopelessness, disappointment, loss of self-confidence. Such individuals may feel as if they will never be able to take control of their own lives or realize their potential. The worst thing is that they blame only themselves for all this, believing that they are simply not smart enough, good enough, capable of doing anything.
Therefore, even just establishing a diagnosis on an individual can have a liberating and encouraging effect. When a person realizes that it is not "up to him", but an objective neurodevelopmental disorder, then it is much easier to deal with problematic symptoms, as well as possible accompanying disorders (anxiety, depression, addiction, etc.).
It is necessary to seek for professional help if you notice this problem in yourself or a family member. Get help from professionals like Ellen Starr.
Contact us today for expert counselling services. Expect individual, group, and couple sessions to solve the conflicts and reach a better solution. Our address is just a click away.
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