Adult ADHD: Understanding, Identifying, and Addressing

Is it possible for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to be unidentified until adulthood? Unquestionably, yes. When ADHD remains undiagnosed in adults, it may lead to a myriad of complications in their professional, personal, and daily lives. This might result in persistent feelings of frustration and inability to achieve their goals, with even basic tasks, such as remembering a dinner date, appearing to be an insurmountable challenge.

A significant number of adults struggling with ADHD are unaware of their condition, hence, they don’t seek the appropriate treatment. Here, at 12 South Recovery in Lake Forest, Orange County, CA, we aim to shed light on the signs and symptoms of Adult ADHD, providing effective strategies for you or your loved ones to tackle this challenge.

ADHD manifests as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or a blend of both. Adults often manage to conceal these issues, resulting in many cases of ADHD going undetected. Some experts believe that as much as 75% of adults may have undiagnosed ADHD.

The disorder can lead to impaired or reduced executive functioning, a set of skills vital for managing everyday behaviors. Some crucial aspects include:

FOCUS CONTROL
Attaining focus is a learned skill, mastered over time from childhood to adulthood. Adults with ADHD may lack these critical skills, often getting easily distracted or overly focused on a single task.

IMPULSE CONTROL
Adults with ADHD frequently struggle with impulse control, leading to issues such as overspending, shopping addiction, and accumulating debt. Another common problem is susceptibility to substance abuse.

MENTAL AGILITY
The ability to multitask, or switch between tasks, is a skill that typically develops in adolescence. Lack of this ability can create difficulties in professional settings, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or difficulty adapting to change.

COGNITIVE FILTERING
This ability helps to ignore irrelevant information and focus on what matters. Adults with ADHD may struggle with cognitive filtering, leading to distractions and difficulty in accomplishing tasks on time.

WORKING MEMORY
Working memory refers to our short-term memory that temporarily stores recently acquired information. A dysfunctional working memory in adults with ADHD can lead to frequent forgetting of crucial details or instructions.

Recognizing Symptoms Of Adult ADHD
ADHD can present in three forms: Predominantly inattentive, Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The combined form is the most common but often goes untreated.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of any form of ADHD, it is crucial to seek help. Contact us today at 866-257-5551 for insurance verification and to begin the journey towards a better quality of life.

Accurate diagnosis starts with finding a suitable treatment facility. The process involves an interview and symptom checklist, and it may also involve computerized tests and self-assessments. Diagnosis may take time as other mental health disorders that mimic the same symptoms need to be ruled out.

Several treatments are available for managing adult ADHD symptoms, such as medication, psychotherapy, combination treatment, and holistic methods. The appropriate treatment is determined based on individual needs and conditions.

ADHD can lead to feelings of frustration and failure, making alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes common coping mechanisms. Approximately 25% of adults seeking addiction treatment also have ADHD. Therefore, a dual diagnosis treatment that focuses on treating both disorders simultaneously is essential for a full recovery.

While clinically considered a disorder, the neurodiversity movement sees ADHD as part of the spectrum of human cognitive diversity. People with ADHD often have exceptional creative abilities and can hyperfocus, enabling them to complete tasks rapidly.

Finding the right treatment is vital regardless of whether you’re seeking medicated or unmedicated, holistic, or clinical treatment.

At 12 South Recovery in Lake Forest, Orange County, CA, we provide effective treatment programs tailored to your specific needs. Our dual-diagnosis treatment center is accredited by The Joint Commission and CARF International, reflecting our commitment to high-quality ethical care.

Whether you’re seeking help for the first time or searching for a program that truly works, trust in 12 South Recovery. Our compassionate team of clinicians and counselors are ready to guide you or your loved ones towards recovery.

For more information, call us at 866-257-5551 today!