Fahadh Faasil says he has ADHD: How does it affect adults? Here’s all you need to know

What is ADHD?

This is a neurodiverse condition that affects people’s behaviour and social interaction. They seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old but sometimes symptoms are not as manifest and are diagnosed later as an adult.

The cause of ADHD is unknown but it can be genetic. It manifests in those who have had premature births or whose mothers were into smoking or alcohol abuse during pregnancy. Research has shown that in some patients, certain areas of the brain may be smaller, while other areas may be larger.

ADHD in adults is a complex and often misunderstood condition that requires a nuanced approach to diagnosis and management as it can impact professional performance, personal relationships and mental health.

What are symptoms of ADHD in adults?

These are different from those in children and include difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, poor organisational skills, impulsiveness and difficulty following through on tasks. These symptoms often result in chronic unpunctuality, procrastination, poor time management and difficulties in managing responsibilities. Unlike children, hyperactivity in adults often presents as restlessness or an inability to relax rather than overt physical hyperactivity.

Professionally, people may struggle with meeting deadlines, multitasking and maintaining attention during long meetings or tasks. This can lead to underachievement, job instability and frustration despite high potential. Interpersonally, the symptoms can strain relationships due to forgetfulness, inattentiveness and impulsive decisions.

Why is diagnosis difficult in adults?

Diagnosis in adults can be challenging because symptoms overlap with other mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders and/or substance abuse disorders. ADHD can also be seen co-existing with them, which can exacerbate ADHD-specific symptoms, creating a cycle of increasing dysfunction and distress.

So we usually look at detailed history, self-reported symptoms and inputs from relatives or significant others who know the individual well. Diagnostic tools like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale can help in diagnosis. This involves a long questionnaire with a score for each part. If the respondent scores 4 or more in Part-A, then it is almost fairly certain that he/she has ADHD.

How to manage this condition?

This involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments.

Medications such as stimulants (e.g., Methylphenidate) and non-stimulants (e.g., Atomoxetine) help regulate attention and behaviour. But these should be taken only on prescription.

Psychological counselling in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps patients develop coping strategies, improve organisational skills, address negative thought patterns and offer practical assistance in managing daily tasks and responsibilities.

Lifestyle changes also play a crucial role. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep (seven to nine hours per day), and mindfulness exercises (meditation, breath exercises, yoga, journalling or visualising a peaceful scene) can significantly reduce symptoms. The patient can use tools like planners, reminders and apps designed for task management.