For a long time, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was considered a childhood condition. Over this period, a vast amount of data has accumulated about this syndrome, but in recent years increasing attention has been paid to the importance of diagnosing the syndrome in adults.

Often, adults with ADHD do not know about their condition and may feel that the causes of their problems are disorganization, inconsistency, and lack of willpower. However, it’s never too late to seek professional help: consistent treatment can significantly ease the lives of many individuals with ADHD and their families.

 

What is Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

ADHD is characterized by three main groups of symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

• Inattention may manifest as difficulty completing tasks, poor time management, challenges maintaining focus in work or study, distractibility, forgetfulness, and weak concentration.
   
• Hyperactivity appears as restlessness, inability to sit still (especially when required), excessive talking, and difficulty engaging in calm activities.
   
• Impulsivity leads to hasty decisions, difficulty waiting one's turn, often interrupting others, intruding into conversations or activities, and impulsive behavior without consideration of consequences.
   

Children with ADHD often display hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can lead to problems at school and with peers.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to face difficulties with organization, time management, and completing tasks.

The causes of ADHD are not fully understood, but numerous studies show that heredity plays a major role (~74%). Like many other disorders, ADHD likely arises from a combination of factors. In addition to genetics, researchers are exploring environmental contributors (such as brain injuries, nutrition, social environment) that may increase the risk of ADHD development.

ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males than females; diagnoses in women are often delayed due to better social adaptation. The syndrome often co-occurs with other disorders such as anxiety, conduct disorder, depression, and substance use disorder.

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of ADHD is approximately 5–7% in children and 2–5% in adults.

 

Impact on Life

From early childhood, individuals with ADHD are more frequently subjected to criticism and teasing. Children are more likely to become victims of bullying and are at higher risk of experiencing trauma and developing subsequent post-traumatic stress disorder. Traffic accidents and violations are also more common among drivers with ADHD.

Difficulty maintaining sustained attention during tasks leads to frequent careless mistakes, often caused by lack of attention to details.

Troubles with organizing tasks can lead to avoidance of work requiring sustained effort. Forgetfulness, easy distractibility, and frequently switching from one unfinished task to another may harm professional performance and interpersonal relationships, eventually leading to frequent job changes, unemployment, inability to fulfill potential, and lower income.

Moreover, the deficits in role fulfillment, consistency, and memory among adults with ADHD can have widespread effects impacting those dependent on them (e.g., children, spouses, employers, friends).

Emotional dysregulation manifests as mood swings, sensitivity, difficulty managing frustration and anger, and inability to cope with stress.
People with ADHD retain insight into their behaviors, which often leads to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem.

 

Treatment

ADHD treatment can help alleviate symptoms and limit their impact on daily life․
It can be treated with medication (stimulants and antidepressants) or psychotherapy, and a combination of both often yields the best outcomes. However, note that the most effective stimulant medications may not be available in all countries.

Several targeted psychosocial interventions have proven effective in managing ADHD symptoms and improving daily functioning and well-being. The most frequently used methods are Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Therapy, along with training in stress-management techniques and direct support from family members.