In the vast majority of cases, the symptoms of Childhood ADHD do not completely disappear in adulthood. They just change.
How prevalent is it?
Approximately 4% of adults are estimated to have ADHD; despite this, Adult ADHD is seldom recognised in primary care, because the symptoms may overlap with other disorders, and it is not well known that symptoms persist.
How does it affect adults?
Undiagnosed adults are vulnerable to substance abuse, and can suffer from a range of symptoms that can be very disruptive on employment, study and relationships. These might include:
- Difficulties in concentrating and focusing attention;
- Being late for appointments;
- Not judging the passing of time very well, resulting in difficulties in time management (things don’t get done in time);
- Being highly disorganised (paperwork, bills, assignments etc);
- Constantly misplacing things;
- Running out of energy and therefore motivation;
- Crashing on the weekend through exhaustion;
- Irritability in relationships;
- Impulsivity – saying or doing things in social situations which may cause embarrassment; and
- Road rage, to name just a few.
What can do done?
Paul Carver is a Brisbane Psychologist who uses a specially created CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) purposely designed for Adults with ADHD.
In addition he has a memory, time and organisational skills kit specifically designed for individuals with ADHD, as conventional time and organisation management programs are usually not as successful with this particular group of people.
The combination of CBT and ADHD skills can restore relationships, very significantly enhance the capacity for study or taking on more challenging work, and turn a disorganised life into one that works practically.
In addition, low self-esteem and self-doubt can become a thing of past, as confidence grows that the individual with ADHD can master an ordinary life, with all its demands and challenges.
Author: Paul Carver, Bsc, Msc, PG Dip Health Psych.
Paul Carver is a Psychologist with a very wide range of experience, and is focused on bringing the very best evidence-based treatments to his clients.
To make an appointment try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call Vision Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3088 5422.
