Have you been having difficulties focusing, missing deadlines or struggling with relationships?

If your answer to any of the above questions is a “Yes” then you may be suffering from something termed as the ‘Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’ (ADHD). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children and adults in the world today. The symptoms start in early childhood and in some cases persist in adulthood. It can affect people of all ages, with an estimated prevalence rate of 2-5% in adults worldwide.

Symptoms of adult ADHD mainly include inattention difficulties, problems controlling impulsive behaviors, self-regulation of behavior, hyperactivity, distractibility, inability to switch off internal thoughts, disorganization problems, troubles multitasking, restlessness, poor planning skills, frequent mood swings, problems with completion of tasks, trouble coping with stress, poor time management skills may also be seen in adults with ADHD. These symptoms can lead to struggles maintaining relationships, irritability, frustration, forgetfulness, cognitive decline, poor work performance issues, missing deadlines, low self-esteem, learning difficulties to name some.

Undiagnosed ADHD in childhood can make diagnosis of adult ADHD difficult and challenging as overtime these individuals develop coping strategies, masking the symptoms in adulthood.

Ways to managing symptoms of Adult ADHD:

  • Eating a healthy diet consisting of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein sources, nuts & seeds.
  • Engaging in a physical activity daily (walking, jogging etc.).
  • Meditating for at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Ensuring a good amount of undisrupted sleep each night.
  • Mindfulness meditation & Yoga practice.

Treatment of Adult ADHD:

Behavioral management techniques such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Counselling, Coaching and Mindfulness based Cognitive therapy (MBCT) are beneficial in reducing the symptoms of adult ADHD. Drug treatments may be advisable independently or in combination with therapeutic interventions depending on the severity of the symptoms.