7 Misconceptions About Adult ADHD That You Should Know

One common mental image that comes to mind when considering attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is that of a rambunctious primary school student. However, while many cases of ADHD begin in children, 4% of adults are thought to be affected as well. Adults who are currently managing the symptoms of ADHD have spoken out to dispel common myths about the disorder.

Dale Archer, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, member of the American Psychiatric Association, and author of The ADHD Advantage. “A lot of people have this vision of ADHD in their minds of Dennis the Menace running amok causing chaos and terror wherever he goes,” he stated. To paraphrase: “But the condition is the same whether it’s in children or adults like myself; it’s the symptoms that might be different.”

ADHD in adults is a neurological condition. In youngsters, signs may include daydreaming, impulsive actions, and a failure to pay attention. Some environmental variables (such lead exposure) may have a role in the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although the exact origin of the disorder is yet unknown.

Some individuals with ADHD have yet to get a formal diagnosis.2 ADHD symptoms may also manifest elsewhere in adulthood. As an alternative to hyperactivity, excessive restlessness may affect adults. Adults with ADHD may experience day-to-day difficulties, such as in their relationships or in the workplace.

Dr. Archer said that the disease is not yet fully understood, adding, “and that lack of understanding ends up causing a lot of misunderstanding.”

There is hope for adults with ADHD, but not always.

Adult ADHD is present in many children with a diagnosis at a younger age.

Britt Bischoff, a 29-year-old digital marketing professional, recalled how his parents and instructors had written off his hyperactivity as a phase when he was younger. Bischoff explained that his mother had always told him that he was just a daydreamer. “One instructor claimed that I could focus on the hum of the lights or the ticking of the clock.”

Some of Bischoff’s symptoms have subsided since then, while others remain. My chronic lack of focus has also diminished. I’ve seen an improvement in my ability to focus and ignore distractions. But as I’ve gotten older, my impulsivity and brain flooding have only become worse.

Dr. Archer has said that most people get better at adjusting their lifestyle to better manage the symptoms of ADHD, which is why many people have the belief that ADHD can be outgrown. According to Dr. Archer, adults with ADHD have a deeper grasp of how the brain functions as they age. With this knowledge in hand, people may see where and how they need to make adjustments to their job or school schedules.

Medication Is Not The Only Option

Dr. Archer said that people with ADHD have a less-than-optimal performance of the brain’s attention center. Dr. Archer discussed the importance of medication for persons with ADHD, and how it might improve attention and concentration in adults with the disorder.

Dr. Archer noted, however, that medication may not always be necessary for those with ADHD. Dr. Archer suggested one tactic of “setting false or early deadlines and waiting until the last minute to finish projects.” That brief period of anxiety or tension is just what the brain needs to go into hyperfocus.

Peter Shankman, host of the ADHD podcast “Faster Than Normal,” told Health that increased self-control and a simplified daily schedule are also effective in alleviating symptoms. “I have what I like to call unbreakable life rules that help me not only get through the day, but also use my ADHD to my advantage and make me a better person.”

I always get up at the same hour. I’m not a drinker. And my closet is unbelievably neat and tidy,” Shankman said. To paraphrase, “Oh, I remember that sweater!” would be running through my head if I had a closet full of odd belts, jeans, sweaters, and the like. That sweater was a gift from Laura. Three hours have passed since I thought, “I wonder how Laura is doing!” and I still haven’t left the home. Having a regular schedule makes it harder for me to stray from my goals.

Dr. Archer agreed that talking to a counselor may help a lot of his patients. In his opinion, “therapy should always be the first line of treatment—not drugs,” as Dr. Archer put it. I’m not against medicine as a last resort, but I’d prefer to exhaust all other options before giving in and saying, “OK, you need Adderall.”

Inconsistency Not Distractions

Marriage and family therapist Michelene Wasil, who was diagnosed with ADHD at age 41, likened the condition to having 50 tabs open on a computer and constantly switching between them. In other situations, though, “I can hyper-focus and tune out the world.”

What you’re saying makes perfect sense, Dr. Archer said. Adults with ADHD can concentrate very intently on exciting or intriguing things. It’s all too easy for the mind to stray when the brain is bored.

The Myth of the Lazy or Dumb Person

ADHD was first identified in 15-year-old Terena Bell. After selling a translation company as a young adult, Bell is now expanding a second startup initiative called TVrunway.

“When I was the owner of my first company, I was appointed to the White House Business Roundtable and had two phone conversations with the President,” Bell explained. People around me look at the incredible things I’m capable of and assume I must just not be trying, as when I cut the check to pay a bill but forget to send it because I got sidetracked telling a tale in the middle of a discussion. Though I am. I work really hard every day to improve.

Adults with ADHD also have IQs on par with those who don’t have the disorder. Dr. Archer explained that several studies have shown that people with ADHD are highly intelligent. Dr. Archer remarked that “there is absolutely no difference in intelligence” between them and others who do not have the diagnosis.

Adult ADHD May Isolate

Professor and author Chris Rither claims that persons with ADHD are most noticeable in social situations. There are so many things racing through my head at once that I have to force myself to stop, look them in the eye, and listen to what they have to say.

Rither, like Shankman, uses a hectic routine to keep his energy levels high. But it can irritate other people. I find that it’s easier to concentrate if I divide up my time spent on these tasks into smaller chunks. As a result, I often fail to give the people around me the attention they deserve.

Will Steward, an entrepreneur with adult ADHD, added that the condition may make people feel quite alone. The isolation I’ve felt at times when it appears no one else understands my ADHD has been the most difficult part. Information is processed differently by me than by most people.

Having ADHD may be a great strength.

Dr. Archer argues that adult ADHD has many benefits, such as perseverance and composure under pressure.

In 2009, college students were the focus of a research published in the Journal of Attention Disorders. pupils who have been diagnosed with ADHD but are not currently taking medication for it were studied for their psychological resilience relative to pupils who do not have ADHD. People with ADHD were shown to have higher levels of resilience than the general population.

And if you comprehend the state of the brain with ADHD, the study makes perfect sense,” Dr. Archer added. As one student put it, “If you have ADHD and you make it to college and immerse yourself in all its challenges, then you have to do a lot of things and figure out a lot of things on your own.”

ADHD coach Ted Behr has observed that adults with the disorder also tend to be incredibly creative. “ADHD is common among creative people, musicians, and business owners. We’re not afraid to take chances either.

Personal knowledge of ADHD symptoms is crucial, according to psychotherapist and social worker Chris Nealy, “but family and social support is just as important.”

“My impulsivity, forgetfulness, and racing thoughts create challenges as a husband and parent,” Nealy admitted. To put it another way, “my wife’s support allows us to work together to cope.”