Lack of concentration, impulsive, adults also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Adults can also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - Illustration photo

Do adults have ADHD?

Having a stable job and life, Ms. M. (35 years old, Hanoi) shared that in life, she is sometimes impulsive. At work, Ms. M. realizes that she likes to multitask, has many ideas but cannot concentrate and act, which reduces efficiency and hinders her own development.

"People often say I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and should see a doctor. However, according to my research, ADHD only occurs in children, and I have not heard of this syndrome in adults," Ms. M. shared.

Psychotherapist Nguyen Hong Bach, director of the Institute of Psychology and Communication, Vietnam Psychological Association, said that although it is called adult ADHD, it actually exists from childhood but has not been discovered.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that involves a combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. It can cause problems such as decreased work performance, poor school performance, and low self-esteem.

Signs of ADHD in Adults

According to Dr. Bach, ADHD in adults is often more difficult to recognize than in children and is easily confused with other mental disorders.

For example, children with ADHD are often overactive, fidgety, have difficulty listening, and have difficulty concentrating. In adults, ADHD often manifests as restlessness, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate or procrastinate, or anxiety.

The most notable signs are lack of concentration, leaving work unfinished and not completing it on time.

In addition, many adults also show signs of hyperactivity when suffering from ADHD, such as frequently getting out of their seats, having difficulty participating in quiet activities, always moving, talking a lot, being impulsive, having difficulty waiting in line, interrupting others...

To determine whether an adult has ADHD, doctors and therapists will often rely on the following three steps for diagnosis.

First, look for signs and symptoms that are affecting the patient's life. Second, assess external factors that may be causing the patient to have suspicious behaviors. Third, check whether the patient has other mental health disorders.

Notably, when ADHD affects work efficiency, if not cared for and improved with therapy or medication, it can lead to consequences such as falling into crisis and depression.

Causes of ADHD in adults

This expert also pointed out that factors that can trigger ADHD in adults are stress, lack of sleep, malnutrition and poor diet, overstimulation, changes in environmental factors such as sensitivity to sound, temperature and smell, and lack of attention.

Therefore, when detecting signs of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder in adults, they should be taken to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Currently, treatment for ADHD in adults will include medication prescribed by a doctor, psychological counseling (psychotherapy), and treatment for any mental health conditions that occur along with ADHD.

"This treatment only helps patients recognize themselves and create a corridor to control their behavior, but it cannot cure them," said Dr. Bach.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khong-tap-trung-de-boc-dong-nguoi-lon-cung-bi-tang-dong-giam-chu-y-20250327161452931.htm