How To Be Proactive About Adult ADHD
Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is often a condition associated with child development–but it is not as emphasized with adults. However, this should not be the case as the prevalence of ADHD continues to rise among the adult population.
According to medical experts, the number of adults with ADHD is gradually increasing. Recent statistics show that there is an upward trend in adults diagnosed with ADHD since the early 1970s. Here are some of the statistics on ADHD in the United States:
- The growth of people with ADHD has soared to over 42% from 2003 to 2011.
- From the total population with ADHD, 4.4% are adults. Some of them have continued diagnosis from childhood, and other acquired a late diagnosis.
- ADHD is more prevalent among adult males than females.
What are the causes of ADHD among adults?
ADHD is a multifactorial condition, meaning that there could be a combination of factors that give people this disability. Although not all of these causes are applicable for everyone, just one or a combination of these are usually found in the diagnosed patients:
Genetics
ADHD is often acquired from parents or family members who also had ADHD at some point in their lives. This appears to be a hereditary condition, which is attributed to several DNA deficits or malfunctions according to recent studies. These DNA sequences are replicated from parents to children, expressing ADHD traits upon development.
Environmental factors
It is possible that ADHD can be developed due to environmental factors. Exposure to gadgets, constant multitasking, and other attention-depleting activities all contribute to worsening symptoms of ADHD. People who work at multitasking desk jobs, fast-paced clerical work, or anything similar can aggravate problems found with ADHD for those who are at risk.
Lifestyle choices
Although not a strong indicator of ADHD, some lifestyle choices can aggravate ADHD symptoms for those who are at risk. Consumption of excess food additives, sugar, and other unhealthy substances can worsen hyperactivity or loss of focus.
What are some ways to be proactive with ADHD? If you are or a loved one is diagnosed with this condition, the following tips may be useful to you.
4 Ways to be Proactive with Adult ADHD
- Be consistent with ADHD medication.
When diagnosed with ADHD, some patients will be given a prescription such as Ritalin or Concerta. It is important to be consistent with the medication to mitigate the symptoms of ADHD. As ADHD can be a disruptive condition that can affect a person’s daily activities, it is best to take medication at the recommended dosage and time. If being able to afford medication is a problem for your consistency, there are many options. You can take advantage of a Concerta discount on websites such as SingleCare to get the best price in the drugstores near you.
- Consider going to therapy.
ADHD can be managed by going to therapy sessions. Some ADHD patients try to go to counseling so they can understand the cause of the problem, and others go to occupational therapy or speech therapy to address problems in daily functioning and communication. Rehabilitation doctors recommend these services depending on the severity of the condition, and patients can ask alternatively if these options are available for them. Therapy can help improve focus, enable people with ADHD to complete tasks, and provide them with functional communication if they have other co-conditions.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Some food items are known to worsen the symptoms of ADHD. Not only are they unhealthy to the body, they can also wreak havoc on brain function and prevent a person from getting the right nutrition. People with ADHD can try a type of diet consisting of whole foods such as the Paleo Diet. Having a consistent physical activity also helps in improving brain function and alertness. Sticking to healthy foods such as leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, and fruits are ideal for those with ADHD instead of consuming sugary foods and those with additives.
- Transition into acceptance.
ADHD is a condition often difficult to accept. This can lead a person to a state of denial, which prevents him or her from seeking treatment. A part of getting better is accepting the condition and being knowledgeable about the steps needed to manage the problem. When one is in a state of denial, it may be difficult to recover since denial stops an individual from looking for solutions head-on. Being able to face the problem takes courage, and this is an important factor in proper ADHD management.
Early Detection and Treatment is Key
Whether you or a loved one is diagnosed with ADHD or not, it is best to seek professional help for assessment and treatment right away. Early detection of the symptoms and proper treatment can help improve chances of overall well-being.
About Becca Shaeffer
Becca Shaeffer is our resident health nut. An Ohio native, she loathes for the day she can quit her day job and move to somewhere warmer. When she's not at the gym, she's either hacking her way through skin treatments or thinking about her favorite cheat meal - thin crust pizza with anchovies and jalapenos.
