Most of us have heard of attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (or ADHD in short) in young children. But do you know that ADHD can also occur in adults? This is because ADHD persists to adulthood in almost half of all children with ADHD. International studies estimate the prevalence of Adult ADHD to be around 2.5%. This translates to tens of thousands of Singapore residents.
Most of us have heard of attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (or ADHD in short) in young children. But do you know that ADHD can also occur in adults? This is because ADHD persists to adulthood in almost half of all children with ADHD. International studies estimate the prevalence of Adult ADHD to be around 2.5%. This translates to tens of thousands of Singapore residents.
RISK FACTORS
- Having ADHD as a child
- A family history of ADHD
- Male gender
- Intra-uterine exposure to maternal cigarette smoking and alcohol use
- Premature birth
- Brain injuries at a young age
ADHD sufferers struggle to keep up with work and family commitments due to impaired time management and organisational skills.
ADHD IN ADULTS CAN MANIFEST AS:
Inattentive Symptoms:
- Difficulty focusing and losing attention after a short duration of time
- Easily distracted by external stimuli like social media or internal thoughts
- Procrastination even on simple tasks
- Missing project deadlines
- Spacing out during meetings or lectures
- Forgetfulness and difficulty organising their schedule
- Carelessness, leading to unintended mistakes
Hyperactive and Impulsive Symptoms:
- Restlessness and fidgetiness
- Impulsiveness, acting without much thought
- Talkativeness, with a tendency to interrupt others
- Impatience, being unable to wait in line
- Speaking before others have completed their questions
- Interrupting when others are talking
While most of us may immediately identify with some of these symptoms, individuals with ADHD experience them to an extent that affects their day-to-day living.
ADHD in adults has been linked to underachievement in the workplace. This is because many tasks today are designed for individuals without ADHD – sitting down for long hours, answering emails patiently, and focusing on projects for extended periods. For those promoted to senior roles, organising projects for their team members may feel counterintuitive. In general, individuals with ADHD have been linked to a slightly lower socioeconomic status.
ADHD can also lead to marital difficulties. Partners without ADHD may become unhappy or dissatisfied with those with ADHD for seemingly being unable to complete “simple” and mundane tasks, being forgetful, messy, having trouble planning holidays, or not being present enough during important conversations. These issues can lead to one partner assuming a parental role, making the one with ADHD feel like a child. The constant nagging or quarrelling causes disharmony and can affect the self-esteem of the individual with ADHD.
Not surprisingly, ADHD in adults can lead to other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, with alcohol being the most common substance.
Amidst the social and economic challenges during the post-pandemic era, there is perhaps no better time to seek help for this under-recognised and under-treated condition.
WHO CAN ASSESS ADULT ADHD?
Our psychiatrists (medical doctors) and psychologists are able to assess you for adult ADHD. Besides a comprehensive 60-minute consultation in our clinic, we offer computerised tests like the Connor’s Continuous Performance Test to help determine the likelihood of ADHD. If you have retained your school report books (primary and secondary levels), do bring them along for the consultation.
TREATMENT FOR ADULT ADHD
Medication
Our psychiatrists (medical doctors) are able to prescribe medications for ADHD. ADHD medications are very well-studied, with decades of safety studies and they can be used safely even in young kids. They are considered the most successful treatment for ADHD, being safe and effective in boosting attention and focus, reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improving work performance. Many find that it helps improve interpersonal relationships too.
Stimulant medications, which are considered “first-line” treatment for ADHD, are available at our clinic. There are various types of stimulant medications and our doctor will make recommendations based on the type of ADHD and your unique needs.
We also offer non-stimulant medications which have a different side effect profile and may be more suitable for those who are unable to tolerate stimulant medications. Our doctors will discuss the treatment options with you and help you choose the treatment which is most suitable for you.
Psychological Therapy
Our Psychologists and Therapists offer psychological therapy, counselling, art therapy, and ADHD coaching. They collaborate with you to develop coping strategies, such as focus skill, executive functioning skills and time-management skills. Additionally, for those with emotional or self-esteem issues due to ADHD, we can work together with you to enhance your psychological well-being.
Couples Therapy
Our Family and Couple Therapist can help you mend your relationship by helping you and your partner reflect on your history through an ADHD neurodiverse lens, enhance communication, navigate through difficulties caused by ADHD, and learn to live life satisfyingly as equals.
SEEK HELP TODAY
Medications have been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of ADHD. Your doctor will make a determination on the most suitable medication and monitor for potential side effects.
With proper assessment and a holistic treatment plan, individuals with ADHD are better able to focus on the important things in life, improve their work performance and relationships, and achieve a better quality of life. If you suspect that you, or your family member, are suffering from ADHD, do not hesitate to call or WhatsApp us to arrange a consultation.
With proper assessment and a holistic treatment plan, individuals with ADHD are better able to focus on the important things in life, improve their work performance and relationships, and achieve a better quality of life. If you suspect that you, or your family member, are suffering from ADHD, do not hesitate to call or WhatsApp us to arrange a consultation.
