Is there a difference between childhood and adult ADHD and how they are treated?

The symptoms of ADHD are the same regardless of your age, however, you may find that they change over time as you get older. Treatment is also basically the same, but the goals may differ according to your challenges.

Why do symptoms change as we age?

Part of it is due to maturity and life changes; life experiences also play a part. For instance, as a child, you may have had trouble with hyperactivity. Perhaps you even got into trouble in school for not being able to sit still. As an adult, you know that there are times when you are expected to sit still and listen, and you find ways to do that. Your life experiences in learning to sit still have given you tools that you can put to use in such situations. As your life changes, so does the impact of your symptoms on your daily life.

Using hyperactivity as an example, it would certainly be a problem while you are in school. If you have a desk job in a situation with lots of meetings, it might still be an issue. But if instead, you decided to become a golf pro or a physical education instructor, your hyperactivity is no longer troublesome to you. As adults, the symptoms that often require more treatment include issues relating to time management and organization as well as comorbidities such as anxiety and depression.

It is important to establish and maintain a relationship with your health professional so that they can help monitor your symptoms and work out the best course of action if things change. If depression becomes a problem, for instance, they will be able to help adjust and add to your medications to help you deal with it. Short-term therapy of some sort can also be helpful when your symptoms become overwhelming. For instance, if you need help with time management, a change in medication is not likely to help, but learning some useful skills from a trained therapist or coach may be immensely helpful.

While ADHD symptoms remain the same regardless of your age, the ones bothering you in childhood may not be the ones giving you trouble as an adult. As your life changes and you mature, you learn how to manage some symptoms and find that others are just not an issue anymore. Life changes can bring about new challenges with your ADHD; in that case, it is best to consult with your health professional for advice.

Call today at 407-967-1327 and start recovering from the symptoms of Adult ADHD. Together with one of our therapist you will get your life back and manageable. See the results you deserve.