The NHS has a list of common traits which could be indicative of ADHD in adults - and one of them is visible if you're in a relationship.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition which impacts a person's behaviour and ability to concentrate. Around 2.6 million people in the UK are believed to have the neurodevelopment disorder (according to figures published by ADHD UK).
However, this number could be even higher, given the number of adults who may be living with undiagnosed ADHD.
ADHD in adults
When you say the word ADHD, a lot of people will typically think it is a disorder which impacts young children, particularly those who are loud and overactive. However, this is now understood to be a major misconception, which can deter to adults living with the condition undiagnosed from seeking support.
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As our understanding of ADHD in adults develops, more and more people are realising they may have slipped through the net as children.
However, waiting lists to be diagnosed are currently very long in the UK, with a recent study published in October 2023 estimating around 19,000 adults across the country are currently in line for specialist screening.
What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults?
According to guidance from the NHS, the condition presents differently in adults and children, with the health service noting that ADHD can often be 'harder to define' in older individuals due to a lack of research.
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Current advice from the NHS regarding the symptoms of ADHD in adults includes:
- carelessness and lack of attention to detail
- continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
- poor organisational skills
- inability to focus or prioritise
- inability to deal with stress
The condition can also impact your relationships as an adult, with ADHD Aware noting adults with the disorder can experience issues in long-term relationships and marriages with symptoms such as poor organisation, hyper-focusing and unusual sleeping patterns causing strain for partners.
Seeking an ADHD diagnosis as an adult
Adults who believe they may have undiagnosed ADHD are advised to make an appointment with their GP, who will assess their symptoms and make a referral for further assessment.
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Doctors will assess whether or not a patient had struggled with symptoms as a child as well as whether or not it impacts their day-to-day life.
This can include:
- underachieving at work or in education
- driving dangerously
- difficulty making or keeping friends
- difficulty in relationships with partners
Adult patients with suspected ADHD will also be asked about their experiences in childhood, with the NHS noting that adults cannot be diagnosed with the disorder under current guidelines unless they presented with similar symptoms throughout childhood.
Brenna Cooper