In the beginning of April 2017, a quick and updated screening tool for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was published. It was met with praise by providers and patients who struggle with ADHD into adulthood, as it has been classically described as a disorder exclusively specific to childhood. However, the new tool looks more into function, performance, and day-to-day difficulties, with an evolution into how these may present in adulthood.
ADHD has long been thought of as following the rules of thirds: one-third of individuals will "outgrow" their symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention as they become adults, one-third will learn management skills to handle their inability to maintain attention, and one-third may continue to struggle with these into and throughout adulthood. Through decades of research, the last third often got into trouble, be it through legal issues or inability to achieve academically, and became neglected and forgotten. However, with the dramatic rise in diagnosis and treatment of ADHD starting in the mid-1990s and early 2000s, a lot of adverse outcomes were mitigated and individuals were able to succeed in life. However, the assumption was that once the individual hit 18 or graduated college, they should be "over their ADHD", and lost their medication provider; some continued to succeed, while others had failure.
So what does this mean for you? If you notice that you need multiple to-do lists, that you rely on others to help you get things done, that you put things off until the last minute, or that you can not pay attention in meetings, you may be suffering with adult ADHD. Having completed his fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Mirza is thoroughly well-versed in ADHD and its symptoms and the most effective and newest treatments, and most importantly, with a caring and non-judgmental mindset. Reach out to LouCouPsych, and let us help you become the best version of you!