Adult ADHD is a real thing
Unfortunately for adults, ADHD is often considered a “childhood” disorder. For several editions, the DSM focused the diagnostic criteria around early identification. While there is a growing belief among psychologists that adult ADHD is a “real” thing, the current diagnostic paradigm still provides a strong bias towards childhood and when the symptoms first appeared.
Regardless of when symptoms began, adult ADHD is not a ”childhood disease” that someone will outgrow. Adult ADHD has a physiological difference in the brain’s structure and neurochemistry often described as a deficiency in overall dopamine levels. Dopamine is responsible for feeling good and helps a person experience success upon completion of a project. Among other functions, dopamine is also assists with motor control, mood, memory, and attention. The low baseline dopamine level is what has lead to the distractibility “squirrel” prejudice of people with adult ADHD.
While I love empirical results, I’m not a therapist. It is not in my line of thinking to split hairs on who suffers from what because only three of the eight diagnostic criteria were met instead of the required five. What I’m concerned about is how someone’s “symptoms” interfere with how they want their life to be. My main diagnostic tools are question-based and include “are you happy?”, “are you operating at the level you want?”, “how does this impact your partner”, and “do you feel this is getting in the way of you living the life you want?”.
Roughly 60% of children with ADHD will continue to experience adult ADHD symptoms throughout adulthood. If, as an adult, you experience adult ADHD symptoms or are in a relationship with someone exhibiting adult ADHD symptoms, you know the impact adult ADHD can have. Don’t feel that you must make this journey alone. Littleton Couple’s Counseling provides both adult ADHD-informed couples counseling as well as adult ADHD coaching services.
Make an appointment today and take the first steps towards a more satisfying life.
