2023-10-02 12:04:00
Reminder on ADHD (in children) : we speak of attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity only if the following 3 conditions are met:
- 1/ ADHD occurs before the age of 12,
- 2/ it lasts more than 6 months,
- 3/ it impacts theschool learningsocial relationships and quality of life and then constitute a real handicap for the child.
What is attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity?
If ADHD is mainly used towards children, it happens that ADHD diagnosed during childhood persists into adulthood and even that a first diagnosis of ADHD is established in adulthood. In the majority of cases, ADHD is present and identified in childhood.
As in children, the attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) is defined by the association, according to variable modalities, of:
- an attention deficit,
- motor hyperactivity,
- impulsiveness1.
In adults, ADHD is frequently associated with other disorders, such as anxiety disorders (34%), mood disorders (22%), personality disordersaddictive disorders, substance use behavior disorders and sleep disorders2. ADHD is recognized as a disease by the WHO.
ADHD in adults, what are the risks?
In adults – as in children, ADHD impacts professional life, social relationships as well as quality of life. Among the plausible repercussions, according to the High Authority of Health (HAS)2 :
- mental and physical nervousness,
- sleeping troubles,
- emotional instability,
- instability of professional trajectories,
- domestic accidents,
- traffic accidents with increased mortality rates,
- early addictions,
- an increase in suicide attempts.
ADHD in adulthood, who is affected?
For some time now, ADHD has seen renewed interest thanks to social networks and many individuals identify with this illness. The reality of the figures is quite different:
- 15% of children with ADHD would continue to exhibit clinical features that would meet diagnostic criteria at age 25
- 50% of children with ADHD continue to suffer from significant alterations in several areas in adulthood, notably: learning, social functioning, risky behavior, maintaining employment, etc.
What causes ADHD?
To date, the causes of attention deficit disorder – with or without hyperactivity – remain unknown.
ADHD in adults, what are the symptoms?
Yes, yes Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), lists the symptoms of ADHD in children, there is no real list for adults. But the most observed symptoms are:
- Difficulty concentrating especially for long periods of time,
- Easily distracted,
- Propensity to act without thinking,
- Poor time management,
- Impulsiveness,
- Low self-esteem,
- Fatigue,
- Lack of motivation.
These symptoms will tend to have an impact on several areas both in the professional sphere and on a relational level.
To diagnose this disorder in adults, a clinical examination is used during which tools can be used such as:
- the Adult ADHD Self report Rating Scale (ASRS), validated by the WHO
- the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS)
At present, there are no recommendations for the identification of adult patients. Most of the time, ADHD diagnosis in adulthood is obtained when health professionals seek to clarify a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
The treatment of ADHD depends on the associated disorders, it most often combines:
- psychotherapy
- psychoeducation
And, possibly, drug treatment.
1. Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity in children (ADHD), ameli.fr
2. Neurodevelopmental disorder/ADHD: Identification, diagnosis and treatment of adults, High Authority of Health (HAS).
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