ADHD in Adults 

ADHD in Adults – Guardian featured Harley Street IBS & Autoimmune Clinic addresses the underlying issues, not just the symptoms in treatment for ADHD in adults.

ADHD in Adults: ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Some people call it ADD, but ADHD is the correct name for it. There are 3 main types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type. Anyone can have moments of being inattentive, impulsive, or hyperactive.

Adults with ADHD, however, experience these symptoms repeatedly and in a way that is severe enough to have an impact at home, at school/work, or in social situations. ADHD can be a lifelong condition yet symptoms in adults may be less noticeable than those in children (ages 6-17), though they are just as important to identify.

Symptoms of inattention

• Often makes careless mistakes and lacks attention to details
• Examples: overlooking or missing details or handing in work that is inaccurate
• Often has difficulty paying attention to tasks
• Example: difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy readings
• Often seems to not listen when spoken to directly
• Example: mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of obvious distraction
• Often fails to follow through on instructions, chores, or duties in the workplace
• Example: starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked
• Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities
• Examples: messy, disorganised work; poor time management; fails to meet deadlines
• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to participate in tasks requiring sustained mental effort, like preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers
• Often loses things like tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and mobile phones
• Often easily distracted by other things, including unrelated thoughts
• Often forgetful in daily activities, such as running errands, returning calls, paying bills, and keeping appointments

Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity

• Often fidgets with or taps hands and feet, or squirms in seat
• Often leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
• Example: leaves their place in the office or other workplace setting or in other situations that require remaining seated
• Often runs or climbs where it is inappropriate or feels restless (in adults, may be limited to feeling restless)
• Often unable to participate in leisure activities quietly
• Often acts as if “on the go” or “driven by a motor”
• Example: is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for an extended time, as in meetings or restaurants
• Often talks excessively
• Often blurts out an answer before a question has been fully asked
• Examples: completes people’s sentences; cannot wait for next turn in conversation
• Often has difficulty waiting his or her turn, for example, while waiting in line
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others
• Examples: butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission; may intrude into or take over what others are doing

What Causes ADHD?

According to mainstream medicine, the causes of ADHD remain somewhat unclear. Is ADHD genetic? Research suggests that genetics and heredity play a large part in determining who gets attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, scientists are still investigating whether certain genes, especially ones linked to the neurotransmitter dopamine, play a defined role in developing ADHD. Additional research suggests that exposure to toxins and chemicals may increase a the risk of having ADHD.

Our Approach to ADHD in Adults

At the Harley Street IBS & Autoimmune Clinic, we take a comprehensive history and look into the root causes of symptoms, using cutting edge functional medicine tests. We then create a tailored treatment plan for each individual, using non pharmaceutical medicine to meet their unique needs, in our treatment for ADHD in adults.

We also address any gut issues, which are often associated with this condition.

References

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