ADHD Isn’t Just for Kids

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often viewed as a childhood condition, but that’s only one part of the story. ADHD doesn’t go away as you age, and many adults continue to experience its effects long after they’ve outgrown the classroom. 

Some people may not even realize they have ADHD until adulthood when challenges at work, in relationships, or in managing daily tasks bring the symptoms to light. In fact, about half of the 15.5 million American adults with ADHD were diagnosed as adults.

Whether you’re an adult with a new diagnosis or someone who’s been diagnosed since childhood, we’ve got your back. Lisa Webb, MBA, MPH, PsyD, and Ken Robins, MS, PhD, offer comprehensive ADHD care here at Body & Mind Consulting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

If you need help managing ADHD symptoms — or suspect that you might have ADHD symptoms — don’t hesitate to visit us. In the meantime, take a moment to learn more about ADHD in adults.

What to know about adult ADHD

ADHD isn’t something you grow out of. Rather, people with ADHD struggle with executive function skills. When you have executive dysfunction, your brain struggles with tasks related to memory, prioritization, and organization.

Hyperactivity, a hallmark of childhood ADHD, may evolve into restlessness or constant activity. This is why some people think they outgrew their ADHD: it evolved. Now, you might hop from activity to activity, you might struggle with a constant stream of ideas, or you might have a hard time staying organized at work.

In other words: ADHD in your adult years can look different than it did during your childhood.

Symptoms like impulsivity, trouble staying organized, difficulty focusing, or forgetfulness can disrupt careers, strain relationships, and impact your self-esteem. 

These issues aren’t signs of laziness or lack of effort; they’re the result of brain chemistry that requires specialized support and strategies — support our team can provide.

Why ADHD in adults is often overlooked

ADHD in adults is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Adults may attribute their struggles to stress, lack of sleep, or a busy schedule. While it’s true that stress, lack of sleep, and busyness can contribute to forgetfulness, ADHD can create issues with executive function skills even when you’re well-rested.

To compound matters, ADHD can also occur at the same time as depression or anxiety — this is called a comorbidity when that happens — so you might not realize you’re dealing with ADHD at first.

The stigma surrounding ADHD can also discourage people from seeking help. However, recognizing and treating ADHD can transform your ability to manage daily life and unlock your full potential.

Thankfully, our team can help you do just that.

Getting help for adult ADHD

ADHD is highly treatable at any age. Effective treatment often includes a combination of lifestyle changes, such as exercise and dietary adjustments, medication management, and therapy to build organizational skills, time management strategies, and emotional regulation.

The Body & Mind Consulting team doesn’t stop there. We also:

• Use brain wave mapping to learn more about your brain and shape your treatment plan
• Offer rain wave synchronization with Sonal Braincare™ to sharpen your executive function skills like organization and time management
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to help reprocess memories and improve emotional regulation
• Implement the emotional freedom technique (EFT) to release stored emotional energy 
• Help with sleep restoration
• Recommend the right supplements and nutraceuticals to support your specific wellness needs

If you’ve been struggling with focus, follow-through, or emotional control, it’s worth exploring whether ADHD might be the cause.

To experience comprehensive and holistic ADHD care for yourself, call our office to get started. You can also book an appointment online.