ADHD can cause havoc in adult sufferers’ lives

Certain behaviours can negatively impact their lives and even their careers

Adults are not immune to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is often considered to be a condition that only affects children.

July is Mental Illness Month and many conditions have come under the spotlight.

ADHD often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. It may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships and difficulty at school or work.

East London-based psychiatrist Dr Ntandazo Puzi said it was easier to diagnose ADHD in children. He then hastened to say adults who have the condition, had it as children but it may have gone undiagnosed.

Puzi said ADHD fell into three categories: inattentive, hyperactive and combined.

Some of the symptoms experienced by adults include finding it hard to: Follow directions; Remember information; Concentrate; Organise tasks; and Finish work on time. Adults with ADHD also: Easily get bored;

Have mood swings; Fidget a lot;

Are easily irritated; and Exhibit risk-taking behaviour.

Pharmaceutical company Novartis South Africa CEO Dr Thomas Kowallik said adults with ADHD often learn to control many of the behaviours exhibited by children.

“However, they may still exhibit certain behaviours that can negatively impact their lives, their relationships and even their careers. Adult ADHD is a chronic disorder which needs chronic treatment.”