Listen | ADHD is often first noticed in adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD (ADHD in English) among adults is currently receiving much more attention than before, but this does not necessarily mean that the syndrome has suddenly developed more among adults.

Dr. Pierre Cronje, clinical psychologist, says that ADHD-related symptoms are in most cases already visible from a young age, but may not be recognized or understood until adulthood.

A reason for this may be because in the past, ADHD has been associated with a stereotypical image of hyperactive boys, while the condition is often better suited to people who are dreamy, forgetful, internally restless or chronically disorganized.

“Such people are easily overlooked because their actions are not disruptive, especially girls and children who have done quite well academically,” says Cronje.

“Many adults are only diagnosed later when life demands increase, for example at university, due to high work pressure, a problematic or stressful marriage, financial obligations or parenthood which puts greater pressure on planning, organization and time management. This is when the person begins to realize that they constantly struggle to ‘keep up’.”

The modern lifestyle also places enormous demands on people’s attention and concentration levels, further contributing to ADHD which is more noticeable these days.

“Even people without ADHD often feel overstimulated and fragmented, but the difference lies in the fact that ADHD is usually a long-lasting pattern that starts early in life and causes noticeable problems in various areas of the person’s functioning,” explains Cronje.

“When ADHD is never recognized or treated, the impact it has on someone’s life can accumulate over years. Some adults develop ways to compensate and function quite well, but many live with a constant feeling that they are not reaching their potential.

“For example, their life can be characterized by the chronic procrastination of tasks, challenges to complete tasks, poor time management, financial problems due to impulsivity or disorganization, strain in relationships, frequent career-related stress or career change, low self-esteem and a feeling of constant overwhelm.

“Many people internalize the problem and begin to believe they are simply lazy, disorganized or not good enough.”

Maroela Media previously talked to a few celebrities, among them Abel Knobel and Christia Visser, who were first diagnosed with ADHD as adults.

Singer and songwriter Danny Smoke also has AGHS and told Maroela Media that he was almost 36 years old before he was diagnosed.

“I didn’t make much of my diagnosis at first because I felt I knew how to get by. I don’t think it was a word that even existed when I was growing up,” jokes Danny.

“After I was diagnosed, I started using medication. At first it worked very well for me. I suddenly started to feel like I could get things done, like answering an email or my messages. It’s already a well-known joke in the Afrikaans music industry that it’s easier to get a hold of Donald Trump than for me,” says Danny.

“But then my doses got stronger and stronger. I didn’t feel good anymore and stopped my medication. What’s good for me now is that I notice when my ADHD behavior patterns start to take over and how to get them right again.

“I think my diagnosis has helped me to identify and manage the behavioral patterns that affect me. I know that routine is important to me because it helps me to stay productive. I also know now that it is not something that comes naturally and I have to prioritize it deliberately.”

Cronje says that not everyone with ADHD needs medication, but he adds that pharmacological treatment, psychotherapy and structured routines can make a significant difference in people’s lives.

Adults often feel for the first time after treatment that their thoughts are less chaotic. Everyday tasks become less exhausting and is exactly what Danny and Christia experienced.

“I think if someone suspects that they have ADHD and their life is becoming uncomfortable, it is advisable to contact a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. Only then is a proper diagnosis made to determine whether the person does have ADHD,” says Cronje.

“Clinical psychologists cannot prescribe medication, but can be helpful with a diagnosis and psychotherapy. The latter usually forms a very important part of the treatment, because many people with ADHD have resulting problems and need techniques to manage them.

“Only a psychiatrist or general practitioner can legally prescribe medication. I would suggest that in the case of ADHD it would be wise to see a psychiatrist or specialist instead. There are several drugs on the market, much more than years ago, and a specialist will prescribe what suits each individual. Often there are also problems such as anxiety or depression present, and therefore working out a combination of medication requires specialist knowledge.”

However, Cronje emphasizes that even if medication can make someone with ADHD’s life significantly more bearable and easier for themselves and the people around them, it remains someone’s choice to use medication or not.

• Listen to the interview with Danny Smoke at the top of the report.