Attention Deficit in Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis and How to Treat

O attention deficit (or deficit)In adults it is a more common condition than one might imagine, but it is also one of the most frequently underdiagnosed.

Many people grow up with attention difficulties without ever having received adequate support in childhood, and only in adulthood, do they realize that these difficulties continue to impact work, organization, memory and even self-esteem.

In this article, we explain the symptoms, how to identify these signs and how the diagnostic process works. ✨

‍

What is Attention Deficit in Adults?

The Attention Deficit is subordinated to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, with the predominance of an inattentive pattern and without the presence of difficulties in impulsivity/hyperactivity.

In this way, it is a Neurodevelopmental Disorder that significantly affects the performance of daily living activities, including in the professional field.

The evaluation of Attention Deficit is carried out through psychological evaluation tests, the collection of developmental information and the difficulties of daily life.

Pharmacological intervention is one of the most common methods of treatment, but sometimes it brings side effects that interfere with quality of life and well-being, not providing the desired results in the long term.

In addition, there are often other associated conditions, such as Anxiety Disordersand emotional difficulties related to low self-esteem.

‍

Symptoms of Attention Deficit in Adults

Symptoms in adulthood may vary from person to person, but follow a pattern described in international clinical manuals.

The most common symptoms of attention deficit include:

🔷 Not paying attention to details and carelessly making mistakes in tasks/activities;

🔶 Difficulty paying and maintaining attention in tasks and activities;

🔷 Not paying attention to what is being said (e.g. it looks like you are in another place);

🔶 Difficulty following instructions;

🔷 Difficulties in the organization and planning of tasks/activities, in time management and in meeting deadlines;

🔶 Frequent loss of things necessary for the execution of tasks/activities;

🔷 Frequent forgetfulness in daily activities;

🔶 Low resistance to frustration;

🔷 Download self-esteem.

These symptoms tend to affect professional and personal life, leading many adults to feel “disorganized”, “inattentive” or with the feeling that they try harder than others for the same tasks.

‍

How do I know if I have Attention Deficit?

If you identify several of the above symptoms, this does not automatically mean that you have attention deficit. The diagnosis is clinical and requires acareful evaluationconducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in adult neurodevelopment.

Some signs that may warrant an evaluation:

⚠️ Organizational difficulties that persist since childhood

⚠️ Trouble keeping focus at work

⚠️ “Lock” feeling when you need to start tasks

⚠️ Chronic procrastination

⚠️ Recurring forgetfulness

⚠️ Family history of PHDA (the genetic component is very relevant)

‍

Many adults seek help only when they realize that these difficulties continue to impact their professional, financial or emotional life.

There are adults who present only this inattentive pattern - the so-called attention deficit without hyperactivity. For this reason, they are often considered “calm” in childhood, but very distracted, dreamy or slow to organize tasks.

Yes the attention deficit with hyperactivityin adults it involves both inattention and impulsivity and internal agitation. These adults may have difficulty waiting for their turn, interrupting conversations, or feeling constant restlessness.

The distinction between these forms is important, but the functional impact (what affects the day to day) is always the main clinical criterion.

‍

How is Attention Deficit Diagnosis in Adults Made?

The diagnostic process tends to include:

‍

1. Detailed clinical interview

History of life, development, behavioral functioning and pattern of symptoms since childhood - something essential, given that it is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Scales and questionnaires validated for this purpose are used here.

‍

2. Structured psychological assessment

It may include tests of attention, memory, executive functions and other cognitive parameters.

‍

3. Differential evaluation

It is important to exclude other conditions that can mimic symptoms of inattention, such as anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation or thyroid disorders, for example.

‍

👉 We, at NeuroImprove, also use a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG) to learn more about the brain activity of children and adolescents that we assess daily.

The diagnosis should always be made by professionals with training in the area of neurodevelopment, such as psychologists and psychiatrists.

‍

Attention Deficit in Adults: How to Treat?

The most common treatment involves:

‍

💊 Pharmacological intervention

Stimulants and non-stimulants prescribed by a psychiatrist. They are effective, but can cause side effects, such as loss of appetite, insomnia or irritability.

‍

🥼 Psychotherapy focused on executive functions

Helps in time organization, impulsivity management, priorities and routines.

‍

🤓 Behavioral strategies

• Use of diaries and reminders
• Divide large tasks into small steps
• Create stable routines
• Reduce external distractions

Generally, these strategies are usually deepened by the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

‍

🧘 Mindfulness techniques and emotional regulation

Meditations and other styles of practice Mindfulnesscan improve resistance to frustration and sustained attention.

‍

🤗 Support for associated conditions

Anxiety, low self-esteem and emotional difficulties are very common, and treating them significantly improves daily performance.

‍

👉 We at NeuroImprove also use the Neurofeedbackas a brain training that promotes regulation of brain waves that may be unbalanced in children and adolescents with attention deficit.

‍

Understanding attention deficit in adults is also understanding today's children

Attention deficit in adults is real, persistent and impacts several areas of life.

Recognizing the symptoms, understanding the diagnostic process and knowing the therapeutic options is an important step for those who feel that “it has always been like this”, but did not know why.

At NeuroImprove, we work mainly with children and adolescents, helping them to develop attention skills, self-regulation and organization from an early age.

We believe that understanding attention deficit in adults also supports families who wish to recognize signs more quickly in their children, promoting a more balanced and autonomous development throughout life. 💙

‍

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. https://www.cruzvermelha.pt/images/pdf/DSM-5.pdf 

Johnson, J., Morris, S., & George, S. (2020). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: what the non-specialist needs to know. British journal of hospital medicine (London, England: 2005), 81 (3), 1—11. https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2019.0188 

Research consortium for non-pharmacological interventions on ADHD, Dentz, A., Soelch, C. M., Fahim, C., Torsello, A., Parent, V., Ponsioen, A., Guay, M. C., Bioulac-Rogier, S., Clement, C., Bader, M., & Romo, L. (2024). Non-pharmacological treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD). Overzicht en rapport van de eerste internationale symposium op de nonn-pharmacologische beheer van ADHD. L'Encephale, 50 (3), 309—328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.encep.2023.04.010