[Click! Health] "Dropping Work Concentration... Suspect Adult ADHD"

Advice has been issued emphasizing the need for rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients. This is because 70% of children with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood.

The photo is not related to the article content. [Photo source=Pixabay]

ADHD refers to a disorder characterized by persistent inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder caused by abnormalities in the circuits and development of specific brain regions. Symptoms typically begin in childhood, become noticeable during school age, and generally tend to decrease as individuals approach adulthood.

The symptoms of ADHD can be broadly divided into three categories: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Impulsivity and hyperactivity manifest as an inability to stay still, fidgeting, or difficulty remaining quiet in places or situations that require it. Inattention is characterized by difficulty concentrating and a lack of sustained focus on tasks.

According to an analysis of ADHD treatment status released by the National Health Insurance Service, the number of ADHD patients in South Korea increased by approximately 92.9%, from 53,056 in 2017 to 102,322 in 2021. In adult ADHD cases, patients often adapt to their behaviors over time and may not be aware of their condition, leading to a lack of treatment. It is especially important for those diagnosed with ADHD in childhood to receive continuous monitoring and treatment, as 70% of pediatric ADHD patients continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.

When symptoms persist into adulthood without remission, the condition is referred to as adult ADHD, which is explained to have no pathological difference from childhood ADHD. Adult ADHD patients particularly exhibit prominent inattention. Since adults often engage in tasks where results are delayed, they may seek immediate gratification, which can cause difficulties in studying or working. Emotional fluctuations can be significant, leading to interpersonal problems. Notably, impulsivity and hyperactivity are less pronounced in adult ADHD compared to childhood, making self-awareness more difficult.

Treatment for ADHD requires simultaneous pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Medications used include those from the 'methylphenidate' and 'atomoxetine' classes. Non-pharmacological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also be attempted. Medical experts advise that since these two treatment methods address different aspects, it is best to combine them for effective treatment.

ADHD can affect overall daily life and reduce quality of life. High impulsivity and decreased attention make it difficult to achieve high performance at work or in other goals, and social issues such as interpersonal relationship problems may arise. Due to these challenges, comorbid conditions such as depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and impulse control disorder may develop, making treatment crucial.

Professor Jisuhyuk of the Department of Psychiatry at Korea University Guro Hospital stated, "ADHD treatment plays a role in enhancing the availability of concentration that has not been fully expressed through therapy," and emphasized, "Waiting passively may cause one to miss the treatment window, so it is important to consult a specialist and receive treatment and continuous management."