ADHD in Older Adults - It takes one to know one
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 65. I was prescribed some meds and noticed the positive impact within one hour of taking the first dose. I can look back on my career and see a number of instances where ADHD impacted my performance both positively and negatively. I suspect that some of my peers aren't aware that this condition is something to consider and hence this post. If you don't have time to read it all, please take a quick scan of the section about reduced life expectancy. The italicised sections are taken from articles about the work of Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. In typical ADHD fashion, I cannot find the original articles to attribute ??
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not just a problem for children. Many adults also struggle with this condition, which can affect their daily functioning, relationships, work, and mental health. In fact, ADHD may be more common in older adults than previously thought, as many cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
I was diagnosed because my wife spoke about some of my behaviors that were driving her nuts with our couple's counsellor. He recognized them and asked me if I'd take a test. I agreed and I aced the test. This was my second wife speaking up by the way. ADHD is hard on relationships, and I know it was a contributing factor to the end of my first marriage.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a mental health condition that involves a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with normal functioning and development. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, but some people may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood.
I was diagnosed at the age of 65.
ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person, but they typically include:
- Difficulty paying attention, staying focused, or following instructions, or the opposite, hyperfocus.
?BTW, I'm really good at hyperfocus.?
- Trouble organizing, prioritizing, or completing tasks
- Tendency to lose or misplace things
Did I mention I can't find the original articles?
- Frequent forgetfulness or absent-mindedness
- Restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty sitting still
- Low frustration tolerance, irritability, or mood swings
- Impulsiveness, such as acting without thinking, interrupting others, or making rash decisions.
And there's partaking in high-risk activities. I have photos to prove it! There is also a strong connection between ADHD and addiction.
ADHD is not a sign of low intelligence or laziness. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain processes information and regulates behavior. The exact causes of ADHD are not fully understood, but they may involve genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
When I told my brother about my diagnosis, he asked, "how did you get through university" and I said, in engineering, we didn't have to memorize stuff. I would not have made a good doctor!
How does ADHD affect older adults?
ADHD can affect older adults in different ways, depending on their life circumstances, coexisting conditions, and coping strategies. Some older adults with ADHD may have learned to manage their symptoms over time and found ways to use their strengths and talents. Others may have experienced lifelong challenges and difficulties that have affected their self-esteem, education, career, finances, and relationships.
?Some of the common problems that older adults with ADHD may face include:
?- Poor memory and concentration: Older adults with ADHD may have trouble remembering names, appointments, medications, or important information. They may also have difficulty concentrating on tasks or conversations, especially if there are distractions or interruptions.
- Disorganization and procrastination: Older adults with ADHD may struggle with keeping their home, paperwork, or finances in order. They may have trouble planning ahead, setting goals, or following through on projects. They may also tend to put off things until the last minute or avoid them altogether.
?A symptom I deal with is having a different perception of time. I've learned that with ADHD, there is "now" and "not now". I may be a total wizard with spreadsheets, and I have a great understanding of project management and finance, and I struggle with planning and budgeting.
?- Social isolation and relationship issues: Older adults with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining friendships and social connections. They may feel misunderstood, rejected, or criticized by others. They may also have trouble communicating effectively, listening attentively, or expressing their emotions appropriately.
Another symptom is a combination of not being able to filter sound and slow processing of language. I usually cannot process conversations when I'm in a group of peers, friends, co-workers - that's called "a meeting", and it’s even more frustrating when it’s my family. I can't determine when to interject with a new topic. I faked it through a lot of meetings at work.
- Anxiety and depression: Older adults with ADHD may experience anxiety and depression as a result of their chronic stress and frustration. They may also have low self-confidence and self-worth due to their perceived failures and shortcomings. They may feel hopeless, helpless, or worthless.
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- Substance abuse: Older adults with ADHD may be more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs as a way of coping with their symptoms or emotional problems. They may also be more prone to addiction or dependence due to their impulsivity and lack of self-control.
- Health problems: Older adults with ADHD may have more physical health problems than their peers without ADHD. They may neglect their health care needs, forget to take their medications, or engage in risky behaviors that increase their chances of injury or illness. They may also have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and sleep disorders.
Hyperfocus
One of the most common traits of people with ADHD is hyperfocus.
This would be my ADHD superpower.?
Hyperfocus is the ability to concentrate intensely on a task or activity for a prolonged period of time, often to the exclusion of everything else. Hyperfocus can be a useful skill, especially when it comes to creative or challenging projects that require sustained attention and effort. However, hyperfocus can also have some drawbacks, such as:
- Losing track of time and neglecting other responsibilities or commitments, resulting in a very frustrated spouse.
- Ignoring signals of hunger, thirst, fatigue, or discomfort
- Becoming irritated or defensive when interrupted or distracted
- Having difficulty switching tasks or stopping the activity
- Experiencing a crash or a slump after the hyperfocus ends
Hyperfocus is not a conscious choice, but rather a result of how the ADHD brain processes stimuli and rewards. People with ADHD tend to have low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates motivation, pleasure, and attention. When they find something that stimulates their interest and provides immediate feedback, their dopamine levels spike and they become absorbed in the activity. This can make them feel more alert, engaged, and productive.
However, not all activities that trigger hyperfocus are beneficial or enjoyable. Sometimes, people with ADHD may hyperfocus on things that are boring, stressful, or unpleasant, such as video games, social media, online shopping, or work-related tasks. This can lead to procrastination, anxiety, guilt, or frustration. It can also interfere with their relationships, health, and well-being.
Probably the worst activity for me is watching TV and I avoid it now.
And it’s not all bad! It's been said that adults with ADHD are great at thinking outside the box because we are blissfully unaware that there is a box. In my career, I've had a number of assignments that I now realize my neuro-typical peers couldn't deal with. I've had bosses tell me that they gave me these particular assignments because they knew I could do them.
Once I was prescribed some ADHD specific meds, I noticed the positive impact within one hour of taking the first dose. I was not expecting to feel a difference so quickly. It was like bursting out of a bubble. Have you ever bought paint and had the store put the paint can in the mixer for a few minutes to stir it up? I realize that's what my mind was like for the first 65 years of my life. And suddenly the mixer was turned off. Amazing.
How ADHD Affects the Life Expectancy of Older Adults
ADHD can have a significant impact on the quality of life of older adults, as they may face challenges in their daily functioning, work opportunities, relationships, and physical and mental health. Moreover, ADHD may also affect the quantity of life of older adults, as recent research suggests that ADHD can reduce life expectancy by as much as 13 years.
The Link Between ADHD and Reduced Life Expectancy
In a landmark study published in 2015, Dr. Russell Barkley and his colleagues followed a group of 551 children with ADHD and 365 control children for more than 30 years. They found that compared to the control group, adults with ADHD could expect to have 11 to 13 years cut off their lives compared to neurotypical peers of a similar age and health profile. The researchers also found that patients whose ADHD persisted into adulthood saw an additional five-year reduction in life expectancy.
The main reason for this reduced life expectancy was the increased risk of accidental death among people with ADHD. The study found that people with ADHD were more likely to die from unintentional injuries such as car crashes, falls, drownings, poisonings, and fires. The researchers attributed this to the impairments in executive functioning, self-regulation, and attention that are associated with ADHD.
Another reason for the reduced life expectancy was the increased risk of comorbid conditions among people with ADHD. The study found that people with ADHD were more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. These conditions can shorten the lifespan and worsen the quality of life of people with ADHD.
The good news is that the reduced life expectancy associated with ADHD is not inevitable. Dr. Barkley and his colleagues found that the risk of premature death was reversible if people with ADHD received adequate diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
ADHD is a serious condition that can affect not only the quality but also the quantity of life of older adults. However, by getting proper diagnosis and treatment and by adopting positive lifestyle changes and coping strategies, older adults with ADHD can improve their life expectancy and live longer and happier lives.
Since my diagnosis and start of medication, my life is different and better:
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1 年Thank you so much for sharing Mark Perrin. We never stop learning about ourselves and glad you have had this posituve outcome!
Director of Business Development
1 年Thanks for sharing your story Mark. I'm glad you are feeling better, much respect!
CCO I Chief Connection Officer
1 年Wow! This is truly an amazing article to read and share. Curious to know how many other peeps are misdiagnosed. Thank you Mark Perrin for caring and sharing on this platform. It’s horrible how there is (still) such a stigmatism associated with mental health. That being said, I love how you relate to this challenge as being your “super-power”. The more awareness we bring to causes such as this, the more accepted they become. In fact, illnesses such as ADHD can and are being transformed - just as you have written in this article. I love the saying “transform your pain into purpose”. And that is exactly what you are doing! Kudos to you!!