ADHD in emerging young adulthood

Dr Asha Pemberton

ALTHOUGH often considered by parents to be primarily a concern of earlier childhood, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in young adulthood can present unique challenges and also opportunities. When symptoms remain unrecognised earlier in life or are inappropriately treated, they persist.

As young adults emerge from adolescence they may continue to experience a range of these symptoms with varying impact and intensity. These can affect all aspects of life including social functioning, education, employment and relationships. At a time when independence and effective decision-making are expected, such symptoms have the potential to be very deleterious on their lives.

In addition to the classic symptoms of difficulty sustaining attention, organising tasks, following through on instructions, in this population, ADHD can manifest in places of higher education or employment in other ways. Employers may struggle with issues of punctuality, managing duties or extreme procrastination. These lead to frequent losses of livelihood and frustration.

During pursuits of tertiary education, when course-loads and demands are high, ADHD manifests as delayed submissions, poor efforts in group work and sometimes failure. Some young people, after recognising their symptoms, become disillusioned and may frequently change programmes or even drop out altogether.

Parents often become frustrated when their young adult children seem totally disengaged from university or college, not realising that untreated symptoms of ADHD are the actual cause. Treatment is possible.

Young adulthood is a time when deeper relationships form between young people. These experiences create the foundation for longer-term connections and family development. Poorly managed ADHD leads to impulsivity, poor emotional regulation and disrupted communication, all of which strain and damage relationships. In addition, frequent outbursts, arguments and conflict all arise due to emotional duress.

On a positive note, young people who have ADHD are highly creative and innovative. Although they struggle with structure and routine in some aspects of live, they are capable of channelling high energy into other pursuits. This can be an asset and leads to high productivity in areas of their interest.

This is an opportunity for positive reinforcement by parents and carers who can encourage youth to engage and be consistent in treatment strategies.

Treatment options for ADHD in adulthood are available and effective. Behavioural management options may be self-directed or supported by life coaches and others with expertise working with young adults. These include establishing regular schedules and engagement of an accountability check.

Our current cohort of young adults are truly digital natives. There are many online tools and apps that can aid in creating schedules, setting reminders and managing tasks. Some affected young adults will require specialist interventions including medication treatment and specific mental health therapies.

The decisions as to which management techniques are most appropriate will require assessment. In order to avail young adults of the options available, there must first be acceptance by the young people themselves that behavioural concerns are occurring. This buy-in is essential and must be coupled with removal of any stigma. Following this, the support of parents, friends or partners is required to add that additional layer of accountability.

With consistent application of interventions, holistic life improvement is absolutely possible and completely supportive toward a more functional, enjoyable and productive young adult life.