[Health in the 100-Year Life Era] Adult ADHD Counseling, Don't Feel Burdened

Attention Easily Shaken by Various Factors
Accurate Diagnosis Requires Doctor's Help

These days, the term adult ADHD is becoming more familiar. Not only on broadcast programs but also on online media, there is a lot of content dealing with adult ADHD, and there are cases where people cry uncontrollably after being diagnosed, realizing they have lived their whole lives unaware of having ADHD. It is gratifying and fortunate that people who have struggled can receive appropriate help. Social interest in adult ADHD is also felt in the clinic.

Mr. A, in his 30s, came to the hospital after searching for information on an internet cafe. Mr. A’s son was diagnosed with ADHD and started medication, and through that process, he realized that he had similar symptoms when he was young. It was routine for him to forget his lunchbox at school, and he would inevitably leave out necessary items unless his mother prepared them for him. During class, he was often scolded for chatting with the friend next to him, and instead of underlining sentences in the history textbook, he was busy drawing mustaches on pictures of historical figures. In high school, he managed to pull himself together and lived diligently, and now he has a job at a company. However, during company meetings, if the meeting lasted a bit long, his concentration would drop, causing him to miss important information and awkwardly ask those around him. He was also told he lacked sincerity due to repeatedly making typos in important documents. He struggled to organize his tasks after arriving at work and always ended up rushing to finish work about 30 minutes past the deadline. Even when working on urgent tasks, if a message notification popped up on his phone, he would suddenly find himself shopping online unexpectedly. After consulting with a doctor at the hospital and undergoing cognitive function tests including attention, Mr. A was diagnosed with adult ADHD and started medication treatment.

It is not easy to visit a psychiatrist and receive an evaluation for ADHD. However, taking medication is an even more hesitant decision. The first concern is the side effects of the medication. Although there are some differences depending on the drug, the most common side effects of ADHD medication are decreased appetite or insomnia. In other words, serious side effects are rare. Other possible side effects include slight increases in blood pressure and pulse. Even in cases with existing cardiovascular disease, medication is not contraindicated but requires appropriate evaluation and follow-up observation. The commonly feared drug addiction is rare.

Then, how effective is the medication? It is effective in more than half of the cases. However, individual experiences can vary greatly. Some people say it feels like their ears have opened, and they wonder if others’ words have always been this clear, and that their minds feel organized. But others say they do not notice much difference. If the response is not clear, it is necessary to try medications from other classes or carefully reconsider the accuracy of the diagnosis.

While it is encouraging that many people receive help due to increased interest in adult ADHD, there is also some concern because the diagnosis is difficult. In fact, there are various factors that affect attention. If someone is depressed and feels everything is bothersome and unpleasant, their concentration can drop, and concentration can also decrease when tense or anxious. Even having the flu with a fever can reduce concentration. This is why ADHD cannot be diagnosed based on decreased concentration alone. Many adults who come to the hospital with concentration problems have these accompanying symptoms, and in some cases, they are diagnosed with depression rather than adult ADHD. However, these concerns are the responsibility of experts, not those seeking help, so I want to ask people not to feel burdened about counseling.

Lee Taeyeop, Professor, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Seoul Asan Medical Center

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.