[ADHD. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

Recent studies, including the National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital’s “Evaluation of Changes in Medical Use and Mortality After Applying Insurance Benefits to Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diseases” have shown that ADHD can affect adult mortality. 

Compared to the control group, people with ADHD had a  mortality rate 3.5 times higher and suicide rate 2.75 time higher than non-ADHD people.

ADHD(Attention Deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is widely considered a pediatric disorder and may not be noticed after adolescence. 

It is often undiagnosed in adults, and the resultant impaired quality of life heavily affects these adults. 

ADHD is a mental disorder that is widely known to affect children and teenagers, occurring during or after procreation. 

Children with ADHD mainly have difficulty with continuous attention, concentration, and ability to complete tasks, while others show hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Some or all of these symptoms may appear in one individual. 

ADHD might result in hyperactive and impulsive action, but it is not a behavioral disorder. 

Since ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the treatment often requires medication, a structured environment, school intervention measures, and parenting techniques. 

Neurological differences continue into adulthood, and about half of the people with ADHD continue to experience behavioral symptoms in adulthood. 

However, there is a lack of awareness and attention toward ADHD in adults. 

The symptoms of ADHD in adults are similar to ADHD in children. 

Symptoms include difficulty concentrating and completing tasks, fidgeting, extreme mood change, and difficulty maintaining relationships. 

However, ADHD during adulthood can be more difficult to diagnose, because symptoms can be similar to other mental illness symptoms such as mood and anxiety disorders. 

Adults who misuse alcohol and recreational drugs may also experience similar symptoms. 

Doctors encourage adults to complete a questionnaire to diagnose ADHD, but doctors may also need to review school records to identify patterns of distraction or impulsive behavior. 

Since it is hard to diagnose ADHD in adults, many adults are living without knowing whether they have ADHD, even though the worldwide prevalence of ADHD in adults is estimated at more than 2.5%, according to the World Health Organization. 

In addition, adult ADHD is a disorder  that is likely to develop comorbidities. About 84% of adult ADHD patients suffer from one or more comorbidities. 

In particular, it is a disorder with a high possibility of mood disorders or addiction because it is difficult to control emotions or suppress impulses. 

This is another reason why identifying adult ADHD is harder than identifying ADHD in children. 

Another issue  that we should give attention to is that many people simply label adults with ADHD as people who are weird and awkward. 

Depending on the degree, there are cases where normal social life is difficult due to severe symptoms.  Yet, there is a lack of awareness of the issues that those with ADHD face. 

Many people think of ADHD as a disease that makes someone easily distracted and turns it into the fault of the person with ADHD. 

This incorrect stereotype leads adults with ADHD to have more severe symptoms and more difficulties in receiving treatment. 

Thus, awareness about ADHD is crucial to  promote understanding and reduce the stigma surrounding the condition. 

By raising awareness, individuals and communities can recognize the challenges faced by adults with ADHD and provide appropriate support. 

Social help for adults with ADHD can include creating supportive environments, offering access to healthcare services, and promoting educational accommodations and workplace support. 

Through increased awareness and social assistance, society can empower adults with ADHD to thrive and promote a more inclusive and understanding society.