This post introduces the topic of what it is like to have ADHD in men, how to identify symptoms, and possible treatment options, including medication and therapy.
Recently ADHD has gotten a lot of attention in the news, as the neurodevelopmental disorder appears to be on the rise across the population.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) describes people with ADHD as showing “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.”
Because it is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, at least several of the symptoms need to have been present in childhood (prior to age 12).
ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in children.
Boys are diagnosed at two to three times the rate of girls, particularly because they often manifest the condition with more obvious, external symptoms such as hyperactivity.
With therapy and medication, some children grow out of ADHD before they reach adulthood.
However, many adults have ADHD and don’t know it, because their symptoms flew under the radar during childhood.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 4% of the population can be described as having ADHD. It occurs more often in men (5.3%) than in women (3.2%).
Science has yet to determine what causes ADHD, but it appears to be a combination of genetics and environmental triggers.
No medically reviewed evidence suggests it is caused by factors such as diet, lifestyle or family dynamics.
Signs of ADHD in men can vary dramatically, but can include difficulty with organization, wandering thoughts, intensive fidgeting, frequent mood swings, time management struggles, procrastination, challenges setting priorities, distraction, and fatigue.
Less common signs include: frequent need for bathroom breaks, seeking thrills, cell phone addiction, and a tendency to interrupt others.
People who recognize those symptoms – and find they impact their quality of life – should talk to a doctor about being thoroughly examined.
The examination might include: a physical exam, health questionnaires and psychological testing.
Often people use medication to manage their symptoms – with the help of input from their doctor.
However, there are also a number of lifestyle and behavioral modifications that can be helpful in mitigating the impact of ADHD on one’s everyday life.
A good ADHD psychologist can help adults with ADHD identify the symptoms of ADHD that are negatively impacting their life and help strategize approaches to deal with them. Recommendations include:
Eliminate problematic situations when possible; create a contingency plan for unavoidable situations in which you know you will struggle (asking for breaks during long meetings, finding a podcast to listen to on a car trip); communicate with others about how they can support you; learn to increase your tolerance of discomfort by engaging in activities such as yoga, running or martial arts.
Men with ADHD tend to need certain things as part of their self-care: regular exercise and sleep, a calm environment, and good communication.
By incorporating these important elements into daily life, along with regular medical and psychological care, it’s possible to live a satisfying life with ADHD.