MHM Magazine

Issue 1 | 2025 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 9 MHM Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often perceived as a childhood condition, but it is increasingly recognised as a persistent disorder that extends into adulthood. While childhood ADHD typically manifests as hyperactivity and disruptive behaviour, adult ADHD presents differently, with symptoms such as chronic disorganisation, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining attention. For healthcare providers, understanding the nuances of adult ADHD is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. This article explores the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and evidence-based treatment approaches for adult ADHD, emphasising the importance of early identification and patient- centred care. Defining ADHD in Adults ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity- impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. The brain functions like a complex city, with neurotransmitters acting as vehicles transporting messages along different pathways. In ADHD, dysfunction in dopamine and norepinephrine pathways impairs executive function, attention, and emotional regulation. There are three subtypes of ADHD: 1. Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADHD-PI): Characterised by daydreaming, forgetfulness, and difficulty organising tasks. 2. Predominantly Hyperactive- Impulsive Type (ADHD-HI): Marked by restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty remaining seated or quiet. 3. Combined Type (ADHD-C): A mixture of inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, many adults remain undiagnosed until they face significant challenges in their personal or professional lives. By Dr. Gagu Matsebula Psychiatrist UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING ADULT ADHD: XSA CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE MHM | 2025 | Volume 12 | Issue 1 | Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD: A Clinical Per p ctive MHM