Living Well With ADHD Across the Lifespan

Abstract

Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are drawn against a number of challenges including staying on task or taking extended time to complete, having trouble listening attentively, or difficulty sitting still. In the past, it was thought that children with ADHD would eventually outgrow the symptoms of the disorder. However, children generally continue to show symptoms of the disorder well into adulthood. The presence of ADHD transforms over the course of a person's lifespan, and the way in which the disorder affects children also changes dramatically when they are older. In adults, one of the core difficulties is executive functioning, which results in restlessness, disorganisation, deviating attention, procrastination, impulsive decision making, and more. In order to prevent the development and escalation of more deviant behaviours, early assessment and treatment program for ADHD should be considered from young age. A highly effective treatment practice for ADHD is a multi-modal approach that combines both pharmacological and behavioural interventions.