ADHD In Men
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts millions of people worldwide. It is more frequently diagnosed in men than in women, particularly during childhood. The ratio of diagnosis is roughly 2:1, but this gap narrows in adulthood. The higher diagnosis rate in men could be related to observable hyperactive and impulsive behaviours, compared to the often subtler inattentive symptoms seen in women. In this blog, I will talk about how ADHD manifests in men, the challenges and effective strategies that can be considered for management.
Some common symptoms:
Inattention: Difficulties maintaining focus on tasks and conversations, making more careless mistakes, becoming easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts, frequently losing things (wallet, keys, phone), and struggle with organisation and time management.
Hyperactivity: Unable to sit still, fidget/move/tap hands and feet, feeling restless, excessive talking and interrupting others, and difficulty in engaging in quiet/leisurely activities.
Impulsivity: Making decisions hastily and not considering consequences and difficulty in waiting for one’s turn in activity/discussions.
Challenges
Educational and professional difficulties: Men with ADHD may struggle with academic performance and maintaining consistent work quality.
Interpersonal relationships: Impulsive behaviours and inattentiveness can place strain on relationships with friends, family and colleagues. Men with ADHD can find it challenging to maintain stable and fulfilling relationships.
Emotional regulation: ADHD can lead to difficulties in managing emotions, resulting in mood swings, frustrations and low self-esteem. Men with ADHD can be vulnerable to co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Risk-taking behaviours: The impulsivity associated can lead men to engage in risky behaviours including substance abuse, reckless driving, and unsafe sexual practices.
Effective strategies to manage ADHD
Medication: It is essential to work with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage for effective treatment. Your doctor can discuss with you what the best way would be. Sometimes it could mean seeing a psychologist for psychometric testing, before getting a referral to see a psychiatrist for official diagnosis and medication.
Therapy: Having an open and safe space to share your challenges could help in developing a personal approach to improve your life. Therapy can support with addressing emotion regulation, organisational skills, and impulsive behaviours, whilst being mindful of the co-occurring mental health conditions.
Lifestyle changes: Developing routine and structure, incorporating exercise, eating a well-balanced diet and practicing good sleep hygiene.
Support systems: Often times, we connect with others who are like us. Sharing your experiences and challenges with others who you feel comfortable and safe around can help reduce feelings of isolation.
As we can see, having the understanding and the right strategies and supports in place, men with ADHD can lead successful and fulfilling lives. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have ADHD, seeking professional help is the first step toward understanding and managing this disorder intentionally.
