ADHD in men is not commonly overlooked; in fact, the subject is more often dealt with by females in our society. In today’s, a prospective clinical, especially male outpatient population has been studied regarding the frequency and intensity of an ADHD, in which sex differences have been of particular interest. These studies have shown that among men, ADHD is more likely to be detected and diagnosed if the patient displays the following clinical characteristics: hyperactivity/impulsivity, distractibility, impulsiveness, or daytime sleepiness. On the other hand, while women do not necessarily display these exact characteristics, women do report higher rates of depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. To understand how ADHD in men might be linked to these problems, we must also understand how the various symptoms manifest themselves in males. 

ADHD In Men

Among adults aged 18 and above who have contacted a doctor or psychiatrist to discuss their ADHD symptoms, 4.4% are likely to develop more serious ADHD diagnosis. The ADHD diagnosis is most likely to be made if the patient fails to respond adequately to stimulant-based treatments and continues to experience the symptoms of ADHD despite the presence of other mental health issues, such as depression, substance abuse and/or suicidal thoughts. In addition, among adults diagnosed with ADHD, only those with more severe cases are likely to make an ADHD diagnosis, meaning that ADHD in men is less common than ADHD in women. Thus, while female ADHD prevalence has been increasing over time, there is still only a very small proportion of males with ADHD. In addition, because many children can play well with their peers and because their hyperactivity/impulsivity is not seen as disruptive, there is less pressure for ADHD diagnosis. 

Types Of ADHD

Among adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, there are two main types of ADHD; inattentive and hyperactive/impulsivity. Among the adults with inattentive ADHD, the most common type is combined ADHD where there are both inattentive and hyperactive elements. Impulsivity may be present in other forms of ADHD such as adult ADHD classic or reactive ADHD where there is an inability to avoid injury or doing impulsive and erratic actions. When an adult ADHD patient has been diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders, it is likely that he also has ADHD and this must be taken into consideration when forming an ADHD diagnosis. 

Genetic Links To ADHD

There is a growing body of research that indicates that there are some genetic links to ADHD and that symptoms can run in families. This is one of the reasons that ADHD symptoms should be discussed with the parents of children who may have ADHD and, if there is a family history of the disorder, ADHD should also be mentioned in any discussions about treatment that will take place with the child’s parents. When ADHD in men runs in the families and there are no family members who have been diagnosed with the disorder, it is still possible to seek treatment. It is also important for ADHD in men to mention their family doctor or primary care physician in order to make sure that they do not miss any signs of ADHD or any other disorders. 

ADHD Treatment

As with other forms of psychiatric disorders, there is more than one type of treatment available for ADHD in men. Treatments range from behavioural therapy, family and group therapy, antidepressant medication, and alternative therapies like acupuncture, biofeedback, hypnotherapy and meditation. In fact, many psychiatrists are beginning to explore the possibility that ADHD is caused by neurological dysfunction. This is because medications used to treat other medical conditions often have the opposite effect on ADHD patients. Stimulants such as Ritalin have shown to result in increased restlessness and irritability. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and biofeedback have had less success but are relatively safe. 

When ADHD in men is diagnosed, there are a few things that parents and other family members need to consider first. The first step is to let your medical professional know about your child’s symptoms so that the right treatment can be found. Then, once treatment has begun, a plan will need to be put into place for home care, school, work and any recreational activities your child may want to participate in. It is important that ADHD in men be treated holistically. 

Partners of men with ADHD sometimes exacerbate work and job-loss issues. For example, job searches are overwhelming and paralyzing for adults with ADHD. Searches require planning and sustained effort, and enduring repeated rejections. These tend not to be ADHD strengths. Being anxious or critical of the ADHD partner’s search adds pressure, making the search even more overwhelming.

Research suggests that men have greater difficulty recovering from conflict than women do. Their blood pressure remains elevated after the conflict, and they have more trouble calming themselves. Conflict feels physically uncomfortable, so men tend to avoid it. 

Lifetime prevalence

The lifetime prevalence of ADHD is believed to be between 4% and 10%. Since most cases of ADHD in adolescence are mild in nature, most doctors will treat ADHD with stimulant-based medications until the child reaches adulthood. When searching for treatment, it is important to know the overall lifetime prevalence of the disorder so that treatment can be tailored to the needs of each individual patient. The reason for this is that there is no singular form of treatment that works for everyone. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, ADHD in men is a common disorder that can be treated effectively if it is detected early. If you suspect that your son or daughter may have ADHD, it is important to learn about the different forms of treatment available. If you are a parent looking for information on treatment-seeking, it is best to research the disorder carefully and select one that is tailored specifically to the needs of your child.

If you would like some further guidance and support on managing your ADHD, then you should contact your local experienced ADHD specialist for an ADHD Online Assessment to improve your understanding of the disorder and to know what treatment method is fit for you or them.