Holistic healing: (Left) Dr Mohanraj and Dr Amar-Singh say therapy, diet, exercise and family support play a vital role for adults diagnosed with ADHD.
Untreated, the struggle may lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, say experts
JOHOR BARU: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is no longer just a childhood condition, as some also carry it into their adult lives without realising it, says the Malaysian Mental Health Association.
Its president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj said adult ADHD manifests differently, including having trouble with organisations, procrastination, forgetfulness or emotional dysregulation or outbreaks.
He said studies in Malaysia emphasise underdiagnosis, likely due to stigma, lack of awareness, and limited diagnostic resources.
“This situation underscores the need for improved data collection and awareness campaigns to address ADHD comprehensively,” he said, adding that if left untreated, ADHD could lead to a cascade of challenges.
Dr Mohanraj said children might struggle academically, socially and emotionally and often feel misunderstood, while adults might face difficulties at work, strained relationships, and even higher risks of accidents.
“Over time, untreated ADHD can contribute to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem as individuals grapple with the feeling of ‘falling short’.
“ADHD is not about laziness or bad behaviour but is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people focus, control impulses and manage energy levels.
“Think of it as the brain working differently, making everyday tasks like paying attention in class, sitting still during meetings, or remembering details extra challenging,” he said in an interview.
Dr Mohanraj also said ADHD rarely exists alone, as other common co-occurring conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, learning disorders and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
“Recognising and treating these co-morbidities is important for holistic care,” he said, adding that while medication remains a cornerstone of ADHD management, other strategies could complement it, including behavioural therapy, dietary interventions, mindfulness and meditation, and physical activity such as regular exercise.
Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS, consultant paediatrician and child disability activist, said although there is no comprehensive local data, international data suggest that between 5% and 15% of children have ADHD.
He said a healthcare professional trained in child development could help make the diagnosis as well as rule out other issues like behaviour problems, hearing impairment, intellectual impairment or even autism.
“For adults, a psychologist and a psychiatrist can help diagnose ADHD using a combination of psychological tools and clinical interviews,” he said, adding that ADHD could last into adulthood with some adults with ADHD not being aware at all about their condition.
He said it is also important for family members, especially parents and spouses, to be aware and educated about ADHD.
“This goes a long way to improving the outcomes. Meeting other parents and joining a family support group is very useful.
“Listening to the life experiences of adults with ADHD, how they deal with the condition, and useful strategies to cope with ADHD will be very helpful,” he added.
He said that getting adequate sleep daily, helping to manage daily routines, structuring information in small chunks, and daily physical activity are useful for the child and adult with ADHD.
“The government needs to amend policies and systems to create an environment that supports ADHD needs, including schools, hospitals and government offices.
“Healthcare professionals, social workers, police and frontline public service staff should also receive training to better understand and support persons with ADHD,” he added.
A group of adults with ADHD have come together to form a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in an effort to raise awareness about the condition and provide support.
Its president Zulhafiy Zolkipli said members of the NGO, dubbed the Adult ADHD Malaysia Society, met through a Facebook page created during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“During the pandemic, we held regular online meetings for people with ADHD where their experiences and knowledge were shared. We also organised talks with medical professionals and other activities, including working with companies to come up with plans to improve inclusivity.
“Later, we decided to register as an NGO, as this will make it easier for us to cooperate with other bodies and have more legitimacy,” said the 34-year-old property agent.
Zulhafiy added that the NGO wants to advocate for people with ADHD, especially adults who are trying to cope with their jobs and other responsibilities.
“In the past, many people thought of ADHD as something that only affected children, but this is not the case.
“The condition could last until adulthood. There are now more adults diagnosed with ADHD.
“However, due to misunderstandings about the condition, a lot of adults with ADHD find it difficult to get support from their surroundings, especially in the workplace,” he said.
Zulhafiy said with greater awareness, some companies are stepping up and are finding ways to be more inclusive.
“Some companies want to be more accommodating but are unsure of what they could do to help their workers, as there is not much information on this.
“We hope to be able to work closely with them on this as we also have mental health professionals, including psychiatrists.
“The idea is not to get special treatments but to look for ways to make the workplace more ADHD-friendly, allowing people with the condition to strive without feeling overwhelmed,” he said.
