Even Well-Behaved Children Are Not Safe... Missing "Quiet ADHD" Can Persist Into Adulthood [Kok! Health]

ADHD Patients Increase 3.3 Times in 5 Years; Fivefold Surge Among Adults

Break Tasks into Small Units and Take Immediate Notes—Environmental Management Is Key

As the number of patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) continues to rise, the importance of managing attention deficit is growing, not only among children and adolescents but also in adults. In particular, it is crucial to identify symptoms early and manage them appropriately, since even children who appear to be well-behaved on the outside may have ADHD.

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According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of ADHD patients increased from 78,958 in 2020 to 256,922 in 2024, representing a roughly 3.3-fold increase over five years. Notably, the number of adult patients aged 20 and older grew about fivefold during the same period, showing a continued upward trend.

ADHD is a disorder caused by functional abnormalities in brain circuits related to attention control and executive function (such as planning, organization, and time management). It is generally classified into two types: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (restless ADHD), and predominantly inattentive type (quiet ADHD), in which an individual appears calm but has significantly impaired concentration.

Oh Mi-ae, professor of psychiatry at Kyung Hee University Hospital, said, "ADHD in children and adolescents often manifests as noticeable restlessness or hyperactivity, but parents should not assume their child does not have ADHD just because they are well-behaved." She explained, "Even if a child is calm, if they often stare blankly out the window during class, fail to follow teachers’ instructions properly, or frequently forget homework or supplies, there is a possibility of ADHD."

ADHD arises as various genetic and environmental risk factors accumulate. Diagnosis is mainly based on a clinical interview and developmental history by a specialist, and psychological or attention-related tests may also be referenced as needed for a comprehensive assessment. Professor Oh explained, "ADHD is first screened using a self-report scale (ASRS) to determine the presence of symptoms, followed by an in-depth interview with a specialist to comprehensively assess developmental history and current functional impairment. In order to secure objective data, comprehensive attention tests (CAT), quantitative EEG tests, or psychological evaluations are sometimes conducted together."

Attention deficit does not mean a complete lack of attention, but rather a lack of ability to regulate attention appropriately according to the situation. Therefore, parents need to observe carefully whether their child becomes excessively engrossed only in activities they enjoy. If these traits are not properly managed, there is a possibility that they may develop into adult ADHD.

Professor Oh stated, "Adult ADHD may involve difficulties setting work priorities and meeting deadlines, or repeated mistakes such as frequently missing meeting details or tasks. Because ADHD is often misunderstood as incompetence, regardless of intelligence, it can lead to decreased self-esteem and conflicts in relationships." She emphasized, "It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis from a specialist to find a management strategy that suits the individual."

Difficulties can also arise in interpersonal relationships. Adults may have trouble paying attention to what others say during conversations, or may repeatedly interrupt impulsively. Difficulty regulating emotions, such as becoming easily irritated or quick-tempered over trivial matters, is also one of the main symptoms of adult ADHD. However, similar symptoms can also result from other causes such as lack of sleep, stress, depression, or anxiety, making an accurate evaluation important.

Professor Oh advised, "Rather than trying to handle everything at once, it is helpful to break down work into smaller, immediately actionable tasks and to visualize to-dos right away using notes or reminder apps. Minimizing smartphone notifications, organizing your surroundings, and, if necessary, using noise-canceling headphones or white noise to create a focused environment can also be beneficial."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.