Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to manage. If diagnosed with ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and meet their goals at home and at work.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you the appropriate services, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic system for focusing might not function as well. This means that you might miss important details at school or at work and may have trouble remembering things. You may also find it difficult to focus on tasks that require continuous concentration, such as writing, reading or math. You may have difficulty getting your turn in games or conversations. You might blurt out answers before others are completed asking questions. You may not be able to sit and wait for your phone to answer or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble coping with symptoms of inattention. People suffering from ADHD who are primarily inattention have trouble staying on track, whether at home, at school or at work. This kind of ADHD can present with mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
Adults who are susceptible to inattentive symptoms can be more troubled if their daily lives become more stressful and complex. This could happen when a person leaves the family home and enters the work environment. New tasks, like taking care of a child in the early years could cause an increase in anxiety and stress.
There are many options for those suffering from adult ADHD which include lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can help to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some people can also take non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or Strattera in the event that they are unable to take stimulants. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and past history and look for any medical issues that could be causing them and identify the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They might be distracted from one task to the next, or make careless mistakes at school or work. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or events and have trouble adhering to routines. They may be unable to organize their things or keep track of long-term projects.
Adults with ADHD still show problems with inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, but these symptoms may become less noticeable with age. For a diagnosis, health care providers will look at the person's experience with ADHD symptoms when they were children and in early adulthood, interview relatives, friends, coworkers, or others who are familiar with their condition and then use standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Mental health professionals or health care providers can also conduct a physical exam and conduct a psychological test.
The provider will also consider the person's mood, and whether or not other conditions such as depression, anxiety or medical conditions might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They will also ask questions about the person's family and social background as well as their lifestyle, and any mental health issues they might have.
Many adults with ADHD will feel relief at finding a reason for their difficulties and finding out that they're not lazy' or 'unwilling'. They might also be frustrated for not being diagnosed earlier or the impact untreated ADHD had on their life and the lives of others. They may also feel angry at teachers, parents or healthcare professionals who didn't notice the symptoms or treat them. They might also feel sad about the missed opportunities and impact untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults are different from those of children. Adults are able to hide the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health issues like anxiety or depression can mask it.
severe ADHD symptoms in adults could be a sign of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's attempt to ease your stress and help you focus. It could manifest as doodles or taking notes during a meeting tapping your feet, or even biting your nails. In fact, some research shows that people with ADHD can actually concentrate better when they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness can also be an indication of ADHD. It can manifest as difficulty in following directions, ignoring important deadlines or dates, or not being punctual. You might find yourself frequently not attending work or social obligations and struggle with finances because of impulsive spending. Adults with ADHD may be frustrated and underachieved because they aren't living up to their full potential.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, so that you can seek help. There are many types of medications that can treat ADHD and it is essential to try out different medications and dosages to find the best one for you. Counseling and a well-structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms, in addition to taking medication.
Diagnosed with ADHD and diagnosed with it, you might experience a range emotions. You may feel relieved that your difficulties have an explanation and you're not being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. It is possible to feel anger or irritated for not being diagnosed and treated when you were an infant. You may also be unhappy about the negative impact that untreated ADHD has on your career and relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
The signs of ADHD in adults can differ from the symptoms of teenagers and children. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are typical. This makes it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, meet deadlines, and develop good relationships.
In adults, the signs are less obvious and could be present across many aspects of our lives. People suffering from ADHD, for example may have trouble staying still, and may be anxious when reading, watching television, or at work. They might also have difficulty doing leisure activities and hobbies in a quiet manner. Additionally, they may have difficulty keeping their emotions in check and are more likely to overreact or become upset more frequently than other people.
As they age and become more sedentary, they may experience more trouble with planning and organization. This is because they aren't receiving the guidance and structure of school. This can result in delays in household chores and also difficulties with managing household expenses, appointments or working on tasks. People with ADHD may find it difficult to stop or start tasks and may have trouble understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly prescribed treatment for adult ADHD. They are designed to help people concentrate more effectively, feel more calm and be less impatient. These are available on prescription from a psychiatrist or GP that is experienced in treating the condition. It is important to discuss any other medication they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with a health care provider, as certain medications interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for adults with ADHD such as Guanfacine and atomoxetine. They are less effective than stimulants and require a period of time to begin working but they can be a good option for those who don't want to use stimulant medication or cannot take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity is also an important issue for people with ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity is not given enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, as it is a significant component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
For people with impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is usually an ongoing battle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that affect relationships and social standing. It could also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD might be prone to risky behavior and may have difficulties managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings and angry outbursts. People suffering from ADHD may have a smaller Amygdala. This could be linked to a lack of control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and have difficulty waiting for their turn in lines or in conversations. They may answer questions even before they're finished or take over activities or games. They often disregard rules and the property of others.
If you are suffering from impulsive ADHD there are ways to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. For example, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms such as the tendency to be impulsive. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day to get your heart rate up. Reflect on past impulsive moments to pinpoint your triggers and plan for the future. You can ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which require several weeks before they begin working, but they can improve your the ability to control your impulses.