Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. However, getting a diagnosis may help them manage their symptoms to achieve their goals at work and at home.
Talking to your doctor is the best place to begin a diagnosis. They can recommend the appropriate treatment for you, which could include the community mental health service or specialist neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention!
If you suffer from ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system may not work as well. You may miss important details in your school or at work and may have trouble remembering details. It is also possible that you have trouble working on tasks that require continuous focus like writing, reading, or math problems. You might have trouble getting your turn in conversations or games. You may blurt out answers before other people have completed asking questions. You might not be able to wait for your phone to answer or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Children suffering from ADHD tend to overcome hyperactivity and impulsivity, but inattention-related symptoms persist and cause problems for a large number of adults. People with ADHD that is primarily inattention are unable to stay on track, whether at home, school or at work. This type of ADHD may present mild, moderate or even serious symptoms.
Adults who are prone to inattention symptoms may be more troubled when their lives become more complicated and stressful. This can happen when a person moves away from their home or into a workplace and new responsibilities like caring for a child might contribute to the overall stress and anxiety.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD such as lifestyle changes diet, medication, and lifestyle changes. Drugs that stimulate such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who can't tolerate stimulants or who don't respond to them. Your physician can recommend the best treatment options for you. They can assess your medical history and symptoms and identify any medical issues that could be the cause, and recommend the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their work. They may make careless errors at school or work or switch between tasks. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and occasions, and have trouble following routines. They may also have difficulty organizing their things or staying on track with long-term projects.
Adults with ADHD still show problems with inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, but these symptoms may become less noticeable with age. To determine if symptoms of ADHD in adults are diagnosed healthcare professionals will examine the patient's experience with ADHD symptoms as a child and in early adulthood, interview friends, family members as well as coworkers or other people who are familiar with their condition, and use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. Health professionals or mental health care providers can also conduct a physical exam and administer a psychological assessment.
The provider will also consider the person's mood and whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or a medical issue could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. They will also ask about the history of family and friends and lifestyle habits, as well as any other mental health issues that the person might have.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might be relieved to learn that they aren't "lazy or unwilling". They may also feel frustrated that they were not diagnosed earlier or the impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and that of others. They might also be angry at their parents, teachers, or healthcare providers for not being aware of the signs and treating them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the effects that untreated ADHD had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear slightly different than the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults may be able to conceal their hyperactivity better as well as other health issues like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to relax your nerves and focus. It could manifest in doodles or notes written during a meeting, or tapping your feet or biting your nail. In fact, some research shows that people with ADHD can actually concentrate better if they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness can also be a symptom of ADHD. It may manifest as difficulty in following directions, ignoring important dates or deadlines, or not being punctual. You might find yourself frequently not attending work or social obligations, and you might struggle with money due to the impulsive spending. Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel a sense of underachievement and discontent because they are not living up to their potential.
You should be able to recognize the symptoms of ADHD to seek help. There are many types of medications that can treat ADHD, and it is crucial to test different medications and dosages to find the most suitable one for your needs. In addition to medications, counseling and creating structure in your life can help you manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger many emotions, including satisfaction that you have a reason for your issues and aren't being labelled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may also feel anger or resentment that you were never diagnosed and treated as a child, and sadness over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has had on your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from those of children or teenagers. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, however, are common. This can make it difficult to stay on top of projects, meet deadlines and establish good relationships.
Adults may experience subtler symptoms that can impact many aspects of their lives. For example, people with ADHD might have trouble staying still and are frequently anxious when watching TV, reading or at work. They may also have difficulty engaging in leisure and hobbies quietly. In addition, they could have difficulty keeping their emotions under control and are more likely to overreact or become upset more frequently than other people.
As people grow older they might have difficulties with planning and organisation. This is because they are no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can lead to delays in household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People with ADHD may find it difficult to stop or begin tasks, and may be unable to assess the long term impact of their actions.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adult ADHD. These are designed to help people focus better, be less impulsive and feel more peaceful. They can be purchased on prescription only and can be obtained from a psychiatrist or a GP who specialises in the condition. It is important to discuss any other medications they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with a healthcare doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant drugs for adults with ADHD which include atomoxetine bupropion and guanfacine. They are less effective than stimulants and can take a few weeks to kick in, but are an option for those who don't prefer to take 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 an important issue for people with ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity isn't given enough attention when it comes down to ADHD diagnoses, since it's a major part of the disorder. Read Full Report can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
For people with an impulsive ADHD issues with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that affect the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior and may have difficulties managing their finances or driving. They are more susceptible to mood swings and angry outbursts. Research has shown that people with ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others, and they may have trouble waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They might answer questions before they are finished or take over activities or games. They usually have no respect for rules or other people's property.
You can learn to manage your impulses if you have an impulsive ADHD. For example, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day to keep your heart rate up. Also, consider your past impulsive moments so that you can identify what your triggers are and how you can deal with these in the future. You can consult your physician for non-stimulant ADHD medication, which can take several weeks before they begin working, but can help improve the ability to control your impulses.