Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to cope. However, a diagnosis can help them get control of their symptoms so they can attain their goals at work and home.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you the appropriate service, for example, community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD the brain's automatic system for focusing may not function as well. In the end, you might miss important details at school or at work and may be unable to remember things. You might also have trouble focusing on tasks that require constant attention like reading, writing or math problems. You might be having trouble waiting your turn during games or conversations. You might blurt out answers before others are completed asking questions. You may not be able wait for your phone to answer or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD are still struggling with inattentive symptoms. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD tend to have trouble staying on track at home, at school and at work. This kind of ADHD can have mild, moderate or even serious symptoms.
Adults who are prone to inattention-related symptoms may be more troubled when their lives become increasingly stressful and complex. This may happen when a person moves out of the family home and enters the workplace. New tasks, like taking care of a child in the early years can also increase their level of anxiety and stress.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle modifications, diet, and medication. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for some people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment options for you. They can assess your medical history and symptoms, look for possible medical conditions that could be contributing to them, and suggest appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their work. They can make erroneous mistakes at work or school, or jump from one task to the next. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events and may have difficulty keeping track of routines. They might have difficulty figuring out how to organize their lives 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. To determine if they are diagnosed healthcare professionals will examine the patient's history of ADHD symptoms when they were children and in the early years of adulthood, interview family members, friends, coworkers, or others who know them well and then use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Health care providers can also conduct an examination of the body and administer a psychological test.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood, and whether or not other conditions like depression, anxiety, or medical problems can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also inquire about the family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues that the person might be suffering from.
Many adults who have ADHD will feel relieved upon receiving an explanation for their struggles and finding out that they aren't 'lazy' or 'unwilling'. They may also be frustrated about the fact that they were not diagnosed as young or the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of the people around them. They may also feel angry at parents, teachers or healthcare professionals who failed to recognize the signs or take action to treat them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults appear slightly different than they do for kids. Adults are able to hide more easily, and other health issues like depression or anxiety may overshadow it.
Fidgeting is an indication of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's attempt to calm your nerves and assist you in focusing. It can manifest as drawing or making notes during meetings or even tapping your feet or even biting your nails. In fact, some studies have shown that people suffering from ADHD are actually more focused when they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is also a symptom of ADHD. It may manifest in the form of difficulty following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates, or not being punctual. You may find yourself having trouble keeping up with work or social commitments and having financial issues due to impulse purchases. Adults with ADHD often feel under-achievement and frustration due to not achieving their potential.
You must be able to identify the signs of ADHD so that you can get help. It is essential to try out different dosages and medicines to determine which one works best for you. In addition to medication counseling and establishing structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions such as relief that you have an explanation for your difficulties and aren't being labelled as lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. It is possible to feel angry or frustrated that you weren't diagnosed and treated as in your early years. ADHD in adults women symptoms might also feel sad about the impact untreated ADHD has on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from those of adolescents or children. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are common. This makes it difficult to keep up with work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are more subtle and can be seen in a variety of aspects of everyday life. For example, people with ADHD may have trouble being still and frequently anxious when watching TV, reading or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in leisure activities and other hobbies in a quiet manner. They might also have difficulty managing their emotions and be more likely to react or be angry than other people.
As people age and become more sedentary, they may experience more difficulty with planning and organization. This is because they aren't receiving the guidance and structure of school. This can lead to delays in household chores and also difficulties with organizing household bills, appointments or finishing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and they may be unable to assess the long-term impact of their actions.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They are designed to help people concentrate better, feel more relaxed and less impatient. They can be purchased from a psychiatrist or GP who specializes in treating the condition. When considering stimulants, patients should discuss other medications with their health care provider. Some drugs can interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medications for adults with ADHD, including atomoxetine, guanfacine and bupropion. These are less effective and take several weeks before they begin working. However, they can be an option for those who do not wish to take stimulant medication for medical reasons or are unable to take it.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactive behavior get the bulk of the attention, impulsivity could cause significant problems for adults with ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity gets short shrift when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a key component of the disorder and creates more problems than other symptom of ADHD.
For people with the disorder of impulsive ADHD problems with self-control is often an ongoing battle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that can affect your the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People with aggressive ADHD might engage in risky behavior and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and have anger outbursts. People suffering from ADHD may have a smaller Amygdala. This could be due to an inability to control their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD might also have difficulty getting their turn in lines or conversations. They may answer questions even before they're finished or even take over games or activities. They are often disrespectful of rules and the property of others.
You can learn to control your impulses if you have the disorder of impulsive ADHD. For instance regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise per day to get your heart rate up. Reminisce about your impulsive past to pinpoint your triggers and plan for the future. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to begin working, but it improves impulse control.