Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. But getting a diagnosis can help them get control of their symptoms to succeed at work and home.
A conversation with your doctor is the best way to begin a diagnosis. They can refer you to the appropriate treatment for you, which could include community mental health services as well as specialist neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention!
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention may not function in the same way. You might miss important information in your school or at work and have difficulty remembering details. You may also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require sustained concentration, such as writing, reading or math. You may find it difficult to be patient in games or conversations. You may answer questions prior to others having done. You may not be able to wait for your phone or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD have trouble coping with inattentive symptoms. People with ADHD that is mostly inattentive have difficulty staying on track, whether at home, school or at work. The symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe.
Attention-deficit symptoms in adults are more troublesome when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complicated and stressful. This may happen when someone leaves the home of their parents and moves into the work environment. The new tasks, like taking care of a child in the early years could also increase their level of anxiety and stress.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD such as lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. The use of stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Certain people may also take non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine or Strattera when they cannot tolerate stimulants. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment for you. They will evaluate your medical history and symptoms and identify any 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 could make mistakes at school or work, or jump between tasks. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and occasions, and are unable to follow routines. They might be unable to keep their belongings in order or stay 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. Health care professionals will analyze the background of ADHD symptoms in the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also interview colleagues, family members, friends or other people who know the person well. They will also use the standardized behavior ratings scales as well as ADHD symptom lists. Health care professionals or mental health professionals can also conduct a physical examination and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The doctor will also consider the person's mood, and whether or not any other conditions like depression, anxiety, or medical problems can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask questions regarding the person's family and social history and lifestyle habits, and any mental health issues they might have.
Adults suffering from ADHD might feel a sense of relief to know that they're not "lazy or unmotivated". They may also be frustrated at the fact that they weren't diagnosed as young or the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives and the lives of the people around them. They may also feel anger at parents, teachers or healthcare professionals who didn't recognize the signs or address them. They might also feel sad over missed opportunities and the effects that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults differ from those of children. Adults might be able to hide their hyperactivity more successfully, and other health issues like depression or anxiety can overshadow it.
Fidgeting is among the most commonly reported 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 nails. In fact, some studies show that people suffering from ADHD can actually concentrate better if they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness can also be an indication of ADHD. It may manifest in the form of difficulties following directions, forgetting important dates or deadlines, or not being punctual. You might find yourself regularly missing work or social commitments, and you might be struggling with finances due to excessive spending. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and underachieving because they're not performing to their full potential.
You should be able to recognize the symptoms of ADHD to get help. There are many types of medications that can treat ADHD and it is crucial to test different dosages and medications to find the most suitable one for your needs. Alongside medication counseling and establishing the right structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can trigger various emotions, including relief that you have a reason to explain your difficulties and aren't being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may also feel anger or frustration for not being diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow over the impact that untreated ADHD has affected your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, however, are common. This makes it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that affect a variety of aspects of their daily lives. People suffering from ADHD for instance may have trouble sitting still, and be unfocused when reading, watching TV or at work. They may also have difficulty engaging in hobbies and leisure activities at a comfortable pace. In addition, they might have difficulty keeping their emotions under control and are more prone to react in a panic or become angry in comparison to other people.
Difficulties with organisation and planning can become more noticeable as people reach adulthood, without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can result in procrastination, issues with household bills, appointments and completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD can find it hard to stop or begin tasks and they may have difficulties in assessing the long-term effects of their actions.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adult ADHD. These drugs are designed to help people focus more effectively, feel more calm and be less dependent. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who is skilled in treating the condition. Patients should discuss any other medications they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with a health care provider, as some drugs interact with them.
Non-stimulant medications are available for people suffering from ADHD such as Guanfacine and atomoxetine. These drugs are not as effective and can take several weeks before they start working. However, they are an alternative for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs for medical reasons or are not able to take it.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms involving inattentive and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity can create serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a pity that impulsivity isn't given enough attention when it comes down to ADHD diagnoses, as it's a major component of the disorder. It also causes more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
For adults with the disorder of impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is often an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing errors that impact the status of relationships and social standing. In addition the impulsive ADHD can be risky and can be harmful to health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour, and they may have trouble managing their finances or driving skills. They are more prone to mood swings and anger outbursts. ADHD adult female symptoms suffering from ADHD may have smaller Amygdala. This could be due to an inability to control their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD might also have difficulty waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They may scream out answers prior to the end of the question or take over games or activities. They usually don't have a lick of respect for rules or other people's property.
You can learn to control your impulses if you suffer from the disorder of impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for example helps with all ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity. To increase your heart rate you should aim for 30 minutes a day of exercise. Also, think about your past impulsive moments to determine the triggers for you and prepare to address these in the future. You can consult your physician for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which take a while before they start working, but they can improve your the control of impulses.