Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. But getting a diagnosis can aid in reducing their symptoms so they can succeed at work and home.
Talking with your GP is the best way to begin an assessment. They can direct you to the best service for you, including community mental health services or special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic system of focusing may not function as well. This means that you might miss important details at work or in school and may have difficulty remembering things. You might also find it difficult to focus on tasks that require constant concentration, like reading, math or writing. You might be having trouble taking your time during conversations or games. You may answer questions before others have completed. 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 still struggle with inattentive symptoms. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD tend to have trouble being on task at school, at home and at work. Symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or even severe.
Adults who have a tendency to inattention symptoms may be more stressed when their daily lives become more complicated and stressful. This is often the case when someone moves out of the family home or into a job 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 suffering from ADHD such as lifestyle changes diet, medication, and lifestyle changes. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can help to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your health care provider can suggest the most effective treatment options for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history, look for possible medical issues that could be the cause, and recommend effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their task. They may make careless errors at work or in school or switch between tasks. People with ADHD often forget important dates or occasions and have a hard time following routines. They may also have difficulties managing their belongings 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. For a diagnosis health professionals will look at the person's background of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in early adulthood, interview family members, friends and coworkers who are familiar with them, and use standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Health care professionals or mental health specialists can also conduct an examination on the body and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The provider will also consider the person's mood, and whether other illnesses like depression, anxiety or a medical issue could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. They will also inquire about the history of family and friends, lifestyle habits and any other mental health issues the person may have.
Many adults with ADHD will feel relieved upon finding a reason for their struggles and finding out that they are not 'lazy or unmotivated'. They may also feel frustrated for not being diagnosed earlier or the impact untreated ADHD had on their life as well as the lives of others. They may also feel anger at their parents, teachers, or healthcare providers for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults appear a little different than the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults can hide hyperactivity better, and other health issues such as anxiety or depression could mask it.
Fidgeting is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's way of trying to ease your stress and assist you in focusing. It could manifest as notes or doodles during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. In fact, some research shows that people suffering from ADHD can actually concentrate better if they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness is a further symptom of ADHD in adults. It can be a sign of difficulty following instructions, being punctual, or even forgetting important events or deadlines. You might find yourself regularly not attending work or social obligations, and you might be struggling with finances due to excessive spending. Adults with ADHD may feel frustrated and underachieved because they aren't reaching their full potential.
It is important to identify the signs of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek assistance. There are many types of medications that treat ADHD, and it is essential to test different dosages and medications to find the most suitable one for your needs. In addition to medication, counseling and creating structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosed with ADHD and diagnosed with it, you might experience an array of emotions. You may be happy that your difficulties are logical and you're not being called lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. It is possible to feel dissatisfied or angry for not being diagnosed and treated as a child. You might also be unhappy about the negative impact that untreated ADHD has on your career and relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
The signs of ADHD in adults are often different from those of adolescents and children. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, however, are common. This makes it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, meet deadlines, and develop good relationships.
For adults, the signs are more subtle and can be seen in a variety of aspects of our lives. For instance, people suffering from ADHD might have difficulty being still and frequently agitated when watching TV, reading or at work. They may also have difficulty engaging in hobbies and leisure activities at a comfortable pace. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and are more likely to react or become angry than others.
As people grow older they might have more difficulty with planning and organization. This is because they're no longer receiving the guidance and structure of school. This can result in procrastination and difficulties managing household expenses, appointments or completing work tasks. People with ADHD are often unable to stop or begin tasks and may have trouble understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They are designed to help people concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel more calm. They are available on prescription and are available by a psychiatrist or a doctor who is specialized in the condition. When considering stimulants, patients should discuss their other medications with their health care provider. Certain medications can interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medicines for adults with ADHD such as atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. They are not as effective as stimulants and can take a few weeks to begin working but they can be a good alternative for those who don't wish to take stimulant medications or cannot take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms that involve inattention and hyperactive behavior get the bulk of the attention, impulsivity could cause significant issues for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity gets short shrift when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a major component of the disorder and causes more problems than other manifestation of ADHD.
For people with an impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is usually an ongoing battle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that affect the status of relationships and social standing. In addition, impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and harmful to one's health and well-being.
People with aggressive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. People suffering from ADHD might have an enlarged Amygdala. This could be linked to the inability to control their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD may also have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or lines. They may blurt out answers prior to the end of the question or even take over activities or games. They often don't have a lick of respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
You can learn to manage your impulses if you have the disorder of impulsive ADHD. For instance, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity. extreme ADHD symptoms adults for 30 minutes of exercise every day to keep your heart rate up. Reminisce about your impulsive past to identify your triggers and prepare for the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to kick in but can improve the control of impulses.