Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult time to deal with. Diagnosed with ADHD, they are able to manage their symptoms and achieve their goals both at home and at work.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you to the appropriate service for you, including community mental health services as well as specialised neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic attention system might not be working as well. As a result, you may miss important information at work or in school and may have trouble remembering things. It can also be difficult to concentrate on tasks that require sustained concentration, such as writing, math or reading. You might have trouble waiting your turn during conversations or games. You may answer questions before others are done. You may not be able to sit and wait for your phone or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD still struggle with inattentive symptoms. People with ADHD that is mostly inattentive have difficulty staying focused at school, home or at work. This type of ADHD can present with mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
Adults with attention deficits can become more challenging when a person's life becomes more complicated and stressful. This could happen when a person moves out of the home with their family and goes to the work environment. The new responsibilities, such as taking care of a child in the early years can also increase their level of anxiety and stress.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD, including lifestyle modifications as well as diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or who don't respond to them. Your doctor can suggest the best treatment for you. They can evaluate your symptoms and past history looking for medical conditions that could be causing them, and recommend the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their task. They may jump from one activity to another or make mistakes at school or work. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or occasions and have difficulty keeping track of routines. They may also have difficulties keeping their things in order 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. Health professionals will look into the background of ADHD symptoms during the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also speak with relatives, friends, coworkers or any other individuals who know the person. They will also use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists. Health care providers can also conduct physical examinations and administer a psychological test.
The doctor will also take into consideration the person's mood and whether any other disorders like depression, anxiety or a medical issue could cause similar symptoms to those of 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 may have.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD will feel relief at receiving an explanation for their struggles and discovering that they are not 'lazy or unmotivated'. They may also feel frustrated that they were not diagnosed when younger or the impact that untreated ADHD had on their lives as well as the lives of others. They might also feel anger at teachers, parents or healthcare professionals who failed to detect the symptoms or address them. They may also experience feelings of sadness over missed opportunities, and the effects untreated ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear somewhat different from what they do in children. Adults are able to hide more easily, and other health issues such as anxiety or depression could mask it.
Fidgeting is among the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. It is your body's attempt at calming your nerves and keep you focused. It could manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. In fact, some studies have shown that people suffering from ADHD can actually concentrate better if they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a different symptom of ADHD in adults. It may manifest as trouble following directions, being punctual, or forgetting important deadlines or events. You might find yourself having trouble keeping up with work or social commitments and having financial issues because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults with ADHD may feel frustrated and underachieving because they're not living up to their full potential.
It is essential to be aware of the signs of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek help. There are multiple types of medications that treat ADHD and it is important to try out different medications and dosages to find the right one for you. In addition to medications counseling and establishing the right structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, you may feel an array of emotions. You may be happy that your issues have an explanation and you're not being called lazy or unmotivated. You might be angry or frustrated that you weren't diagnosed and treated as an infant. You might also be concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your career and relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from those of children or teenagers. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are common. This can make it difficult to keep up with tasks, meet deadlines and establish good relationships.
Adults may experience subtler symptoms that affect a variety of aspects of their daily lives. People who suffer from ADHD, for example may have trouble sitting still, and be restless when reading, watching TV or working. ADHD symptoms in adulthood might also have difficulty engaging in leisure activities and other hobbies at a comfortable pace. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or become angry than other people.
Difficulties with organisation and planning can become more noticeable as people move into adulthood, without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can result in procrastination and difficulties organising household bills, appointments or completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and they may struggle to evaluate the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These are designed to help people focus better and be less impulsive, as well as feel calmer. They are available on prescription only and can be obtained through a GP or psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. It is important to discuss any other medication they're taking prior to deciding on the use of stimulants with a healthcare provider, as certain medications interact with them.
Non-stimulant medications are available for those suffering from ADHD such as the atomoxetine and the guanfacine. 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 want to use stimulant medication or are unable to take it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactive behaviors get the majority of the attention, impulsivity can cause serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, as 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 issues with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that affect social standing and relationships. It could also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD may engage in risky behavior and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to suffer from mood swings and express anger-related outbursts. People with ADHD may have an enlarged Amygdala. This could be due to the inability to control their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others and be unable to wait for their turn in conversations or lines. They might answer questions prior to finishing or take over games or activities. They usually show little or no regard for rules or other people's property.
You can learn to control your impulses if you have impulsive ADHD. For instance, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms such as the tendency to be impulsive. To get your heart rate going you should aim for 30 minutes of exercise. Reminisce about your impulsive past to pinpoint your triggers and plan for the future. You can consult your physician for non-stimulant ADHD medication, which can take a while before they start working, but can help improve the ability to control your impulses.