Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to cope. Diagnosed with ADHD, they can manage their symptoms and achieve their goals both at home and at work.
A chat with your doctor is the best way to begin a diagnosis. They can recommend the appropriate service, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic system for focusing may not work as well. You might miss important information in school or at your job and may have trouble remembering things. You may also have difficulty paying attention to tasks that require constant concentration, such as reading, writing or math problems. It can be difficult to be patient in conversations or games. You might blurt out answers before others have finished asking their questions. You might not be able to wait for your phone or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Children suffering from ADHD typically overcome the impulsivity and hyperactivity they display, however inattentive symptoms continue to cause problems for a large number of adults. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD usually have trouble being on task at home, at school and at work. Symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or even severe.
Adults who are prone to inattention symptoms may be more troubled when their lives become more stressful and complex. This can occur when a person moves out of the family home and enters the workplace. New tasks, like caring for a young child could cause an increase in stress and anxiety.
There are several treatments available for people with adult ADHD which include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Certain people may also take non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Strattera when they cannot tolerate stimulants. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment for you. They will assess your symptoms and medical history, look for possible medical conditions that could be causing them, and identify appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They might be distracted between activities, or make careless mistakes at school or work. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and occasions, and are unable to follow routines. They might be unable to organize their things 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. For a diagnosis, health care providers will examine the patient's experience with ADHD symptoms when they were children and in early adulthood, interview family members, friends, coworkers, or others who are familiar with their condition, and use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Health care professionals or mental health specialists can also conduct a physical examination and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The provider will also consider the person's mood and whether any other disorders like depression, anxiety or a medical condition could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. They will also inquire regarding the person's family and social background and lifestyle habits and any mental health issues they may have.
Many adults with ADHD will feel relief at receiving an explanation for their difficulties and learning that they are not 'lazy or unmotivated'. They may also be frustrated over the fact that they were not diagnosed when younger, or at the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of others around them. They might also feel anger at their teachers, parents, or healthcare providers who didn't notice the symptoms or address them. They may also feel sorrow 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 in children. Adults may be able to hide their hyperactivity more successfully and other health issues such as anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting is a sign of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to calm down your nerves and concentrate. It can manifest as notes or doodles during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nail. In fact, some studies show that people with ADHD are able to concentrate better when they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness is a different characteristic of ADHD in adults. It may be a sign of difficulty following directions, being punctual, or ignoring important events or deadlines. You might find yourself missing social or work commitments and having financial issues due to impulse purchases. Adults with ADHD may feel frustrated and underachieved because they aren't living up to their full potential.
It is important to identify the signs of ADHD in yourself, so you can seek out help. There are multiple types of medications that can treat ADHD and it is important to test different dosages and medications to find the right one for you. Counseling and a well-structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms, in addition to medications.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions and feelings, including relief that you have a reason for your problems and are not being labeled as lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. You may also feel discontent or anger that you were never diagnosed and treated as a child, and sadness over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has affected your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, however, are common. This can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks, meet deadlines and build good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are less obvious and could be present across many aspects of daily life. People suffering from ADHD for instance might have trouble staying still, and may be anxious when reading, watching TV or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in leisure activities and other hobbies in a quiet manner. In addition, they might have difficulty keeping their emotions in check and are more prone to overreact or become upset than other people.
As people grow older and become more sedentary, they may experience more difficulty in organising and planning. This is because they're no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can lead to delays in household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and they may have trouble assessing the long term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medication. They are designed to help people concentrate better, feel more relaxed and be less dependent. They are available by prescription only and can be obtained through a GP or psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. If considering stimulants, individuals should discuss other medications with their physician. Some drugs can interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for people suffering from ADHD, such as Guanfacine and atomoxetine. These drugs are less effective and require several weeks before they start working. However, they are an alternative for people who are unable to take stimulant medication for medical reasons or are not able to take it.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms involving inattentive and hyperactive behavior get the bulk of the attention, impulsivity can create significant issues for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity gets short shrift when it pertains to ADHD diagnosis, because it's a major component of the disorder and creates more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is a constant struggle for adults suffering from impulsive ADHD. It can lead embarrassing mistakes that affect the status of relationships and social standing. In addition to that, ADHD that is impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and detrimental to health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to suffer from mood swings and anger outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have a smaller amygdala that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD may also have difficulty waiting their turns in lines or conversations. They may respond to questions prior to finishing or take over activities or games. They often show little or no regard for rules or other people's property.
If you are suffering from an impulsive ADHD, there are ways to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, for example helps with all ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity. To get your heart rate going try to do 30 minutes per day of exercise. Reflect on past impulsive moments to pinpoint your triggers and prepare for the future. ADHD in adults symptoms women can consult your physician for non-stimulant ADHD medication, which can take some time before they begin working, but they can improve your impulse control.