Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. But getting a diagnosis can aid in reducing their symptoms to achieve their goals at work and at home.
A chat with your doctor is the best place to start an assessment. They can refer you to the appropriate services, such as community services for mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD, your brain's automatic system for focusing may not work as well. You may forget important information in your school or at work, and have difficulty recalling information. You might also have trouble working on tasks that require continuous focus for example, writing, reading, or maths problems. It can be difficult to be patient in games or conversations. You might blurt out answers before other people have completed asking questions. You might be having trouble waiting for your phone to ring or disturb people at inappropriate times.
Children who suffer from ADHD tend to overcome the impulsivity and hyperactivity they display, however inattention-related symptoms persist and cause problems for a large number of adults. People who have a predominant inattentive type of ADHD tend to have trouble staying on track at school, at home and at work. This kind of ADHD can have mild, moderate or even serious symptoms.
Adults with attention deficits can become more problematic when a person's daily life becomes more complex and stressful. This could happen when a person moves out of the home with their family and goes to the workplace. New responsibilities, such as caring for a young child could also increase their level of anxiety and stress.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD that include lifestyle changes as well as diet and medication. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can 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 don't respond to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment options for you. They can assess your medical history and symptoms and look for any possible medical problems that may be the cause, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their task. They can be distracted and jump between activities or make mistakes at school or work. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events, and have trouble following routines. They may have difficulty figuring out how 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. Health care professionals will analyze the history of ADHD symptoms during the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They might also talk to colleagues, family members, friends or any other individuals who know the person well. They will also utilize standard behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists. Health care professionals or mental health professionals might also conduct an examination of the body and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The doctor will also consider the person's mood as well as whether or not any other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or medical problems could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask about the history of family and friends as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues that the person might be suffering from.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel relieved to learn that they aren't "lazy or unmotivated". They may also be disappointed that they were not diagnosed when younger or the impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and the lives of others. They may also feel angry at parents, teachers or healthcare professionals who failed to detect the symptoms or treat them. They might also feel a sense of sadness over missed opportunities and the impact not being treated for ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear a little different than they do in children. Adults can hide hyperactivity better, and other health issues such as anxiety or depression could mask it.
Fidgeting is a sign of ADHD. It is the body's attempt to relax your nerves and keep you focused. It could manifest as doodles or writing notes during a meeting or even tapping your feet or biting your nails. A few studies have shown that people with ADHD are better at concentrating when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness can also be a sign of ADHD. It can manifest in the form of difficulty following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates or not being punctual. You may find yourself frequently not attending work or social obligations and be struggling with finances due to excessive spending. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel under-achievement and frustration due to not achieving their potential.
You should be able to identify the signs of ADHD so that you can receive assistance. It is important to test out different dosages and medications to determine which best suits your needs. In addition to medications counseling, establishing a structures in your life can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can trigger various emotions and feelings, including relief that you have a reason for your difficulties and aren't being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may also feel anger or frustration that you weren't diagnosed and treated as a child, and sadness over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has affected your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from those of adolescents or children. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are typical. This makes it difficult to manage projects, meet deadlines and establish good relationships.
For adults, the signs are more subtle and may be present across many aspects of our lives. People who suffer from ADHD for instance, may have difficulty being still and unfocused while reading, watching television, or at work. They may also have difficulty engaging in hobbies and leisure activities quietly. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and be more likely to react or be angry than others.
As people grow older and become more sedentary, they may experience difficulties with planning and organisation. This is because they are no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can lead to procrastination, issues with household obligations, appointments and work tasks. People with ADHD might find it difficult to stop or begin tasks, and may be unable to assess the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medication. These drugs are designed to help people concentrate more effectively, feel more calm and less impulsive. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who specializes in treating the condition. When considering stimulants, people should discuss their other medications with their health care provider. Certain drugs may interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for people suffering from ADHD, such as Guanfacine and atomoxetine. They are not as effective as stimulants and can take a few weeks to begin working but they can be a good option for those who don't want to use stimulant medication or cannot take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity can also be an issue for people with ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it is a part of ADHD diagnosis, because it's a major component of the disorder that causes more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing challenge for adults with the disorder of impulsive ADHD. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that can affect social standing and relationships. In addition to that, an impulsive ADHD can be harmful and can be harmful to health and well-being.
People who suffer from an impulsive ADHD may engage in risky behaviors and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and have anger-related outbursts. Research has shown that people with ADHD have a smaller amygdala that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults who suffer from hyperactive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others and may be unable to wait for their turn in lines or conversations. They might scream out answers before the question has been answered or even take over activities or games. severe ADHD symptoms adults have no respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
You can learn to control your impulses if you have impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, like helps with all ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity. To get your heart rate going try to do 30 minutes per day of exercise. Also, think about your past impulsive moments so that you can identify what your triggers are and plan to deal with these in the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes time to start working but improves the control of impulses.