Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to manage. However, a diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms and attain their goals at home and work.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to begin an assessment. They can recommend the best treatment for you, which could include community mental health services or specialist neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention may not work in the same way. You may forget important information in school or at your job, and have difficulty remembering details. You might also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require constant concentration, like writing, reading or math. You might find it difficult to be patient in conversations or games. You may be asked questions before others have completed. You might not be able to wait for your phone or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD are still struggling with symptoms of inattention. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD usually have trouble being on task at home, at school and at work. The symptoms of this kind of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Attention-deficit symptoms in adults can become more problematic 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 workplace. New tasks, like taking care of a child in the early years, may cause an increase in anxiety and stress.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD such as lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines may help to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for some individuals who don't like stimulants or don't respond to them. Your health care provider can recommend the best treatment options for you. They will assess your medical history and symptoms, look for possible medical issues that could be contributing to them, and suggest appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They may jump between activities or make mistakes at work or school. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events, and may have difficulty keeping track of routines. They may be unable to keep their belongings in order or keep track of long-term projects.
inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms with ADHD still show problems with inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, but these symptoms may become less noticeable with age. For a diagnosis healthcare professionals will look at the person's background of ADHD symptoms when they were children and in the early years of adulthood, interview relatives, friends and coworkers who are familiar with their condition, and use standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Health care providers can also conduct physical examinations and administer a psychological test.
The doctor will also take into account the person's mood and whether or not other medical conditions like depression, anxiety or medical issues might cause similar symptoms as 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 who suffer from ADHD might feel a sense of relief to know that they're not "lazy or unmotivated". They may also feel frustrated for not being diagnosed at a younger age or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and that of others. They may also feel angry at parents, teachers or healthcare providers who didn't notice the symptoms or treat them. They might also feel sad about the missed opportunities and impact untreated ADHD had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults look somewhat different from what they do for kids. Adults might be able to cover up their hyperactivity more effectively and other health issues such as anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is an indication of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's attempt to ease your stress and help you focus. It could manifest as doodles or making notes during meetings tapping your feet, or biting your nails. Some studies have found that people suffering from ADHD are better at concentrating when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness is another characteristic of ADHD in adults. It can be a sign of difficulty following directions, not being punctual or forgetting important deadlines or events. You may be not attending work or social events and having financial difficulties due to impulsive purchases. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel under-achievement and frustration because they are not living up to their potential.
It is essential to be aware of the signs of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek help. There are many types of medications that treat ADHD, and it is essential to test a variety of medications and dosages to find the most suitable one for your needs. In addition to medications counseling, establishing a the right structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger many emotions and feelings, including satisfaction that you have an explanation for your problems and are not being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You might also feel discontent or anger for not being diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow over the impact that untreated ADHD has affected your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can differ from those of adolescents and children. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are all common. This makes it difficult to keep up with projects, meet deadlines and establish good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that affect a variety of aspects of their lives. For example, people with ADHD may have trouble staying still and are frequently anxious when watching TV, reading or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in leisure activities and other hobbies quietly. In addition, they might have difficulty keeping their emotions in check and are more prone to react in a panic or become angry than other people.
As people grow older they might have difficulties in organising and planning. This is because they're no longer receiving the guidance and structure of school. This can result in procrastination, difficulties with household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD are often unable to stop or begin tasks and 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 calmer and be less dependent. They can be purchased from a psychiatrist or GP that is experienced in treating the condition. People should be careful to discuss any other medication they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with a healthcare doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medicines for adults with ADHD which include atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. They are not as effective as stimulants and can take a few weeks to kick in, but are an alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant medications or who are unable to use it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms involving inattentive and hyperactive behaviors get the majority of the attention, impulsivity can create significant problems for adults with ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity is not given enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a major part of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
For people with impulsive ADHD issues with self-control is often an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that can affect relationships and social standing. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and may be more difficult to manage their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have an amygdala that is smaller, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD may also have difficulty waiting for their turns in lines or conversations. They may blurt out answers prior to the end of the question or even take over games or activities. They typically don't have a lick of respect for rules or other people's property.
If you have impulsive ADHD, there are things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. For instance regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity. To get your heart rate going you should aim for 30 minutes of exercise. Review your past impulsive experiences to identify your triggers and plan for the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes time to start working but improves your control over impulses.