ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you struggling to stay well-organized, forgetting important tasks or frequently lose your keys or wallet? You could have ADHD.
Your health care provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to make a diagnosis. The symptoms have been present for at least six months and are not appropriate for your developmental level.
1. Inattention
Many people who struggle with ADHD struggle to stay on task and sustaining focus typically at school or at work. This may result in incomplete homework, work projects or chores left unfinished with no reminders, a lack of appointments and a general sense of disorganisation. These challenges can also cause difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
Inattention symptoms are usually less apparent in adults, however they can be debilitating. Adults with inattention ADHD often have trouble to focus during lectures or conversations and also to read lengthy documents, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They could miss crucial details and frequently make mistakes at work. Inattention ADHD patients may not be able to stay still and may require them to pace or tap their feet to chew gum during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD may be misdiagnosed as other health problems such as depression, anxiety, or physical illnesses like stress. This can lead to people not receiving an ADHD assessment or having their issues misinterpreted as a different issue.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. They may have trouble staying still, being restless and interrupting others, and acting on impulse without thinking about the consequences. It can lead to problems with work, family and social life and could result in inappropriate behaviours such as impulsive spending sexual sex that is not protected or breaking promises. The symptoms of this type of ADHD tend to appear more in school settings where teachers can monitor the students and provide appropriate help.
2. Hyperactivity
Restlessness, also known as hyperactivity is one of the ADHD symptoms that adults commonly experience. It could be feeling as if you're constantly "on the go" or having difficulty playing or participating in leisure activities at a relaxed pace. It could also mean that you are in a hurry to get your turn during conversations or games. Some people with ADHD have difficulty judging how long it will take to complete a task. It may be difficult to estimate how much time to spend doing homework, or preparing for a crucial meeting at work.
Adults who are hyperactive tend to fidget or pace their feet, talk too much and have trouble sitting still. They may also have difficulty following directions and making decisions. Adults may have difficulty getting up or out of their bed in the morning, are late to work and school, and often lose their keys. This could cause tension in relationships and poor performance in the workplace or at school.
While we don't have a clear understanding of what causes ADHD, studies suggest that genetics play a part. Additionally adult female ADHD symptoms and issues with the brain's central nerve system at crucial times in development can increase the risk of developing the disorder.
If you or a loved one is suffering from ADHD it's crucial to seek assistance from your health professional. Your doctor may refer you to mental health specialists who specialize in treating adults ADHD. NIMH provides advice on how to speak with your doctor about ADHD in case you're not certain where to start. You can also learn more about the condition by reading The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). This is available for free online.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less prevalent than hyperactivity or inattention, it may still be present in some adults suffering from ADHD. People who act on impulse without thinking about the consequences usually struggle with relationships, work and school. They might not be capable of waiting for their turn, talk excessively or interrupt other people often. They may also be unable to stop themselves from making decisions that they later regret. They may spend money or time on things that aren't needed, quit a job on a whim or go out without considering the consequences.
In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present before age 12 and persist into adulthood. The symptoms must be noticeable in two or more settings, including home, work or school or with family members and friends; or in other activities. These symptoms should cause major problems and interfere with, or reduce the quality of, school, social or work performance.
Adults who weren't diagnosed with ADHD as children may find that their symptoms persist into adulthood and cause problems at work or relationships. In these instances the health professional will evaluate symptoms. This may include reviewing reports from the past and speaking to family members about childhood problems.
People suffering from ADHD respond well to psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and stimulant medication. Stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine, which improves concentration and attention. These drugs can cause negative effects, but they are generally considered safe if used under medical supervision. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also be beneficial. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from participation in a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
When people suffering from ADHD have difficulty managing their emotions or paying attention to the specifics of an event, they could become very disruptive. This can sabotage their performance at work, make them difficult to get along with in their personal relationships, and even result in divorce or separation.
Talking too much, uttering answers before others have completed their questions, causing disruption to other people or acting on impulse without thinking about the consequences can be signs of adult ADHD. These actions can disrupt their home life and damage their relationships with family and friends. They might forget social obligations such as birthdays or anniversaries, and struggle to complete household chores or meet their budget.
In addition, adults with ADHD tend to become easily bored and have a difficult time getting bored or waiting for others. They may feel agitated or fidgety, an indication that is difficult to distinguish from depression and anxiety. People suffering from ADHD may also be frustrated or short-tempered. This is especially the case when they are exhausted or angry.
Speak to your GP in the event that you think you might have a mental disorder such as ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or any other mental health professional for an evaluation. They will ask about your symptoms and what impact they have on your daily functioning. They will also ask about any other health problems you have. This is due to the fact that certain medications, like those for high blood pressure and depression are able to interact with stimulants.
It can take a long time to assess someone for a disorder such as ADHD, and sometimes there are waiting lists. However, the process follows NICE guidelines. Your GP will talk to you about your issues and, if possible request to speak with your family members/whanau or your employer. If they believe you have ADHD symptoms they will refer you to the most appropriate service to evaluate you.
5. Anxiety
You may also experience anxiety if you suffer from ADHD. You can control your symptoms with the proper treatment. Anxiety is a reaction to stress. Anxiety that is chronic can turn into an issue that is serious. The first step is to identify the factors that trigger anxiety. This could be a specific situation or tasks, or even relationships. You can also utilize your self-awareness in order to determine how your ADHD symptoms could be leading to, or worsening your anxiety.
People with ADHD struggle with engaging in a task or activity, which makes it difficult to keep deadlines and other obligations at school and at work. They often have trouble prioritizing and causing miscommunication and missed opportunities. This can also cause problems with family members or friends.
Anxiety can be debilitating, in addition to being a major source of stress. It can cause a number of physical reactions, like a rapid pulse, sweating and a general sense of discomfort. It can also cause difficulty concentrating or even depression.
Anxiety is usually a co-occurring disorder with ADHD. In fact, people with the disorder are more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder than people who do not have ADHD. They also have higher levels of smoking, addiction, impulsivity and eating disorders as well as issues with their families.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is the combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method that helps you recognize and change unhelpful mental attitudes, beliefs, and ways of thinking, can help you change your behavior. Your doctor may also suggest other types of therapy like marriage or family counseling to manage anxiety and improve relationships with your loved one. You can also keep a diary or meditate to ease your worries.