Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD may have a difficult time to cope. However, getting a diagnosis may help them manage their symptoms to succeed at work and at home.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you to the most appropriate treatment for you, which could include the community mental health service or specialist neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention!
If you suffer from ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system may not work as well. This means that you could miss important details at school or at work and may be unable to remember things. You might also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require constant concentration, such as writing, math or reading. You might find it difficult to wait your turn in games or conversations. You might blurt out answers before others have finished asking their questions. You might not be able to wait for your phone to answer or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Children suffering from ADHD tend to overcome hyperactivity and impulsivity, but inattention symptoms remain a source of challenges for many adults. symptoms ADHD in adults who are mostly inattentive ADHD tend to have trouble being on task at school, at home and at work. The symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Attention-deficit symptoms in adults can become more problematic when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complex and stressful. This could happen when someone leaves the home of their parents and moves into the work environment. New tasks, like caring for a young child can cause an increase in stress and anxiety.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes as well as diet and medication. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Certain people may also take non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine or Strattera in the event that they are unable to take stimulants. Your doctor can suggest the most effective treatment options for you. They can assess your symptoms and medical history and identify any medical problems that may be contributing to them, and suggest appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their task. They might be distracted between activities or make mistakes at work or school. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and occasions, and have trouble following routines. They may also have trouble managing their belongings 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. To determine if they are diagnosed health professionals will look at the person's history of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in the early years of adulthood, interview family members, friends, coworkers, or others who know them well and utilize standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Health professionals or mental health care providers can also conduct a physical exam and administer a psychological test.
The doctor will also take into account the person's mood, and whether or not any other conditions such as anxiety, depression or medical issues could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask questions regarding the person's family and social history, their lifestyle habits and any mental health issues they may have.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be relieved to know that they're not "lazy or unwilling". They may also be disappointed that they weren't diagnosed earlier or the impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and that of others. They may also be angry at their teachers, parents or healthcare providers for not noticing the symptoms and treating them. They may also feel sorrow about the missed opportunities and impact untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults appear somewhat different from what they do in children. Adults might be able to cover up their hyperactivity more effectively as well as other health issues such as anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting is an indication of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's attempt to calm your nerves and help you focus. It can manifest as drawing or making notes during meetings tapping your feet, or biting your nails. In fact, some studies show that people suffering from ADHD are able to concentrate better if they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a different characteristic of ADHD in adults. It can manifest as trouble following instructions, being punctual, or even forgetting important deadlines or events. You may be having trouble keeping up with work or social commitments and having financial difficulties due to impulse purchases. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel under-achievement and frustration because they are not living up to their potential.
It is essential to identify the symptoms of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek help. There are many types of medications that can treat ADHD, and it is important to test a variety of dosages and medications to find the right one for you. Alongside medication, counseling and creating structure in your life can help you manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring up various emotions, including satisfaction that you have a reason for your problems and are not being judged as lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. You might also feel discontent or anger that you weren't diagnosed and treated as a child, and sadness over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has had on your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from those of children or teenagers. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are all common. This can make it hard to keep up with the demands of work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are less obvious and could be seen in a variety of aspects of our lives. People who suffer from ADHD for instance, may have difficulty staying still, and may be unfocused when reading, watching television or working. They may also have trouble engaging in leisure and hobbies in a quiet manner. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and be more likely to react or get angry than other people.
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 and difficulty in organizing household bills, appointments or finishing work tasks. People with ADHD are often unable to stop or start tasks and they may have difficulties understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications are intended to help people concentrate more effectively, feel more calm and be less impulsive. They can be purchased on prescription and are available through a GP or psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. Patients should discuss any other medications they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with a healthcare provider, as certain medications interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to adults with ADHD such as the atomoxetine and the guanfacine. These are less effective and take several weeks before they begin working. However, they can be an alternative for those who do not want to take stimulant medications due to medical reasons or aren't able to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the most well-known ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity can also be an important issue for people with ADHD. It's a pity that impulsivity is not given enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, as it's a major component of the disorder. It also causes more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
For people with impulsive ADHD issues with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that affect the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior and may have a harder time managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and anger-related outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others, and they may be unable to wait for their turn in lines or conversations. They may answer questions before they are finished or take over activities or games. They usually have no respect for rules or other people's property.
If you suffer from an impulsive ADHD there are ways to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, like helps with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise each day to keep your heart rate up. Review your past impulsive experiences to determine your triggers and prepare for the future. You can ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medication, which can take a while before they start working, but can help improve the control of impulses.