Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to cope. If diagnosed with ADHD, they are able to take control of their symptoms and meet their goals at home and at work.
Talking with your GP is the best way to start an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate service, for example, community mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention might not function as well. As a result, you might miss important details at school or at work and have difficulty remembering things. It can also be difficult to focus on tasks that require constant concentration, like writing, reading or math. It can be difficult to be patient in conversations or games. You may answer questions prior to others having completed. You might be having trouble waiting for your phone to ring or interrupt people at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD are still struggling with symptoms of inattention. People who have a predominant inattentive type of ADHD tend to have trouble staying on task at school, at home and at work. This type of ADHD can have mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Adults who are susceptible to inattention symptoms may be more stressed when their lives become increasingly complicated and stressful. This can happen when a person is moved away from their home or into a job and new responsibilities such as caring for a child could contribute to their stress levels and anxiety.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD, including lifestyle modifications diet, medication, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Some people also take non-stimulant medications like 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 evaluate your symptoms and history looking for medical conditions that could be causing them, and recommend the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their task. They may make careless errors at school or work or jump from one task to the next. People with ADHD often forget important dates or events and have difficulty keeping track of routines. They may have difficulty figuring out how to organize their lives or stay 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. For a diagnosis health professionals will analyze the individual's background of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in the early years of adulthood, talk to family members, friends as well as coworkers or other people who are familiar with their condition, and use standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Health care providers may also perform a physical exam and administer a psychological assessment.
The doctor will also look at the person's mood, and whether other disorders like depression, anxiety or a medical condition could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. They will also ask about the family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues that the person might have.
Many adults who have ADHD will feel relief at finding a reason for their issues and finding out that they're not lazy' or 'unwilling'. They may also be disappointed for not being diagnosed earlier or the impact untreated ADHD affected their lives and the lives of others. They may also feel angry with their parents, teachers or healthcare providers for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They might also feel a sense of sadness over missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD has had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear a little different than they do for kids. Adults may be able to cover up their hyperactivity more effectively and other health issues such as depression or anxiety can overshadow it.
Fidgeting is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's attempt to calm your nerves and help you concentrate. It could manifest as notes or doodles during a meeting, or tapping your feet or biting your nails. Some research has shown that those with ADHD are better at concentrating when they are able to fidget.
Disruptiveness may also be an indication of ADHD. It may manifest in the form of difficulties following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates, or not being punctual. You may find yourself frequently not attending to work or social obligations, and you might be struggling with finances due to the impulsive spending. adult ADHD symptoms with ADHD might feel depressed and underachieving because they're not performing to their full potential.
You must be able to identify the signs of ADHD to seek help. There are many types of medications that can treat ADHD, and it is crucial to test different dosages and medications to determine the most suitable one for your needs. Counseling and a well-structured life can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms, in addition to taking medication.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger a range of emotions and feelings, including happiness that you now have an explanation for your difficulties and aren't being labelled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. There is also anger or frustration that you weren't diagnosed and treated as an infant, and sadness over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has affected your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
The signs of ADHD in adults often differ from those of adolescents and children. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, however, are not uncommon. This can make it hard to keep up with the demands of work, meet deadlines, and develop good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that can affect many aspects of their lives. For instance, those with ADHD might have trouble staying still and are frequently anxious when reading, watching TV or at work. They may also have difficulty doing hobbies and leisure activities quietly. In addition, they could struggle to keep their emotions under control and are more likely to overreact or become upset than other people.
Problems with planning and organisation can become more evident as people move into adulthood, without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can lead to delays in household expenses, appointments, and completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD can find it hard to stop or start tasks and they may have difficulty understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These are designed to help people concentrate better and less impulsive. They also help people feel more calm. They are available on prescription and are available by a psychiatrist or a doctor who specialises in the condition. When considering stimulants, patients must discuss any other medications with their health care provider. Some drugs can interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for adults with ADHD, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. They are less effective than stimulants and require a period of time 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 of inattention and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity is an issue for people with ADHD. It's a pity that impulsivity isn't given enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it is a significant component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
For people with impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is usually 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 an impulsive ADHD may be prone to risky behavior and may have difficulties managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to suffer from mood swings and anger-related outbursts. People with ADHD may have smaller Amygdala. This could be due to a lack of control over their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others, and they may have trouble waiting for their turn in lines or in conversations. They might answer questions prior to finishing or take over games or activities. They usually have no respect for rules or other people's property.
If you are suffering from impulsive ADHD, there are things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. For example regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms, including the impulsivity. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise per day to get your heart rate up. Also, reflect on past moments of impulsivity to identify the triggers that cause you to be impulsive and prepare to address these in the future. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to kick in but can improve your control over impulses.