Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. But getting a diagnosis can help them get control of their symptoms to attain their goals at work and home.
A visit to your doctor is the best way to begin an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate treatment for you, which could include community mental health services or special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention!
If you have ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system may not be working as well. As a result, you may miss important information at work or in school and may have trouble remembering things. You might also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require sustained concentration, such as writing, reading or math. You might find it difficult to wait your turn in conversations or games. You may be asked questions before others have done. You may not be able wait for your phone to answer or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Children with ADHD often outgrow their impulsivity and hyperactivity, but inattention-related symptoms persist and cause challenges for many adults. People suffering from ADHD who are primarily inattentive have difficulty staying on track, whether at school, home or at work. This type of ADHD can have mild, moderate or even serious symptoms.
Adults with attention deficits can become more challenging when a person's life becomes more complex and stressful. This could happen when a person is moved away from their home or into a job, and new responsibilities like caring for a child might contribute to their overall level of stress and anxiety.
There are many options for those suffering from adult ADHD which include lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate such as methylphenidate, Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for individuals who don't like stimulants or who don't respond to them. Your doctor can suggest the most effective treatment for you. They can evaluate your symptoms and history, look for medical problems that could be causing them and suggest effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They might be distracted from one task to the next, or make careless mistakes at school or at work. People with ADHD often forget important dates or occasions and have a hard time keeping track of routines. They may be unable to organize their lives 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 providers will examine the history of ADHD symptoms during early adulthood and childhood. They may also speak with colleagues, family members, friends or other acquaintances who know the person well. They may also employ the standardized behavior ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms lists. Health care professionals or mental health professionals can also conduct an examination on the body and administer a psychological test.
The provider will also consider the person's mood and whether any other illnesses like depression, anxiety or a medical condition could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. They will also inquire about the person's family and social background, their lifestyle habits and any mental health issues they might have.
what is adult ADHD symptoms with ADHD will feel relief at finding a reason for their struggles and finding out that they aren't 'lazy or unmotivated'. They might also feel frustration over the fact that they weren't diagnosed as young or the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives and the lives of the people around them. They might also be angry with their parents, teachers or healthcare providers for not being aware of the signs and treating them. They might also feel a sense of sadness over missed opportunities, and the effects not being treated for ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults look slightly different than they do in children. Adults may be able conceal their hyperactivity better as well as other health issues like depression or anxiety can overshadow it.
Fidgeting could be a sign of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's way of trying to ease your tension and assist you in focusing. It could manifest as doodles or making notes during meetings tapping your feet, or even biting your nails. In fact, some research shows that people suffering from ADHD can actually concentrate better if they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness may also be an indication of ADHD. It may manifest in the form of difficulty following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates, or not being punctual. You may be not attending work or social events and having financial issues due to impulse purchases. Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel a sense of underachievement and discontent because they are not living up to their potential.
It is important 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 essential to test different medications and dosages to find the most suitable one for your needs. Counseling and a structured life can aid in managing ADHD symptoms, in addition to taking medication.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, you may feel various emotions. You may be happy that your issues have a reason and that you are not being called lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. There is also discontent or anger that you were never diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow over the impact that untreated ADHD has affected your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from those of children or teenagers. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common. This can make it difficult to keep up with work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are less obvious and could be seen in a variety of aspects of everyday life. People with ADHD, for example might have trouble staying still, and may be restless when reading, watching TV or at work. They might also have trouble engaging in hobbies and leisure activities at a comfortable pace. They might also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or get angry than other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing are more apparent as people reach adulthood without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can result in delays in household obligations, appointments and tasks at work. People with ADHD may have difficulty to stop or start tasks, and they might struggle to evaluate the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medications. They are designed to help people concentrate more effectively, feel more calm and less impatient. They can be purchased from a psychiatrist or GP who specializes in treating the condition. When considering stimulants, people should discuss their other medications with their doctor. Some drugs can interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for people suffering from ADHD like Guanfacine and atomoxetine. These are less effective than stimulants and take several weeks to kick in but they can be a good alternative for those who don't prefer to take stimulant medication or who are unable to use it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity is an important issue for adults with ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity is a neglected area when it is a part of ADHD diagnosis, since it's a key component of the disorder and causes more problems than other symptom of ADHD.
For those who suffer from impulsive ADHD problems with self-control is often an ongoing battle. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that affect relationships and social standing. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with hyper-impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour and have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and have anger-related outbursts. Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have an amygdala that is smaller that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD may also have trouble getting their turns in lines or conversations. They may scream out answers before the question has been answered or take over games or activities. They are usually disrespectful of rules and the property of others.
If you suffer from impulsive ADHD, there are things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. For example, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms such as the tendency to be impulsive. To get your heart rate going try to do 30 minutes of exercise. Also, reflect on your past impulsive moments to identify the triggers that cause you to be impulsive and plan to deal with them in the near future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to kick in but can improve your control over impulses.