Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD may have a difficult time to deal with. However, a diagnosis can help them get control of their symptoms and succeed at work and home.
A visit to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you to the best treatment for you, which could include community mental health services or special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention may not function as well. In the end, you might miss important details at school or at work, and you may have trouble remembering things. You may also have difficulty working on tasks that require sustained focus like writing, reading, or maths problems. You might find it difficult to be patient in games or conversations. You might blurt out answers before others have completed asking questions. You might have trouble waiting for your phone to ring or disturb people at inappropriate times.
Children with ADHD often outgrow their impulsivity and hyperactivity, but inattention-related symptoms persist and cause difficulties for a lot of adults. People with ADHD who are primarily inattention are unable to stay focused at school, home or at work. This kind of ADHD can present with mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Adults who are prone to inattentive symptoms can be more stressed when their lives become increasingly stressful and complex. This may happen when a person moves out of the home of their parents and moves into the workplace. The new tasks, like caring for a young child, may also increase their level of stress and anxiety.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can help reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also a possibility for people who can't tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your physician can recommend the best treatment options for you. They will assess your medical history and symptoms and look for any possible medical problems that may be contributing to them, and suggest the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their task. They can be distracted and jump between activities or make a mistake at school or work. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or occasions and have trouble keeping track of routines. They might have difficulty figuring out how to keep their belongings in order 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. To determine if they are diagnosed, health care providers will examine the patient's experience with ADHD symptoms when they were children and in early adulthood, interview relatives, friends, coworkers, or others who are familiar with them, and use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. Health care providers or mental health professionals may also do a physical examination and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
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 history of family and friends as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues the person might have.
Adults suffering from ADHD might feel a sense of relief to learn that they aren't 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also be disappointed that they weren't diagnosed when younger or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and that of others. They may also be angry at their teachers, parents or healthcare professionals for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the negative impact that untreated ADHD 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 anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is among the most common symptoms of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's attempt to calm your nerves and help you focus. It can manifest as drawing or taking notes during a meeting or even tapping your feet or biting your nails. A few studies have shown that people suffering from ADHD are more focused when they fidget.
Disruptiveness is also a sign of ADHD. It can manifest in the form of difficulty in following directions, ignoring important dates or deadlines, or not being punctual. You might find yourself frequently not attending work or social obligations and may struggle with money due to excessive spending. Adults suffering from ADHD may feel frustrated and unfulfilled because they're not performing to their full potential.
You should be able to identify the signs of ADHD so that you can seek help. There are multiple types of medications that can treat ADHD, and it is essential to test a variety of dosages and medications to find the right one for you. Alongside medication counseling, establishing a the right structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger various emotions and feelings, including relief that you have a reason to explain your difficulties and aren't being labelled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may feel angry or frustrated that you weren't diagnosed and treated when you were a child. You might also feel concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your professional career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can differ from those of children and teenagers. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are all common. This can make it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that can impact many aspects of their daily lives. People with ADHD, for example, may have difficulty being still and anxious when reading, watching TV or working. They may also have difficulty doing leisure activities and hobbies quietly. They might also have difficulty managing their emotions and be more likely to react or become angry than other people.
Problems with planning and organisation can become more noticeable as we grow older, without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can result in procrastination, difficulties with household bills, appointments and completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD are often unable to stop or start tasks and they may have difficulty assessing the long-term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medication. combined ADHD symptoms in adults are intended to help people concentrate better, feel more relaxed and less impatient. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP that is experienced in treating the condition. It is important to discuss any other medication they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with a healthcare provider, as some drugs interact with them.
Non-stimulant medications are available for people suffering from ADHD like Guanfacine and atomoxetine. These are less effective and take some time before they begin working. However, they can be an alternative for people who do not wish to take stimulant medication for medical reasons or are not able to take it.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity is an issue for adults with ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity is not given enough attention when it comes down to ADHD diagnoses, since it is a significant component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
For adults with the disorder of impulsive ADHD problems with self-control is often an ongoing battle. It can lead embarrassing errors that impact the status of relationships and social standing. In addition to that, impulsive ADHD can be risky and can be harmful to health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD are more likely to be prone to risky behavior and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to suffer from mood swings and express anger-related outbursts. Research has shown that people with ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD might also have difficulty getting their turn in lines or conversations. They may respond to questions before they are finished or even take over games or activities. They often disregard rules and other people's property.
You can learn to manage your impulses when you have the disorder of impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for instance, helps with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day to keep your heart rate up. Also, consider past moments of impulsivity to determine the triggers for you and how you can deal with these in the future. Ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medication, which can take some time before they begin working, but they can improve your the control of impulses.