Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to manage. However, a diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms to succeed at home and work.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to begin an assessment. They can recommend the most appropriate service for you, such as community mental health services as well as special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system for focusing may not work as well. You may miss important details in your school or at work and have difficulty remembering details. You may also have difficulty focusing on tasks that require constant attention like writing, reading or math problems. It can be difficult to wait your turn in games or conversations. You may mutter answers before other people have completed asking questions. You might not be able to sit and wait for your phone to answer or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Children with ADHD often outgrow hyperactivity and impulsivity, but inattentive symptoms continue to cause challenges for many adults. People who have a predominant inattentive type of ADHD usually 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.
Adults who are susceptible to inattention symptoms may be more troubled when their daily lives become more complicated and stressful. This is often the case when a person moves from the home of their parents or into the workplace and new responsibilities such as caring for a child could contribute to the overall stress and anxiety.
There are many treatments available for people with adult ADHD that include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Certain people may also take non-stimulant medicines such as atomoxetine or Strattera, if they cannot take stimulants. Your doctor can suggest the most effective treatment for you. They will assess your medical history and symptoms and look for any possible medical conditions that could be contributing to them, and suggest effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have 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 events and have a hard time keeping track of routines. They may also have difficulty keeping their things in order or keeping 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. For a diagnosis healthcare professionals will examine the patient's background of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in early adulthood, interview relatives, friends, coworkers, or others who are familiar with them and then use standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Health care professionals or mental health professionals may also do an examination of the body and conduct an assessment of their psychological health.
The doctor will also take into consideration the person's mood, and whether other disorders like depression, anxiety or a medical problem might cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. They will also ask about the history of family and friends, lifestyle habits and any other mental health issues the person might have.
Adults with ADHD may feel relieved to discover that they're not 'lazy or unwilling'. They might also be frustrated for not being diagnosed when younger or the impact that untreated ADHD affected their lives and the lives of others. They might also feel anger at parents, teachers or healthcare professionals who didn't detect the symptoms or treat them. They may also experience feelings of sadness over missed opportunities, and the effects not being treated for ADHD has had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults differ from those of children. Adults are able to hide the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health issues such as depression or anxiety may overshadow it.
Fidgeting is one of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. It is the body's attempt at calming your nerves and concentrate. extreme ADHD symptoms adults can manifest as drawing or writing notes during a meeting, tapping your feet, or biting your nails. In fact, some research shows that people suffering from ADHD are able to concentrate better if they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a different symptom of ADHD in adults. It can be a sign of difficulty following instructions, being punctual, or even forgetting important deadlines or events. You might find yourself having trouble keeping up with work or social commitments and having financial difficulties due to impulsive purchases. Adults with ADHD may be frustrated and underachieved because they aren't reaching their full potential.
You must be able to identify the signs of ADHD to seek help. It is essential to try out different dosages and medicines to find the one that best suits your needs. Counseling and a structured lifestyle can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms, in addition to taking medication.
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 judged as lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. You might also feel anger or resentment that you weren't diagnosed and treated as an infant, and sadness over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has had on your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from those of children or teenagers. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, however, are all common. This can make it hard to keep up with the demands of work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that can impact many aspects of their lives. People suffering from ADHD, for example, may have difficulty sitting still, and be unfocused when reading, watching television or at work. They may also have difficulty doing leisure activities and hobbies at a comfortable pace. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or become angry than others.
As they age, they may have difficulties with planning and organisation. This is because they aren't getting the structure and guidance of school. This can lead to procrastination and difficulty in organising household bills or appointments, or even working on 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.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adult ADHD. These drugs are designed to help people concentrate better, feel more relaxed and less impatient. These are available on prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who specializes in treating the condition. When considering stimulants, patients should discuss their other medications with their doctor. Certain medications can interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for adults with ADHD, such as Guanfacine and atomoxetine. These medications are not as effective and can take several weeks before they begin working. However, they are an alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant medication for medical reasons or aren't able to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms involving inattentive and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity can cause significant problems for adults with ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity isn't given enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, as it's a major part of the disorder. It also causes more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
For people with an impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is usually an ongoing battle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that can affect the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and may have trouble managing their finances or driving skills. They are more prone to mood swings and anger outbursts. Research has shown that people with ADHD have a smaller amygdala, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people, and they may have trouble waiting for their turn in lines or in conversations. They might answer questions prior to finishing or even take over games or activities. They are often disrespectful of rules and other people's property.
If you suffer from an impulsive ADHD there are ways to help you gain control over your impulses. For instance regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms such as the impulsivity. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise every day to keep your heart rate up. Reflect on past impulsive moments to identify your triggers and prepare for the future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to begin working, but it improves impulse control.