Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to cope. But getting a diagnosis can help them get control of their symptoms so they can achieve their goals at work and at home.
Talking to your doctor is the best place to begin an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate service, for example, community mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD the brain's automatic attention system might not work as well. You may miss important details in the classroom or at work and may have trouble remembering details. It is also possible that you have trouble paying attention to tasks that require continuous concentration, such as writing, reading or math problems. You might be having trouble taking your time during games or conversations. You may answer questions before others have completed. You may not be able to sit and wait for your phone to answer or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble coping with inattentive symptoms. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD usually have trouble staying on track at home, at school and at work. ADHD symptoms in adults females of this kind of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Attention-deficit symptoms in adults can become more challenging when a person's daily life becomes more complicated and stressful. This could happen when a person moves out of the family home and enters the work environment. The new tasks, like taking care of a child in the early years, may also increase their level of stress and anxiety.
There are a variety of solutions for people suffering from adult ADHD that include lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate such as methylphenidate, Adderall and amphetamines can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. 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 best treatment for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history and look for any possible medical conditions that could be causing them, and identify the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They can be distracted and jump from one activity to another, or make careless mistakes at work or school. People with ADHD often forget important dates or occasions and have trouble adhering to routines. They might 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 care providers will look at the person's background of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in the early years of adulthood, interview relatives, friends and coworkers who are familiar with them, and use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Mental health professionals or health care providers can also conduct physical examinations and conduct a psychological test.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood, and whether or not other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or medical problems might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They will also inquire regarding the person's family and social background and lifestyle habits and any mental health issues they may have.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be relieved to discover that they're not "lazy or unwilling". They might also be frustrated that they were not diagnosed earlier or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their lives and the lives of others. They might also be anger at their parents, teachers or healthcare professionals for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They might also feel sad about missed opportunities and the effects that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs 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 is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's attempt to ease your stress and help you concentrate. It can manifest as drawing or taking notes during a meeting, tapping your feet, or even biting your nails. In fact, some studies show that people suffering from ADHD are actually more focused when they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness is another sign of ADHD in adults. It can be a sign of difficulty following directions, being punctual, or ignoring important events or deadlines. You might find yourself having trouble keeping up with work or social commitments and having financial difficulties because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults suffering from ADHD may be frustrated and underachieving because they're not living up to their full potential.
You should be able recognize the symptoms of ADHD to receive assistance. It is crucial to test out various dosages and medications to find the one that works best for you. Counseling and a structured lifestyle can help you manage ADHD symptoms in addition to medications.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD You may experience various emotions. You may feel relieved that your difficulties are logical and you're not being called lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. There is also anger or frustration that you weren't diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow about the impact untreated ADHD has had on your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
The signs of ADHD in adults often differ from those of children and teenagers. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, however, are all common. This makes it difficult 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 present across many aspects of our lives. People suffering from ADHD for instance might have trouble sitting still, and be unfocused while reading, watching television or working. They might also have trouble engaging in hobbies and leisure activities at a comfortable pace. Additionally, they may have difficulty keeping their emotions in check and are more likely to react too quickly or get upset in comparison to other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing can become more noticeable as people reach adulthood, without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can result in delays in household chores and also difficulties with managing household expenses, appointments or working on tasks. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and may be unable to assess the long-term impact of their actions.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adult ADHD. These are designed to help people focus better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. They are available by prescription only and can be obtained from a psychiatrist or a GP who specialises in the condition. It is important to discuss any other medications they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with a health care provider, as some drugs interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to people suffering from ADHD like atomoxetine and guanfacine. They are not as effective as stimulants and take several weeks to begin working, but are an option for those who don't prefer to take stimulant medication or are unable to take it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms involving inattentive and hyperactive behavior get the bulk of the attention, impulsivity can create serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity is a neglected area when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's an integral part of the disorder and creates proportionally more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing challenge for those with an impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that can affect relationships and social standing. In addition, impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and harmful to one's health and well-being.
People who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour and may have a harder time managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to suffer from mood swings and have anger 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 who suffer from impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others and may have difficulty 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 the rights of others' property.
If you have impulsive ADHD there are things you can do to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. For example, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity. To increase your heart rate try to do 30 minutes a day of exercise. Review your past impulsive experiences to pinpoint your triggers and plan for 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 impulse control.