Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The signs of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. If diagnosed with ADHD, they are able to take control of their symptoms and reach their goals at home and at work.
A chat with your doctor is the best place to start an assessment. They can recommend the best service for you, including community mental health services as well as special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system for focusing may not work as well. As a result, you might miss important details at school or at work, and you may be unable to remember things. You may also find it difficult to focus on tasks that require continuous concentration, such as writing, math or reading. You may find it difficult to wait for your turn in games or conversations. You may mutter answers before others are finished asking their questions. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring, or interrupt conversations at inappropriate times.
Many adults suffering from ADHD have trouble coping with symptoms of inattention. People who have a predominant inattentive type of ADHD typically have difficulty staying on task at home, at school and at work. This type of ADHD can have mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Adults with attention deficits can become more challenging when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complicated and stressful. This could happen when a person moves out of the home with their family and goes to the work environment. New tasks, like taking care of a child in the early years, may also increase their level of anxiety and stress.
There are a variety of options for those suffering from adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines may help to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for individuals who don't like stimulants or don't respond to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for you. They can evaluate your symptoms and past history, look for medical problems that might be causing them and identify effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their work. They could make mistakes at work or school, or jump from one task to another. People with ADHD often forget important dates or occasions and have trouble keeping track of routines. They might also find it difficult to organize their things 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 healthcare professionals will analyze the individual's background of ADHD symptoms when they were children and in the early years of adulthood, talk to relatives, friends, coworkers, or others who are familiar with them and utilize standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Mental health professionals or health care providers may also perform a physical exam and administer a psychological test.
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 to those of ADHD. They will also inquire about the history of family and friends, lifestyle habits and any other mental health issues the person might be suffering from.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might feel a sense of relief to learn that they aren't "lazy or unwilling". ADHD adult symptoms might also feel frustration at the fact that they were not diagnosed when younger or the impact untreated ADHD has affected their lives and the lives of others around them. They may also feel angry at parents, teachers or healthcare providers who didn't notice the symptoms or treat them. They may also feel sorrow about missed opportunities and the negative impact that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear a little different than the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults are able to hide hyperactivity better, and other health issues like anxiety or depression could mask it.
Fidgeting can be an indication of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to calm down your nerves and concentrate. It could manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nail. Some studies have found that people suffering from ADHD are more focused when they are able to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a different symptom of ADHD in adults. It may be a sign of difficulty following directions, being punctual, or even forgetting important deadlines or events. You may find yourself not attending work or social events and struggling with finances due to impulse purchases. Adults with ADHD may be frustrated and underachieving because they're not living up to their full potential.
You should be able to identify the signs of ADHD to get assistance. There are a variety of medications that can treat ADHD and it is essential to test different dosages and medications to determine the best one for you. Counseling and a structured lifestyle can help you manage ADHD symptoms in addition to taking medication.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can trigger many emotions such as satisfaction that you have an explanation for your problems and are not being judged as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You might also feel discontent or anger that you were never diagnosed and treated as a child, and sadness about the impact untreated ADHD has had on your professional life and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
Symptoms of ADHD in adults are often different from the symptoms of teenagers and children. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common. This can make it hard to keep up with work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
For adults, the signs are more subtle and may be seen in a variety of aspects of everyday life. People suffering from ADHD for instance, may have difficulty staying still, and may be anxious when reading, watching television or working. They might also have trouble doing hobbies and leisure activities quietly. Additionally, they may struggle to keep their emotions in check and are more likely to react too quickly or get upset than other people.
As people age they might have more difficulty in organising and planning. This is because they are no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can result in procrastination and difficulties organizing household bills or appointments, or even completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and they might struggle to evaluate the long-term impact of their actions.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. They are designed to help people concentrate better and be less impulsive, as well as feel more peaceful. They are available by prescription only and can be obtained from a psychiatrist or a GP who specializes in the condition. People should be careful to discuss any other medication they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with a healthcare doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to people suffering from ADHD such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs are less effective and require several weeks before they begin working. However, they're an option for those who do not want to take stimulant medications due to medical reasons or aren't able to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity can also be a significant problem for people with ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity gets short shrift when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, as it's an integral part of the disorder and causes more problems than other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing struggle for those with an impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing miscues that impact relationships and social standing. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior, and they may have a harder time managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and anger outbursts. Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and may have difficulty waiting for their turn in conversations or lines. They may answer questions prior to finishing or take over activities or games. They typically don't have a lick of respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
If you suffer from impulsive ADHD There are some things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, for instance can help with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. To get symptoms of ADHD in adults going try to do 30 minutes a day of exercise. Reflect on past impulsive moments to pinpoint your triggers and prepare for the future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to kick in but can improve the control of impulses.