Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The signs of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. If diagnosed with ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and meet their goals both at home and at work.
A conversation with your doctor is the best place to begin a diagnosis. They can refer you to the most appropriate treatment for you, which could include community mental health services or specialised neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system may not be working as well. You might miss important information in the classroom or at work and may have trouble remembering things. You might also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require constant concentration, such as writing, reading or math. You may have difficulty taking your time during conversations or games. You may be asked questions prior to others having done. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring or disturb people at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble coping with symptoms of inattention. People suffering from ADHD that is primarily inattention are unable to stay focused, whether at school, home or at work. Symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Attention-deficit symptoms in adults can become more problematic when a person's life becomes more complicated and stressful. This could happen when a person leaves the home of their parents and moves into the workplace. The new obligations, such as taking care of a child in the early years can cause an increase in 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 drugs (Adderall) can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also a possibility for people who can't tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your doctor can suggest the most effective treatment for you. They can assess your medical history and symptoms, look for possible medical problems that may be the cause, and recommend effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their task. They could make mistakes at school or work or switch between tasks. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events and may have difficulty keeping track of routines. They may have difficulty figuring out how to keep their belongings in order 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. To determine if they are diagnosed healthcare professionals will analyze the individual's history of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in the early years of adulthood, interview friends, family members as well as coworkers or other people who know them well and utilize standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Health care providers can also conduct an examination of the body and conduct a psychological test.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood, and whether or not other conditions such as depression, anxiety or medical issues could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also inquire about family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues the person might be suffering from.
Many adults with ADHD will feel a sense of relief after finding a reason for their struggles and discovering that they're not lazy or unmotivated'. They might also be frustrated that they were not diagnosed earlier or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and that of others. They might also be angry with their parents, teachers or healthcare professionals for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults look somewhat different from what they do for kids. Adults are able to hide the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health problems like anxiety or depression could mask it.
Fidgeting can be an indication of ADHD. It is the body's attempt to relax your nerves and concentrate. It can manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nail. Some studies have found that people with ADHD are better at concentrating when they are able to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a different symptom of ADHD in adults. It may be a sign of difficulty following instructions, being punctual, or even forgetting important events or deadlines. You may be having trouble keeping up with work or social commitments and having financial issues due to impulsive purchases. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and unfulfilled because they're not reaching their full potential.
You should be able recognize the symptoms of ADHD to seek assistance. There are ADHD symptoms in adults quiz of medication that can treat ADHD and it is important to test a variety of medications and dosages to find the right one for you. Counseling and a structured life can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms, in addition to medication.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger various emotions and feelings, including satisfaction that you have an explanation for your issues and aren't being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may feel dissatisfied or angry that you weren't diagnosed and treated when you were a child. You might also be concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your professional career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from those of adolescents or children. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are all common. This can make it hard to keep up with work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
Adults may experience subtler symptoms that can impact many aspects of their daily lives. People who suffer from ADHD, for example may have trouble staying still, and may be unfocused when reading, watching TV or at work. They might also have trouble engaging in leisure and hobbies at a comfortable pace. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and are more likely to react or become angry than other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing can become more evident as we grow older, without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can result in procrastination and difficulty in organising household bills, appointments or completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD are often unable to stop or start tasks and may have trouble understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly prescribed treatment for adult ADHD. These medications are intended to help people concentrate better, feel calmer and less impulsive. They are available on prescription and are available by a psychiatrist or a doctor who specializes in the condition. When considering stimulants, people should discuss their other medications with their health care provider. Certain drugs may interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to adults with ADHD like atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are less effective than stimulants and take several weeks to kick in, but are an alternative for those who don't wish to take stimulant medications or are unable to take it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms that involve inattention and hyperactive behaviors get the majority of the attention, impulsivity can create serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity doesn't get enough consideration when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, as it is a significant component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
For adults with the disorder of impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is usually an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing miscues that impact the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD may engage in risky behaviors and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more susceptible to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have a smaller amygdala which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD might also have difficulty waiting their turn in lines or conversations. They might scream out answers prior to the end of the question or even take over activities or games. They typically have no respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
If you suffer from an impulsive ADHD There are some things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. For instance regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms such as the impulsivity. To get your heart rate going try to do 30 minutes of exercise. Reflect on past impulsive moments to identify your triggers and plan for the future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to kick in but can improve the control of impulses.