Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. When diagnosed as ADHD, they can manage their symptoms and achieve their goals both at home and at work.
A visit to your doctor is the best way to begin an assessment. They can recommend the best service for you, such as community mental health services as well as specialised neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic attention system might not function as well. In the end, you may miss important information at school or at work and may have trouble remembering things. You may also find it difficult to focus on tasks that require sustained concentration, like reading, math or writing. You might be having trouble taking your time during conversations or games. You may answer questions prior to others having finished. You may not be able wait for your phone or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
ADHD symptoms in adults females suffering from ADHD still struggle with symptoms of inattention. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD usually have trouble staying on track at school, at home and at work. This kind of ADHD may present mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Adults who are prone to inattention symptoms may be more troubled if their lives become more complicated and stressful. This can occur when a person leaves the home with their family and goes to the work environment. The new responsibilities, such as taking care of a child in the early years can also increase the level of stress and anxiety.
There are many treatments available for people with adult ADHD which include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also a possibility for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or who don't respond to them. Your physician can recommend the best treatment options for you. They will evaluate your medical history and symptoms, look for possible medical conditions that could be the cause, and recommend effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They can make erroneous mistakes at school or work or switch between tasks. People with ADHD often forget important dates or events and have trouble keeping track of routines. They may also have trouble keeping their things in order or staying 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 analyze the individual's experience with ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in the early years of adulthood, talk to relatives, friends as well as coworkers or other people who are familiar with their condition and then use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists. Mental health professionals or health care providers can also conduct an examination of the body and administer a psychological test.
The doctor will also look at the person's mood, and whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or a medical condition could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. They will also inquire regarding the person's family and social background as well as their lifestyle, and any mental health issues they might have.
Adults with ADHD might feel a sense of relief to learn that they aren't "lazy or unwilling". They might also feel frustration over the fact that they were not diagnosed as young or the effect untreated ADHD has affected their lives and the lives of others around them. They might also feel anger at their teachers, parents, or healthcare professionals who didn't detect the symptoms or address them. They might also feel a sense of sadness over missed opportunities, and the effects not being treated for ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults look a little different than they do for kids. Adults may be able hide their hyperactivity more successfully as well as other health issues such as anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD. It is the body's attempt to calm down your nerves and focus. It can manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. Some studies have found that people suffering from ADHD are able to concentrate better when they fidget.
Disruptiveness is another characteristic of ADHD in adults. It may be manifested as difficulty following instructions, being punctual, or forgetting important events or deadlines. You might find yourself frequently missing work or social commitments, and you might struggle with money due to excessive spending. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel depressed and underachieving because they're not performing to their full potential.
You should be able to identify the signs of ADHD to seek assistance. It is important to test out various dosages and medications to find the one that works best for you. Counseling and a well-structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms, in addition to medication.
Diagnosed with ADHD and diagnosed with it, you might experience an array of emotions. You may feel relieved that your issues have a reason and you're not being labeled as lazy or unmotivated. There is also anger or resentment that you weren't diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has affected your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from those of children or teenagers. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are typical. This makes it difficult to keep up with assignments, meet deadlines, and establish good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are more subtle and may be present across many aspects of daily life. For instance, people suffering from ADHD may have trouble sitting still and are often restless when they're reading, watching TV or at work. They may also have difficulty engaging in leisure and hobbies in a quiet manner. Additionally, they may be unable to keep their emotions in check and are more likely to overreact or become upset more frequently than other people.
As they age and become more sedentary, they may experience more difficulty in organising and planning. This is because they aren't getting the structure and guidance of school. This can result in delays in household obligations, appointments and work tasks. People with ADHD may find it difficult to stop or begin tasks, and they might be unable to assess the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant drugs. They are designed to help people concentrate better and less impulsive. They also help people feel more calm. They are available on prescription only and can be obtained from a psychiatrist or a GP who specialises in the condition. When considering stimulants, patients should discuss other medications with their doctor. Certain medications can interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for people suffering from ADHD, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. They are less effective than stimulants and require a period of time to kick in however they are a viable alternative for those who do not want to use stimulant medication or who are unable to use it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactive behavior get the bulk of the attention, impulsivity could cause significant problems for adults with ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity doesn't get enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it is a significant component of the disorder. It also causes more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
For those who suffer from impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is usually an ongoing battle. It can lead embarrassing mistakes that affect social standing and relationships. Additionally the an impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and detrimental to health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour and may be more difficult to manage their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and express anger outbursts. Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have a smaller amygdala which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults who suffer from impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others and have trouble waiting for their turn in lines or in conversations. They might answer questions before they are finished or take over activities or games. They often disregard rules and property of others.
If you have an impulsive ADHD there are ways to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. For instance regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms that include the tendency to be impulsive. To increase your heart rate, aim for 30 minutes of exercise. Reflect on past impulsive moments to pinpoint your triggers and plan for the future. You can consult your physician for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which require some time before they begin working, but can help improve the control of impulses.