Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can create a difficult life for adults. Diagnosed with ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and achieve their goals both at home and at work.
Talking with your GP is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you to the most appropriate service for you, such as the community mental health service or specialised neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system for focusing may not work in the same way. You might miss important information in the classroom or at work, and have difficulty remembering things. It is also possible that you have trouble paying attention to tasks that require continuous attention like reading, writing or math problems. You might have trouble taking your time during games or conversations. You may answer questions before others have completed. You might not be able to sit and wait for your phone or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD are still struggling with symptoms of inattention. People with ADHD that is primarily inattention are unable to stay focused at home, at school or at work. The symptoms of this kind of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe.
Adults who have a tendency to inattentive symptoms can be more troubled when their lives become increasingly complicated and stressful. This could happen when someone moves away from their home or into the workplace, and new responsibilities like caring for a child might add to the overall stress and anxiety.
There are a variety of treatments available for people with adult ADHD which include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate like methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Some people also take non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Strattera, if they cannot tolerate stimulants. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment options for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history and look for any possible medical conditions that could be causing them, and identify effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their task. They can be distracted and jump from one activity to another or make a mistake at work or school. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or events and have a hard time keeping track of routines. They may also have difficulties 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. Health care professionals will analyze the background of ADHD symptoms during early adulthood and childhood. They might also talk to relatives, friends, coworkers or any other individuals who know the person. They will also utilize standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists. Mental health professionals or health care providers may also perform physical examinations and administer a psychological test.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood and whether or not any other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or medical problems might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They will also ask about family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues the person might have.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be relieved to discover that they're not 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also feel frustrated that they weren't diagnosed when younger or the impact untreated ADHD had on their life and that of others. They may also feel angry at their teachers, parents, or healthcare providers who didn't detect the symptoms or treat them. They might also feel sad over missed opportunities and the effects that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults look slightly different than they do for kids. Adults might be able to cover up their hyperactivity more effectively and other health issues like anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting is among the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's attempt to calm your nerves and assist you in focusing. It can manifest as drawing or taking notes during a meeting tapping your feet, or even biting your nails. Some studies have found that people with ADHD are able to concentrate better when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness can also be a symptom of ADHD. It can manifest in the form of difficulties following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates, or not being punctual. You might find yourself not attending work or social events and having financial difficulties due to impulse purchases. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and underachieving because they're not performing to their full potential.
You must be able to identify the signs of ADHD so that you can get help. It is important to test out different dosages and medicines to find the one that works best for you. In addition to medication, counseling and creating structure in your life can help you manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring up various emotions such as satisfaction that you have an explanation for your issues and aren't being labelled as lazy, incompetent, or unmotivated. You might be angry or frustrated for not being diagnosed and treated when you were an infant. You may also be unhappy about the negative impact that untreated ADHD can have on your professional career and your relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
Symptoms of ADHD in adults often differ from the symptoms of teenagers and children. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are common. This can make it hard to keep up with work, meet deadlines, and develop good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that affect a variety of aspects of their lives. People suffering from ADHD, for example may have trouble being still and anxious when reading, watching television, or at work. They may also have difficulty doing hobbies and leisure activities at a comfortable pace. They might also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or get angry than other people.
As people age and become more sedentary, they may experience difficulties with planning and organization. This is because they're no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can lead to procrastination, issues with household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stop or begin tasks, and they might have trouble assessing the long-term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These are designed to help people concentrate better and be less impulsive, as well as feel more peaceful. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who is skilled in treating the condition. People should be careful to discuss any other medications they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with a health care doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medications for adult ADHD, including atomoxetine, bupropion and guanfacine. These are not as effective as stimulants and require a period of time to kick in but they can be a good option for those who don't want to use stimulant medication or are unable to take it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the most well-known ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity draw the most attention, impulsivity is a significant problem for those who suffer from ADHD. severe ADHD symptoms in adults that impulsivity is not given enough consideration when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a major component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
For those who suffer from the disorder of impulsive ADHD problems with self-control is usually an ongoing battle. It can lead embarrassing mistakes that can affect your social standing and relationships. In addition the impulsive ADHD can be risky and detrimental to health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD might engage in risky behavior and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings and anger outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD may also have difficulty waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They may respond to questions even before they're finished or take over games or activities. They often show little or no regard for rules or the rights of others' property.
You can learn to manage your impulses if you suffer from impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for instance, helps with all ADHD symptoms, including the impulsivity. To increase your heart rate, aim for 30 minutes per day of exercise. Also, think about past moments of impulsivity to identify what your triggers are and prepare to address them in the near future. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to begin working, but it improves the control of impulses.