Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. When diagnosed as ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and meet their goals both at home and at work.
Talking to your doctor is the best place to begin a diagnosis. They can refer you the appropriate service, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic attention system might not function 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 focusing on tasks that require continuous concentration like reading, writing or math problems. You may have difficulty waiting your turn during games or conversations. You might blurt out answers before others have completed asking questions. You might be having trouble waiting for your phone to ring or disturb people at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD are still struggling with symptoms of inattention. People suffering from ADHD who are primarily inattentive have difficulty staying focused, whether at home, at school or at work. This kind of ADHD can present with mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
Adults with attention deficits can become more challenging when a person's life becomes more complex and stressful. This may happen when a person leaves the home with their family and goes to the workplace. New responsibilities, such as taking care of a child in the early years could also increase the level of anxiety and stress.
There are several treatments available for people with adult ADHD which include lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall) can help reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some people can also take non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or Strattera, if they cannot tolerate stimulants. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment for you. They can assess your medical history and symptoms and identify any medical conditions that could be contributing to them, and suggest effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their work. They might be distracted from one task to the next, or make careless mistakes at work or school. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or events and have trouble adhering to routines. They may also have difficulty managing their belongings 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 providers will examine the background of ADHD symptoms in the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also interview colleagues, family members, friends or other people who know the person. They will also use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists. Health care professionals or mental health specialists can also conduct a physical examination and conduct an assessment of their psychological health.
The doctor will also take into consideration the person's mood and whether other illnesses like depression, anxiety or a medical condition could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. They will also ask questions about the person's family and social background as well as their lifestyle and any mental health issues they may have.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might be relieved to discover that they're not 'lazy or unwilling'. They might also be frustrated for not being diagnosed earlier or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and the lives of others. They may also be angry at their parents, teachers or healthcare providers for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They may also feel sorrow about the missed opportunities and impact untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults look somewhat different from what they do for kids. Adults may be able cover up their hyperactivity more effectively, and other health issues like anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting is an indication of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to relax your nerves and keep you focused. It can manifest as drawing or making notes during meetings or even tapping your feet or biting your nails. In fact, some studies have shown that people with ADHD can actually concentrate better when they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a further symptom of ADHD in adults. It may manifest as trouble following directions, not being punctual or even forgetting important deadlines or events. You might find yourself regularly missing work or social commitments and may struggle with finances because of impulsive spending. Adults suffering from ADHD may be frustrated and underachieving because they're not performing to their full potential.
It is essential to identify the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, so that you can seek assistance. It is crucial to test out various dosages and medications to determine which best suits your needs. In addition to medications, counseling and creating structures in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger a range of emotions, including relief that you have an explanation for your difficulties and aren't being judged as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You might also feel discontent or anger for not being diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow over the impact that untreated ADHD has had on your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, however, are not uncommon. This can make it hard to keep up with the demands of work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that affect a variety of aspects of their daily lives. For example, people with ADHD might have difficulty being still and often restless when they're watching TV, reading or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in leisure activities and other hobbies at a comfortable pace. Additionally, they may struggle to keep their emotions in check and are more prone to react too quickly or get upset than other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing can become more evident as people reach adulthood, without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can result in procrastination and difficulties organising household bills and appointments, as well as completing work tasks. People with ADHD may have difficulty to stop or start tasks, and may be unable to assess the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medications. ADHD in adults women symptoms are intended to help people focus more effectively, feel more calm and less dependent. They are available by prescription and are available through a GP or psychiatrist who specialises in the condition. People should be careful to discuss any other medications they're taking prior to deciding on the use of stimulants with a healthcare doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medications for adult ADHD, including atomoxetine, bupropion and guanfacine. They are not as effective as stimulants and require a period of time to begin working but they can be a good 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 cause significant issues for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity doesn't get enough attention when it comes down to ADHD diagnoses, as it's a major part of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
For those who suffer from the disorder of impulsive ADHD issues with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing miscues that impact the status of relationships and social standing. Additionally the an impulsive ADHD can be risky and harmful to one's health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have trouble managing their finances or driving skills. 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 who suffer from hyperactive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others and have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or lines. They might scream out answers before the question is finished or take over games or activities. They are often disrespectful of rules and other people's property.
If you are suffering from an impulsive ADHD there are things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. For example regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms that include impulsivity. To get your heart rate going try to do 30 minutes per day of exercise. Review your past impulsive experiences to identify 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.