Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The signs of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. However, a diagnosis can help them get control of their symptoms and achieve their goals at work and at home.
Talking with your GP is the best way to start an assessment. They can recommend the best service for you, including community mental health services as well as specialist neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system for focusing might not function in the same way. You may forget important information in your school or at work, and have difficulty recalling information. You might also have trouble working on tasks that require continuous attention, such as reading, writing or maths problems. You might have trouble getting your turn in games or conversations. You might be able to answer questions before others are done. You may not be able wait for your phone to answer or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD are still struggling with inattentive symptoms. People suffering from ADHD that is mostly inattention are unable to stay on task at home, at school or at work. This kind 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 can occur when a person leaves the family home and enters the workplace. New obligations, such as taking care of a child in the early years, may also increase their level of anxiety and stress.
There are a variety of solutions for people suffering from adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Some people also take non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or Strattera when they cannot take stimulants. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for you. They can evaluate your symptoms and medical history, look for medical problems that might be causing them and identify effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their tasks. They could make mistakes at school or work or jump from one task to another. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and occasions, and may have difficulty keeping track of routines. They may also have difficulties managing their belongings or keeping track of 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 speak with friends, family, coworkers or any other individuals who know the person well. They will also utilize standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists. Health care providers may also perform an examination of the body and administer a psychological assessment.
The doctor will also take into consideration the person's mood and whether any other disorders like depression, anxiety or a medical problem might cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. They will also inquire about the history of family and friends and lifestyle habits, as well as any other mental health issues that the person may have.
Many adults who have ADHD will feel a sense of relief after getting an explanation for their difficulties and learning that they aren't 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also be frustrated at the fact that they were not diagnosed earlier or the impact untreated ADHD has affected their lives and the lives of those around them. They may also feel angry at their parents, teachers or healthcare professionals for not being aware of the signs and treating them. They might also feel sad about the missed opportunities and negative impact that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults appear somewhat different from what they do in children. Adults can hide the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health issues like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting can be an indication of ADHD. It is your body's attempt at calming your nerves and concentrate. It could manifest as doodles or taking notes during a meeting tapping your feet, or biting your nails. A few studies have shown that people suffering from ADHD are better at concentrating when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness may also be a symptom of ADHD. It can manifest in the form of difficulty following directions, forgetting important dates or deadlines, or being late. You might find yourself frequently not attending work or social obligations and may struggle with finances because of the impulsive spending. Adults with ADHD may feel frustrated and underachieved because they aren't reaching their full potential.
It is essential to recognize the symptoms of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek help. There are a variety of medications that treat ADHD, and it is important to test a variety of medications and dosages to find the right one for you. Counseling and a well-structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms in addition to taking medication.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can trigger many emotions such as happiness that you now have a reason for your issues and aren't being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may also feel discontent or anger that you weren't diagnosed and treated as an infant, and sadness over the impact that untreated ADHD has had on your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from those of adolescents or children. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are common. This can make it hard to keep up with the demands of work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
For adults, the signs are less obvious and could be evident in many aspects of daily life. For instance, those with ADHD may have trouble staying still and are frequently anxious when reading, watching TV or at work. They may also have trouble engaging in leisure and hobbies in a quiet manner. They might also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or get angry than other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing are more apparent as we grow older without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can result in procrastination, issues with household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD can find it hard to stop or begin tasks and they may have difficulties assessing the long-term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medication. They are designed to help people concentrate better and be less impulsive, as well as feel calmer. They are available by prescription and are available through a GP or psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. this hyperlink should discuss any other medications they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with a healthcare doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for people suffering from ADHD, such as the atomoxetine and the guanfacine. These are less effective than stimulants and take several weeks to kick in but they can be a good alternative for those who don't prefer to take stimulant medication or cannot take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity is an issue for those who suffer from ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it pertains to ADHD diagnosis, since it's an integral part of the disorder and causes more problems than other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is a constant struggle for those with the disorder of impulsive ADHD. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that can affect your the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from an impulsive ADHD might be prone to risky behavior and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. People suffering from ADHD might have a smaller Amygdala. This could be due to the inability to control their impulses.
Adults who suffer from impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and be unable to wait for their turn in conversations or lines. They may answer questions prior to finishing or even take over activities or games. They are often disrespectful of rules and other people's property.
You can learn to manage your impulses if you suffer from impulsive ADHD. For instance regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms such as the tendency to be impulsive. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise every day to keep your heart rate up. Reminisce about your impulsive past to pinpoint your triggers and prepare for the future. You can ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medication, which can take several weeks before they begin working, but they can improve your the ability to control your impulses.