Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to manage. However, getting a diagnosis may help them get control of their symptoms so they can attain their goals at work and at home.
Talking to your doctor is the best place to start an assessment. They can refer you to the appropriate service, such as community services for mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention may not function in the same way. You might miss important information in your school or at work and have difficulty recalling information. It is also possible that you have trouble working on tasks that require constant concentration, such as reading, writing or math problems. It can be difficult to be patient in conversations or games. You may be asked questions before others have done. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring, or interrupt conversations at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD are still struggling with inattentive symptoms. People suffering from ADHD who are primarily inattention have trouble staying focused, whether at home, school or at work. This kind of ADHD can have mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Adults with attention deficits are more troublesome when a person's daily life becomes more complicated and stressful. This can happen when a person moves away from their home or into the workplace and new responsibilities such as caring for a child might contribute to the overall stress and anxiety.
There are a variety of solutions for people suffering from adult ADHD which include lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. The use of stimulants like methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who can't tolerate stimulants or who don't respond to them. Your doctor can recommend the most effective treatment for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and past history looking for medical conditions that may be causing them and identify effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They may make careless errors at work or in school, or jump between tasks. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events and are unable to follow routines. They might have difficulty figuring out how to organize their things or keep 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. To determine if they are diagnosed healthcare professionals will examine the patient's experience with ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in the early years of adulthood, interview friends, family members and coworkers who know them well, and use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists. Health care providers can also conduct a physical exam and conduct a psychological test.
The doctor will also look at the person's mood, and whether other illnesses like depression, anxiety or a medical condition could cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. They will also inquire about the person's family and social background as well as their lifestyle and any mental health issues they may have.
Many adults with ADHD will feel a sense of relief after getting an explanation for their issues and discovering that they are not 'lazy' or 'unwilling'. They might also feel frustration at the fact that they were not diagnosed as young, or at the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of the people around them. They may also feel anger at their teachers, parents, or healthcare providers who didn't notice the symptoms or take action to treat them. They may also experience feelings of sadness over missed opportunities and the effect not being treated for ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults are different from those of children. Adults can hide the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health issues like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting can be a sign of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's way of trying to ease your stress and assist you in focusing. It could manifest in notes or doodles during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. A few studies have shown that people with ADHD are better at concentrating when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness may also be a sign of ADHD. It can manifest in the form of difficulty following directions, forgetting important dates or deadlines, or not being punctual. You might find yourself frequently not attending to work or social obligations and struggle with money due to the impulsive spending. Adults suffering from ADHD may feel frustrated and unfulfilled because they're not performing to their full potential.
It is crucial to identify the signs of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek help. There are many types of medications that treat ADHD and it is essential to try out different medications and dosages to find the right one for you. Alongside medication counseling, establishing a structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosed with ADHD, you may feel various emotions. You might be relieved that your difficulties have an explanation and you're not being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may also feel anger or frustration for not being diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow about the impact untreated ADHD has had on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can differ from the symptoms of teenagers and children. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are all common. This makes it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are more subtle and can be seen in a variety of aspects of everyday life. People who suffer from ADHD, for example may have trouble sitting still, and be anxious while reading, watching television or working. They may also have trouble engaging in leisure and hobbies in a quiet manner. In addition, they might have difficulty keeping their emotions in check and are more likely to react in a panic or become angry in comparison to other people.
As they age they might have difficulties in organising and planning. 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 work tasks. People with ADHD might find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and they may be unable to assess the long term impact of their actions.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs are designed to help people focus better, feel more relaxed and be less impulsive. They are available by prescription and are available by a psychiatrist or a doctor who specializes in the condition. When considering stimulants, patients should discuss other medications with their doctor. Certain drugs may interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to those suffering from ADHD like atomoxetine and guanfacine. They are not as effective as stimulants and can take a few weeks to begin working, but are an option 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 inattention and hyperactivity draw the most attention, impulsivity is also a significant problem for adults with ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity is a neglected area when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's an integral part of the disorder and causes proportionally more problems than any other manifestation of ADHD.
Self-control is a constant struggle for those with the disorder of impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing errors that impact the status of relationships and social standing. In addition the an impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and harmful to one's health and well-being.
People who suffer from aggressive ADHD may be prone to risky behavior and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to suffer from mood swings and anger outbursts. Research has shown that people with ADHD have an amygdala that is smaller that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and may be unable to wait for their turn in conversations or lines. They may scream out answers prior to the end of the question or even take over games or activities. They typically have no respect for rules or other people's property.
If you suffer from an impulsive ADHD, there are things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. For severe ADHD symptoms in adults can help with all ADHD symptoms, including the impulsivity. To increase your heart rate you should aim for 30 minutes per day of exercise. Also, consider your past impulsive moments so that you can identify the triggers for you and how you can deal with these in the future. You can consult your physician for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which take some time before they begin working, but they can improve your impulse control.