Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to manage. However, getting a diagnosis may help them get control of their symptoms so they can succeed at work and home.
A visit to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you the appropriate service, for example, community services for mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you suffer from ADHD the brain's automatic attention system might not be working as well. You might miss important information in your school or at work, and have difficulty remembering things. You may also have difficulty working on tasks that require sustained concentration for example, writing, reading or maths problems. You may find it difficult to wait for your turn in conversations or games. You may answer questions before others are done. You might be having trouble waiting for your phone to ring or interrupt people at inappropriate times.
Children suffering from ADHD often outgrow the impulsivity and hyperactivity they display, however inattention symptoms remain a source of problems for a large number of adults. People with ADHD that is primarily inattentive have difficulty staying on track at school, home or at work. The symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or even severe.
Adults who have a tendency to inattention-related symptoms may be more troubled when their lives become increasingly complicated and stressful. This could happen when a person moves from the home of their parents or into a workplace and new responsibilities such as caring for a child might increase their overall level of stress and anxiety.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes as well as diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can help reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your physician can suggest the most effective treatment options for you. They can assess your symptoms and medical history and look for any medical issues that might be causing them and identify the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from 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 often forget important dates or occasions and have difficulty adhering to routines. They may also find it difficult to organize their things or stay 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. To determine if they are diagnosed, health care providers will analyze the individual's history of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in early adulthood, interview family members, friends as well as coworkers or other people who are familiar with them and utilize standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Mental health professionals or health care providers may also perform physical examinations and administer a psychological test.
The doctor will also consider the person's mood as well as whether or not other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety or medical issues can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask about family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues the person might be suffering from.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel relieved to discover that they're not "lazy or unmotivated". They may also feel frustrated that they were not diagnosed at a younger age or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their lives and the lives of others. They might also feel anger at parents, teachers or healthcare professionals who failed to detect the symptoms or take action to treat them. They may also experience feelings of sadness over missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults are different from those of children. Adults may be able hide their hyperactivity more successfully and other health issues like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting can be an indication of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to relax your nerves and keep you focused. It could manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting, or tapping your feet or biting your nails. In fact, some studies show that people with ADHD are able to concentrate better if they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness is another symptom of ADHD in adults. It can be a sign of difficulty following directions, being punctual, or forgetting important events or deadlines. You may be missing social or work commitments and having financial difficulties because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and unfulfilled because they're not performing to their full potential.
It is important to recognize the signs of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek help. It is important to test out various dosages and medications to determine which is most effective for you. In addition to medications, counseling and creating the right structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger various emotions and feelings, including satisfaction that you have a reason for your problems and are not being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. It is possible to feel anger or irritated for not being diagnosed and treated as in your early years. You might also be unhappy about the negative impact that untreated ADHD can have on your career and your relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from those of adolescents or children. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common. this hyperlink can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks, meet deadlines and establish good relationships.
For adults, the signs are less obvious and could be seen in a variety of aspects of daily life. People suffering from ADHD for instance, may have difficulty being still and unfocused when reading, watching TV, or at work. They may also have difficulty doing hobbies and leisure activities in a quiet manner. Additionally, they may struggle to keep their emotions under control and are more prone to react too quickly or get upset more frequently than other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing are more apparent as we grow older, without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can result in procrastination, difficulties with household obligations, appointments and tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stop or begin tasks and they may have difficulty assessing the long-term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medication. These medications are intended to help people concentrate better, feel calmer and be less dependent. 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 medication they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with their health care provider, as some drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant drugs for adults with ADHD which include atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. They are less effective than stimulants and take several weeks to begin working but they can be a good alternative for those who don't prefer to take stimulant medication or who are unable to use it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity is also an issue for people with ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity gets short shrift when it is a part of ADHD diagnosis, since it's a major component of the disorder that causes proportionally more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing challenge for adults suffering from an impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that can affect your the status of relationships and social standing. Additionally to that, an impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and harmful to one's health and well-being.
People who suffer from an impulsive ADHD may be prone to risky behavior and have difficulty managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have an amygdala that is smaller which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD may also have difficulty waiting for their turns in lines or conversations. They may respond to questions even before they're finished or even take over activities or games. They usually don't have a lick of respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
You can learn to manage your impulses when you have an impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for example can help with all ADHD symptoms, including the impulsivity. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise each day to keep your heart rate up. Reminisce about your impulsive past to pinpoint your triggers and plan for the future. You can consult your physician for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which take several weeks before they begin working but improve the ability to control your impulses.