Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. However, a diagnosis can help them get control of their symptoms to achieve their goals at work and at home.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to begin an assessment. They can refer you to the appropriate service, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic system of focusing may not function in the same way. You might miss important information in the classroom or at work, and have difficulty remembering details. You may also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require constant concentration, such as writing, reading or math. You might be having trouble taking your time during games or conversations. You may blurt out answers before others are completed asking questions. You might be having trouble waiting for your phone to ring or disturb people at inappropriate times.
Children with ADHD tend to overcome the impulsivity and hyperactivity they display, however inattention symptoms remain a source of difficulties for a lot of adults. People who have a predominant inattentive type of ADHD typically have difficulty staying on track at school, at home and at work. The symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe.
Inattentive symptoms in adults can become more problematic when a person's daily life becomes more complex and stressful. This could happen when someone leaves the home with their family and goes to the workplace. The new obligations, such as taking care of a child in the early years can also increase the level of stress and anxiety.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD, including lifestyle modifications, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall) can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Some people can also take non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or Strattera when they cannot take stimulants. Your health care provider can suggest the most effective treatment options for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and past history looking for medical conditions that could be causing them and identify effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their work. They may jump from one activity to another or make a mistake at school or work. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and occasions, and are unable to follow 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 colleagues, family members, friends or any other individuals who know the person. They may also employ standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists. Health professionals or mental health care providers may also perform a physical exam and conduct a psychological test.
The doctor will also take into account the person's mood as well as whether or not other medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, or medical problems might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They will also inquire regarding the person's family and social history and lifestyle habits, and any mental health issues they might have.
Adults with ADHD may feel relieved to learn that they aren't "lazy or unwilling". They might also be frustrated for not being diagnosed when younger or the impact untreated ADHD affected their lives and that of others. They might also feel anger at their teachers, parents, or healthcare professionals who didn't detect the symptoms or address them. They may also experience feelings of sadness over missed opportunities and the impact not being treated for ADHD has had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults look slightly different than the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults can hide the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health problems like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting could be a sign of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's attempt to ease your stress and assist you in focusing. It could manifest as doodles or taking notes during a meeting or even tapping your feet or even biting your nails. A few studies have shown that people with ADHD are able to concentrate better when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness can also be a symptom of ADHD. It may manifest in the form of difficulty following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates, or not being punctual. You might find yourself not attending work or social events and having financial issues due to impulsive purchases. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel depressed and underachieved because they aren't reaching their full potential.
It is important to identify the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, so that you can seek assistance. There are a variety of medications that can treat ADHD, and it is essential to test a variety of dosages and medications to find the right one for you. Counseling and a structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms in addition to medications.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, you may feel various emotions. You might be relieved that your problems are logical and you're not being labelled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may also feel discontent or anger that you weren't diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow about the impact untreated ADHD has had on your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from those of children or teenagers. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common. severe ADHD symptoms adults makes it difficult to manage tasks, meet deadlines and develop good relationships.
Adults may experience subtler symptoms that can affect many aspects of their daily lives. For instance, people suffering from ADHD may have trouble sitting still and are frequently agitated when watching TV, reading or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in hobbies and leisure activities at a comfortable pace. They might also have difficulty managing their emotions and are more likely to react or get angry than other people.
Difficulties with organisation and planning can become more noticeable as people reach adulthood without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can result in procrastination, difficulties with household expenses, appointments, and completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to stop or begin tasks, and may be unable to assess the long term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These medications are intended to help people concentrate more effectively, feel more calm and be less impulsive. They are available by prescription and can be obtained by a psychiatrist or a doctor who specialises in the condition. If considering stimulants, individuals must discuss any other medications with their health care provider. Certain drugs may interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant drugs for adult ADHD, including atomoxetine, guanfacine and bupropion. These medications are not as effective and can take several weeks before they start working. However, they are an alternative for people who do not wish to take stimulant medications due to medical reasons or are unable to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactive behaviors get the majority of the attention, impulsivity can cause serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity is a neglected area when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, because it's an integral part of the disorder and causes more problems than other manifestation of ADHD.
For those who suffer from impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can lead embarrassing mistakes that can affect your the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings and anger outbursts. Research has shown that people with ADHD have an amygdala that is smaller, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD may also have trouble getting their turns in lines or conversations. They may respond to questions even before they're finished or take over activities or games. They are usually disrespectful of rules and other people's property.
If you are suffering from impulsive ADHD There are some things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, for instance helps with all ADHD symptoms including impulsivity. To increase your heart rate, aim for 30 minutes per day of exercise. Reflect on past impulsive moments to identify your triggers and prepare for the future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to kick in but can improve the control of impulses.