Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to cope. But getting a diagnosis can help them get control of their symptoms so they can 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 best service for you, including community mental health services or specialised neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD the brain's automatic system for focusing may not function as well. In the end, you may miss important information at school or at work and may have difficulty remembering things. You may also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require continuous concentration, like writing, math or reading. You might be having trouble getting your turn in games or conversations. You may be asked questions before others are completed. You might not be able wait for your phone or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble coping with inattentive symptoms. People with ADHD that is mostly inattention have trouble staying focused at school, home or at work. This type of ADHD can present with mild, moderate or even serious symptoms.
Adults who are susceptible to inattention symptoms may be more stressed when their daily lives become more complicated and stressful. This could happen when someone moves from the home of their parents or into a job and new responsibilities such as taking care of a child can increase the overall stress and anxiety.
There are a variety of options for those suffering from adult ADHD which include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) can help to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Certain people may also take non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, or Strattera, if they cannot take stimulants. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for you. They can assess your medical history and symptoms and look for any possible medical problems that may be contributing to them, and suggest effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They might be distracted between activities, or make careless mistakes at school or work. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and occasions, and are unable to follow routines. They may have difficulty figuring out how to keep their belongings in order 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. Health care professionals will analyze the history of ADHD symptoms in childhood and early adulthood. They might also talk to friends, family, coworkers or other people who know the person well. They will also use the standardized behavior ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms lists. Health care providers may also perform an examination of the body and conduct a psychological test.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood and whether or not other conditions like depression, anxiety or medical issues could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask questions about the person's family or social background as well as their lifestyle, and any mental health issues they might have.
Adults with ADHD might feel a sense of relief to know that they're 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 affected their lives and the lives of the people around them. They may also feel anger 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 had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults are different from those of children. Adults can conceal hyperactivity better, and other health problems like anxiety or depression could mask it.
Fidgeting could be a sign of ADHD. It is the body's attempt to calm down your nerves and keep you focused. It can manifest as notes or doodles during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. A few studies have shown that those with ADHD are able to concentrate better when they fidget.
Disruptiveness is a further characteristic of ADHD in adults. It can be manifested as difficulty following directions, being punctual, or even forgetting important events or deadlines. You may be having trouble keeping up with work or social commitments and having financial issues because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults with ADHD often feel a sense of underachievement and frustration because they are not living up to their 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 treat ADHD, and it is essential to try out different dosages and medications to determine the best one for you. In addition to medications counseling and establishing the right structure in your life can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosed with ADHD, you may feel various emotions. You may be happy that your problems are logical and you're not being called lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may feel angry or frustrated that you weren't diagnosed or treated when you were in your early years. You might also feel unhappy about the negative impact that untreated ADHD has on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, however, are all common. This can make it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
Adults may experience subtler symptoms that affect a variety of aspects of their daily lives. People with ADHD, for example may have trouble sitting still, and be restless while reading, watching television or at work. They may also have difficulty doing hobbies and leisure activities quietly. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and are more likely to react or become angry than others.
As they age and become more sedentary, they may experience more difficulty with planning and organisation. This is because they aren't getting the structure and guidance of school. This can result in delays in household chores and also difficulties with managing household expenses and appointments, as well as completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to stop or begin tasks, and they may be unable to assess the long-term impact of their actions.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly prescribed treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These are designed to help people focus better, be less impulsive and feel more calm. They can be purchased on prescription only and can be obtained through a GP or psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. Patients should discuss any other medication they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with their health care doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant drugs for adults with ADHD which include atomoxetine bupropion and guanfacine. These medications are less effective and take several weeks before they start working. However, they can be an alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant medications due to medical reasons or are unable to take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms that involve inattention and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity can cause serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity doesn't get enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, since it is a significant component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than the other symptoms 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 the status of relationships and social standing. Additionally to that, ADHD that is impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and can be harmful to health and well-being.
ADHD symptom test for adults who suffer from an impulsive ADHD might engage in risky behaviors and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and express anger-related outbursts. People with ADHD might have smaller Amygdala. This could be due to a lack of control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD might also have difficulty waiting their turn in lines or conversations. They may scream out answers before the question is finished or even take over games or activities. They often don't have a lick of respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
You can learn to manage your impulses if you suffer from an impulsive ADHD. For instance regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms such as the tendency to be impulsive. To get your heart rate going try to do 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 that takes time to start working but improves impulse control.