Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can create a difficult life for adults. When diagnosed with ADHD, they are able to take control of their symptoms and meet their goals at home and at work.
Talking with your GP is the best way to begin an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate services, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of focusing may not function as well. This means that you might miss important details at school or at work and may have difficulty remembering things. You may also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require sustained concentration, such as writing, math or reading. You might be having trouble taking your time during games or conversations. You may be asked questions prior to others having completed. You might have trouble waiting for your phone to ring, or interrupt conversations at inappropriate times.
Many adults suffering from ADHD still struggle with inattentive symptoms. People suffering from ADHD who are primarily inattention have trouble staying focused at home, school or at work. The symptoms of this kind of ADHD can be mild, moderate or even severe.
Adults with attention deficits are more troublesome when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complicated and stressful. This is often the case when someone moves away from their home or into the workplace and new responsibilities such as taking care of a child can add to their stress levels and anxiety.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes as well as diet and medication. The use of stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) can help to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some people can also take non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine, or Strattera in the event that they are unable to tolerate stimulants. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment options for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history, look for possible medical conditions that could be the cause, and recommend the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their work. They may make careless errors 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 trouble managing their belongings 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. For a diagnosis, health care providers will look at the person's background of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in early adulthood, interview relatives, friends, coworkers, or others who are familiar with their condition and utilize the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists. Mental health professionals or health care providers may also perform a physical exam and administer a psychological assessment.
The provider will also consider 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 person's family and social history and lifestyle habits, and any mental health issues they might have.
Many adults with ADHD will feel relieved upon getting an explanation for their difficulties and discovering that they aren't 'lazy' or 'unwilling'. They might also feel frustration over the fact that they weren't diagnosed as young, or at the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of others around them. They might also feel anger at teachers, parents or healthcare professionals who failed to detect the symptoms or take action to treat them. ADHD symptoms adult female might also feel sad about missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults look somewhat different from what they do for kids. Adults can conceal hyperactivity better, and other health issues such as anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting can be a sign of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to relax your nerves and keep you focused. It can manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting, or tapping your feet or biting your nail. A few studies have shown that people with ADHD are better at concentrating when they fidget.
Disruptiveness is also 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 regularly missing work or social commitments and struggle with money due to impulsive spending. Adults with ADHD often feel under-achievement and discontent because they are not achieving their potential.
You must be able to identify the signs of ADHD to seek assistance. There are a variety of medications that can treat ADHD, and it is crucial to try out different medications and dosages to find the right one for you. In addition to medication counseling and establishing structure in your life can help you manage ADHD symptoms.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD You may experience an array of emotions. You might be relieved that your issues have an explanation and that you're not being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You might also feel anger or resentment for not being diagnosed and treated as an infant, and sadness over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has had on your work and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
Symptoms of ADHD in adults often differ from those of adolescents and children. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are typical. This makes it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are more subtle and can be present across many aspects of everyday life. For instance, those with ADHD may have trouble sitting still and are often restless when they're watching TV, reading or at work. They may also have trouble engaging in leisure and hobbies quietly. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or become upset than others.
Difficulties with organisation and planning are more apparent as we grow older without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination, issues with household obligations, appointments and work tasks. People with ADHD are often unable 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 medications. They are designed to help people focus better and less impulsive. They also help people feel calmer. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who is skilled in treating the condition. When considering stimulants, people should discuss other medications with their doctor. Certain medications can interact with them.
Non-stimulant medications are available for people suffering from ADHD like atomoxetine and guanfacine. They are not as effective as 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 official ADHD symptoms that involve inattention and hyperactive behaviors get the majority of the attention, impulsivity could cause serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity gets short shrift when it pertains to ADHD diagnosis, as it's a key component of the disorder and causes proportionally more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing struggle for adults with an impulsive ADHD. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that can affect social standing and relationships. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People with aggressive ADHD might engage in risky behavior and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more susceptible to mood swings and anger outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others and may have trouble waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They might answer questions prior to finishing or even take over games or activities. They typically have no respect for rules or other people's property.
If you are suffering from impulsive ADHD, there are things you can do to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, like can help with all ADHD symptoms including impulsivity. To increase your heart rate you should aim for 30 minutes of exercise. Reminisce about your impulsive past to determine your triggers and plan for the future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to start working but improves the control of impulses.