Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The signs of ADHD can create a difficult life for adults. Diagnosed with ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and meet their goals at home and at work.
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 special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD the brain's automatic attention system might not be working as well. You may forget important information in your school or at work and may have trouble remembering things. You may also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require continuous concentration, like writing, reading or math. You may have difficulty getting your turn in conversations or games. You might blurt out answers before other people have finished asking their questions. You might have trouble waiting for your phone to ring or interrupt people at inappropriate times.
Children with ADHD often outgrow the impulsivity and hyperactivity they display, however inattention-related symptoms persist and cause problems for a large number of adults. People suffering from ADHD who are primarily inattention have trouble staying on track, whether at school, home or at work. This kind of ADHD can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
Adults who are susceptible to inattention-related symptoms may be more stressed when their lives become increasingly complicated and stressful. This could happen when a person is moved out of the family home or into the workplace and new responsibilities such as taking care of a child can increase their stress levels and anxiety.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD such as lifestyle changes as well as diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall) can reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also a possibility for individuals who don't like stimulants or don't respond to them. Your physician will be able to recommend the best treatment options for you. They can assess your symptoms and medical history and look for any possible medical conditions that could be causing them, and identify effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their tasks. They could make mistakes at school or work or switch from one task to another. People with ADHD often forget important dates or occasions and have difficulty adhering to routines. They may also have trouble managing their belongings or keeping 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 professionals will look into the history of ADHD symptoms in childhood and early adulthood. They might also talk to friends, family, coworkers or other people who are familiar with the person. They may also employ standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists. Mental health professionals or 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 and whether or not other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety or medical conditions can 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 may have.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may feel relieved to discover that they're not "lazy or unwilling". They may also be frustrated over the fact that they were not diagnosed as young or the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of the people around them. They might also feel anger at parents, teachers or healthcare professionals who didn't detect the symptoms or take action to treat them. They might also feel a sense of sadness over missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD has had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear slightly different than they do in children. Adults may be able hide their hyperactivity more successfully as well as other health issues like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is among the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's way of trying to ease your stress and help you concentrate. It can manifest as drawing or writing notes during a meeting, tapping your feet, or biting your nails. In fact, some research shows that people suffering from ADHD are able to concentrate better if they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness is a different symptom of ADHD in adults. It may manifest as trouble following instructions, being punctual, or forgetting important deadlines or events. You may find yourself frequently missing work or social commitments, and you might struggle with money due to excessive spending. Adults with ADHD may be frustrated and underachieved because they aren't reaching their full potential.
It is important to identify the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, so you can seek out help. There are many types of medication that can treat ADHD and it is essential to try out different dosages and medications to find the best one for you. Alongside medication, counseling and creating structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and diagnosed with it, you might experience a range emotions. You may feel relieved that your problems have an explanation and you're not being labeled as lazy or unmotivated. There is also discontent or anger that you were never diagnosed and treated as a child, and sadness over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has had on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from those of children or teenagers. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are common. This can make it difficult to manage tasks, meet deadlines and build good relationships.
In adults, the signs are more subtle and can be evident in many aspects of everyday life. For instance, people suffering from ADHD might have trouble being still and frequently agitated when reading, watching TV or at work. They may also have difficulty doing leisure activities and hobbies in a quiet manner. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and be more likely to react or get angry than others.
Difficulties with organisation and planning can become more evident as we grow older without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can result in procrastination and difficulty in organizing household bills, appointments or finishing work tasks. People with ADHD can find it hard to stop or begin tasks and they may have difficulties assessing 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 concentrate better, feel calmer and less impatient. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who specializes in treating the condition. When considering stimulants, patients should discuss other medications with their doctor. ADHD symptoms adults male may interact with them.
Non-stimulant medications are available for those suffering from ADHD like the atomoxetine and the guanfacine. 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 wish to take stimulant medications or who are unable to use it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms involving inattentive and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity can create serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a pity that impulsivity isn't given enough consideration when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, since it's a major part of the disorder. It also causes more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing struggle for adults suffering from an impulsive ADHD. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that can affect your social standing and relationships. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from an impulsive ADHD might engage in risky behavior and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings and angry 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 may also have trouble getting their turns in lines or conversations. They might answer questions even before they're finished or even take over activities or games. They typically don't have a lick of respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
If you are suffering from an impulsive ADHD There are some things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. For instance regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms that include the impulsivity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day to keep your heart rate up. Review your past impulsive experiences to identify your triggers and plan for the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to start working but improves your control over impulses.