Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The signs of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. But getting a diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms to attain their goals at home and work.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to begin an assessment. They can refer you to the appropriate service for you, including community mental health services or special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention may not function as well. You may miss important details in your school or at work, and have difficulty remembering things. You may also have difficulty working on tasks that require continuous concentration like reading, writing or maths problems. You may find it difficult to wait for your turn in conversations or games. You may blurt out answers before others have finished asking their questions. You may not be able to sit and wait for your phone or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
ADHD symptoms adults male who suffer from ADHD have trouble coping with inattentive symptoms. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD usually have trouble staying on task at school, at home and at work. The symptoms of this kind of ADHD can be mild, moderate or even severe.
ADHD in adults symptoms quiz who are prone to inattention-related symptoms may be more troubled if their daily lives become more complicated and stressful. This could happen when a person is moved away from their home or into a workplace and new responsibilities like taking care of a child can contribute to their stress levels and anxiety.
There are many options for those suffering from adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) can help to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also a possibility for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or don't respond to them. Your doctor can suggest the most effective treatment options for you. They can assess your symptoms and past history and look for any medical issues that may be causing them, and recommend effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They can be distracted and jump from one task to the next or make a mistake at work or school. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or events and have a hard time adhering to 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. Health care providers will examine the history of ADHD symptoms in the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also speak with colleagues, family members, friends or any other individuals who know the person well. They may also employ the standardized behavior ratings scales as well as ADHD symptom lists. Health care professionals or mental health specialists may also do an examination of the body and administer an assessment of their psychological health.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood as well as whether or not any other conditions like depression, anxiety or medical issues could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also inquire about family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues that the person might have.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel relieved to learn that they aren't "lazy or unwilling". They may also be frustrated about the fact that they were not diagnosed earlier or the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives and the lives of the people around them. They may also be anger at their teachers, parents or healthcare professionals for not noticing the symptoms and treating them. They might also feel sad about the missed opportunities and impact untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear somewhat different from what they do for kids. Adults might be able to conceal their hyperactivity better, and other health issues such as depression or anxiety can overshadow it.
Fidgeting is an indication of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's attempt to calm your nerves and help you concentrate. It could manifest as doodles or taking notes during a meeting or even tapping your feet or even biting your nails. In fact, some research shows that people with ADHD are actually more focused when they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a different symptom of ADHD in adults, and it can be a sign of difficulty following directions, being punctual, or ignoring important events or deadlines. ADHD symptoms in adults quiz may find yourself frequently missing work or social commitments and struggle with finances because of excessive spending. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and unfulfilled because they're not performing to their full potential.
You should be able recognize the symptoms of ADHD to get assistance. There are multiple types of medication that can treat ADHD and it is important to try out different dosages and medications to determine the right one for you. Counseling and a structured lifestyle can help you manage ADHD symptoms, in addition to medication.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring up various emotions, including satisfaction that you have an explanation for your issues and aren't being judged as lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. There is also anger or frustration that you were never diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has affected your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are all common. This can make it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
For adults, the signs are less obvious and could be evident in many aspects of our lives. For example, people with ADHD might have trouble staying still and are frequently anxious when watching TV, reading or at work. They may also have difficulty doing hobbies and leisure activities quietly. In addition, they could be unable to keep their emotions under control and are more likely to react in a panic or become angry more frequently than other people.
Difficulties with organisation and planning are more apparent as people move into adulthood, without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination, issues with household bills, appointments and completing work tasks. People with ADHD may have difficulty to stop or begin tasks, and may struggle to evaluate the long term impact of their actions.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adult ADHD. These drugs are designed to help people concentrate better, feel more relaxed and be less dependent. They can be purchased on prescription and are available by a psychiatrist or a doctor who specializes in the condition. It is important to discuss any other medications they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with a healthcare provider, as some drugs interact with them.
Non-stimulant medications are available for people suffering from ADHD like Guanfacine and atomoxetine. They are less effective than stimulants and take several weeks to kick in however they are a viable option for those who don't want to use stimulant medication or cannot take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms involving inattentive and hyperactive behavior get the bulk of the attention, impulsivity can cause serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a pity that impulsivity doesn't get enough attention when it comes down to ADHD diagnoses, as it's a major part of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing challenge for adults with impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that can affect your social standing and relationships. Additionally to that, an impulsive ADHD can be risky and detrimental to health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD may engage in risky behavior and may have difficulties managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. People with ADHD may have a smaller Amygdala. This could be linked to a lack of control over their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD may also have trouble getting their turn in conversations or lines. They may respond to questions prior to finishing 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 control your impulses if you have an impulsive ADHD. For instance, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms such as the impulsivity. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise every day to get your heart rate up. Also, consider your past impulsive moments to identify the triggers that cause you to be impulsive and how you can deal with them in the near future. You can ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which take a while before they start working but improve the control of impulses.