Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult time to deal with. When diagnosed as ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and reach their goals at home and at work.
Talking with your GP is the best way to begin an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate service, such as community mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD the brain's automatic attention system may not function as well. You may miss important details in school or at your job and may have trouble remembering things. It can also be difficult to concentrate on tasks that require sustained concentration, such as reading, math or writing. It can be difficult to be patient in conversations or games. You may answer questions prior to others having done. You may not be able to sit and wait for your phone or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Children suffering from ADHD tend to overcome hyperactivity and impulsivity, but inattention-related symptoms persist and cause problems for a large number of adults. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty staying on task at school, at home and at work. This kind of ADHD may present mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Adults who are susceptible to inattention symptoms may be more troubled when their lives become more stressful and complex. This could happen when someone moves out of the family home or into a job, and new responsibilities like taking care of a child can increase their stress levels and anxiety.
There are several solutions for people suffering from adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also a possibility for individuals who don't like stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for you. They will assess your symptoms and medical history and identify any medical issues that could be causing them, and identify effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their work. They might be distracted from one task to the next, or make careless mistakes at work or school. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or events and have a hard time keeping track of routines. They might also find it difficult 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 professionals will look into the history of ADHD symptoms in childhood and early adulthood. They might also talk to relatives, friends, coworkers or other people who know the person. They will also use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists. Health care providers or mental health professionals might also conduct a physical examination and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The doctor will also look at the person's mood, and whether other illnesses 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 as well as their lifestyle, and any mental health issues they may have.
ADHD symptoms in women adults who suffer from ADHD might feel a sense of relief to learn that they aren't 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also be frustrated at 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 may also feel angry at teachers, parents or healthcare professionals who failed to detect the symptoms or treat them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the effects that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults appear a little different than they do in children. Adults might be able to cover up their hyperactivity more effectively and other health issues like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is among the most common symptoms of ADHD. It is the body's attempt at calming your nerves and keep you focused. 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 actually more focused if they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is another symptom of ADHD in adults, and it can manifest as trouble following directions, not being punctual or even forgetting important deadlines or events. You might find yourself regularly missing work or social commitments and may struggle with finances because of the impulsive spending. Adults with ADHD often feel under-achievement and frustration because they are not living up to their potential.
You should be able identify the signs of ADHD so that you can receive help. There are multiple types of medications that treat ADHD, and it is important to test a variety of dosages and medications to find the best one for you. Alongside medication counseling and establishing the right structure in your life can help you manage ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosed with ADHD and diagnosed with it, you might experience various emotions. You might be relieved that your problems have an explanation and that you are not being called lazy or unmotivated. You may feel angry or frustrated for not being diagnosed and treated as a child. You might also feel concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your career and relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common. This can make it difficult to manage projects, meet deadlines and develop good relationships.
In adults, the signs are less obvious and could be evident in many aspects of daily life. People with ADHD for instance may have trouble staying still, and may be anxious when reading, watching television, or at work. They may also have trouble doing leisure or hobbies in a quiet manner. In addition, they could struggle to keep their emotions under control and are more likely to react too quickly or get upset than other people.
As people age and become more sedentary, they may experience more difficulty with planning and organisation. This is because they aren't receiving the guidance and structure of school. 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 they might struggle to evaluate the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications are intended to help people concentrate better, feel calmer and less impatient. They can be purchased from a psychiatrist or GP who specializes in treating the condition. It is important to discuss any other medications they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with their health care doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medications for adult ADHD such as atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. These are less effective than stimulants and require a period of time to kick in, but are an alternative for those who do not prefer to take stimulant medication or who are unable to use it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity can also be an issue for those who suffer from ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity doesn't get enough consideration when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a major part of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing challenge for adults suffering from the disorder of impulsive ADHD. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that can affect your social standing and relationships. In addition to that, an impulsive ADHD can be harmful and detrimental to health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior and have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or lines. They may respond to questions even before they're finished or take over activities or games. They are usually disrespectful of rules and property of others.
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, like helps with all ADHD symptoms, including the impulsivity. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise per day to get your heart rate up. Review your past impulsive experiences to determine your triggers and prepare for the future. Ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which take a while before they start working, but can help improve the control of impulses.