Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to cope. When diagnosed with ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and reach their goals both at home and at work.
Talking with your GP is the best way to begin an assessment. They can refer you the appropriate service, such as community services for mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention!
If you suffer from ADHD the brain's automatic system for focusing may not be working as well. In the end, you may miss important information at work or in school and may be unable to remember things. You may also have difficulty focusing on tasks that require continuous concentration, such as writing, reading or maths problems. You might be having trouble waiting your turn during games or conversations. You might be able to answer questions prior to others having completed. You might not be able wait for your phone or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD are still struggling with symptoms of inattention. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD usually have trouble staying on track at home, at school and at work. Symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Adults who have a tendency to inattentive symptoms can be more troubled when their lives become more stressful and complex. This could happen when a person moves out of the family home or into a workplace and new responsibilities like caring for a child could contribute to their stress levels and anxiety.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD that include lifestyle changes diet, medication, and lifestyle changes. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall) can reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for individuals who don't like stimulants or who don't respond to them. Your physician can recommend the best treatment options for you. They can assess your symptoms and medical history and look for any medical issues that may be causing them and identify the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their task. 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 difficulty keeping track of routines. They may 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 care providers will examine the background of ADHD symptoms in childhood and early adulthood. They may also speak with colleagues, family members, friends or any other individuals who know the person well. They will also utilize the standardized behavior ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms lists. Health care providers or mental health professionals might also conduct 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 such as depression, anxiety, or medical problems can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask questions about the person's family and social history and lifestyle habits and any mental health issues they may have.
Adults with ADHD might feel a sense of relief to know that they're not 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also be disappointed that they were not diagnosed when younger or the impact untreated ADHD affected their lives and the lives of others. They might also be anger at their teachers, parents or healthcare providers for not noticing the symptoms and treating them. They may also have feelings of sadness over missed opportunities and the effect untreated ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear a little different than the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults can hide the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health issues like anxiety or depression could mask it.
Fidgeting could be an indication of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's attempt to ease your stress and help you concentrate. It could manifest in doodles or notes written during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nail. In fact, some research shows that people suffering from ADHD are able to concentrate better if they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness is also a symptom of ADHD. It may manifest as difficulty in following directions, ignoring important deadlines or dates, or being late. You might find yourself not attending work or social events and having financial difficulties due to impulse purchases. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and underachieving because they're not performing to their full potential.
You should be able identify the signs of ADHD so that you can receive assistance. There are multiple types of medication that can treat ADHD, and it is essential to try out different dosages and medications to determine the most suitable one for your needs. Counseling and a well-structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms in addition to taking medication.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions such as satisfaction that you have a reason to explain your issues and aren't being labelled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. There is also anger or resentment for not being diagnosed and treated as an infant, and sadness over the impact that untreated ADHD has affected your professional life 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 deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that can affect many aspects of their lives. For example, people with ADHD might have difficulty staying still and are frequently anxious when reading, watching TV or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in hobbies and leisure activities quietly. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and be more likely to react or be upset than others.
As people age, they may have more trouble with planning and organisation. This is because they're no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can result in procrastination and difficulty in organizing household bills, appointments or finishing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and they might be unable to assess the long term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs are designed to help people focus better, feel calmer and less dependent. They can be purchased on prescription and can be obtained by a psychiatrist or a doctor who is specialized in the condition. People should be careful to discuss any other medication they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with their health care provider, as some drugs interact with them.
There are also severe ADHD symptoms in adults -stimulant medicines for adult ADHD, including atomoxetine, guanfacine and bupropion. These are not as effective as stimulants and can take a few weeks to begin working however they are a viable option for those who don't prefer to take stimulant medication or cannot take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity is also an issue for adults with ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity is a neglected area when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, because it's an integral part of the disorder that causes proportionally more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
For those who suffer from the disorder of impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is usually an ongoing battle. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that can affect your social standing and relationships. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from aggressive ADHD might engage in risky behaviors and have difficulty managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. People suffering from ADHD might have smaller Amygdala. This could be due to the inability to control their impulses.
Adults who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others and may be unable to wait for their turn in lines or conversations. They may respond to questions prior to finishing or take over games or activities. They are usually disrespectful of rules and property of others.
You can learn to control your impulses if you have an impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for instance helps with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day to get your heart rate up. Reminisce about your impulsive past to pinpoint your triggers and plan for the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to start working but improves the control of impulses.