Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can create a difficult life for adults. When diagnosed with ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and achieve 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 the community mental health service or special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention!
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic attention system might not work as well. This means that you might miss important details at work or in school and may have trouble remembering things. You might also have trouble focusing on tasks that require sustained concentration like writing, reading or math problems. You may have difficulty waiting your turn during conversations or games. You may mutter answers before others are finished asking their questions. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring or interrupt people at inappropriate times.
Children suffering from ADHD tend to overcome the impulsivity and hyperactivity they display, however inattention symptoms remain a source of difficulties for a lot of adults. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD tend to have trouble staying on task at home, at school and at work. This type of ADHD can present with mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Inattentive symptoms in adults can become more problematic when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complex and stressful. This can occur when a person moves out of the home of their parents and moves into the workplace. The new obligations, such as taking care of a child in the early years, may also increase the level of stress and anxiety.
There are many solutions for people suffering from adult ADHD that include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also a possibility for individuals who don't like stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your physician can recommend the best treatment options for you. They can assess your medical history and symptoms, look for possible medical problems that may be causing them, and identify effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their task. They can be distracted and jump from one activity to another or make a mistake at work or school. People with ADHD often forget important dates or events and have trouble adhering to routines. They may also have difficulties 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 care professionals will analyze the history of ADHD symptoms during the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also speak with colleagues, family members, friends or other people who know the person well. They may also employ standard behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists. Mental health professionals or health care providers can also conduct a physical exam and administer a psychological test.
The doctor will also look at the person's mood and whether other disorders like depression, anxiety or a medical condition could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. They will also inquire about the person's family and social history, their lifestyle habits and any mental health issues they might have.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel relieved to learn that they aren't "lazy or unwilling". They might also be frustrated for not being diagnosed at a younger age or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and that of others. They may also be anger at their teachers, parents, or healthcare providers for not noticing the symptoms and treating them. They might also feel a sense of sadness over missed opportunities and the effect untreated ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults differ in comparison to children's. Adults can hide hyperactivity better, and other health problems like anxiety or depression could mask it.
Fidgeting is an indication of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's way of trying to calm your nerves and help you focus. It could manifest as doodles or making notes during meetings tapping your feet, or biting your nails. In fact, some studies have shown that people with ADHD are able to concentrate better when they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a further symptom of ADHD in adults. It can manifest as trouble following directions, not being punctual or forgetting important events or deadlines. You may find yourself missing social or work commitments and having financial difficulties because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults with ADHD may feel frustrated and unfulfilled because they're not performing to their full potential.
It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, so you can seek out help. There are many types of medications that treat ADHD and it is essential to test a variety of medications and dosages to find the best one for you. Counseling and a structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms in addition to medication.
Diagnosed with ADHD and diagnosed with it, you might experience an array of emotions. You might be relieved that your difficulties are logical and you're not being called lazy or unmotivated. You may feel anger or irritated for not being diagnosed and treated as in your early years. You may also be concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your career and your relationship.
4. ADHD and adults symptoms of ADHD in adults often differ from those of adolescents and children. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are not uncommon. This can make it difficult to keep up with tasks, meet deadlines and develop good relationships.
For adults, the signs are more subtle and can be present across many aspects of daily life. People suffering from ADHD for instance, may have difficulty sitting still, and be restless when reading, watching TV, or at work. They may also have trouble engaging in leisure and hobbies quietly. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and are more likely to react or get angry than other people.
As they age and become more sedentary, they may experience difficulties with planning and organisation. This is because they're no longer receiving the guidance and structure of school. This can result in delays in household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD can find it hard to stop or begin tasks and they may have difficulties in assessing the long-term effects of their actions.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These are designed to help people focus better and be less impulsive, as well as feel more calm. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who is skilled in treating the condition. When considering stimulants, patients should discuss their other medications with their doctor. Some drugs can interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant drugs for adult ADHD such as atomoxetine bupropion and guanfacine. These are less effective and require several weeks before they start working. However, they are an alternative for those who do not want to take stimulant medications due to medical reasons or are unable to take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms that involve inattention and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity can cause significant problems for adults with ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity doesn't get enough consideration when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, as it is a significant component of the disorder. It also causes more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
Self-control is a constant struggle for adults suffering from the disorder of impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that affect relationships and social standing. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior, and they may have a harder time managing their finances or driving. They are more susceptible to mood swings and angry outbursts. People suffering from ADHD may have smaller Amygdala. This could be due to a lack of control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD may also have trouble waiting their turn in conversations or lines. They might answer questions even before they're finished or take over games or activities. They are often disrespectful of rules and property of others.
You can learn to manage your impulses if you suffer from impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, like helps with all ADHD symptoms including impulsivity. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise every day to get your heart rate up. Reminisce about your impulsive past to pinpoint your triggers and prepare for the future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to start working but improves your control over impulses.