Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The signs of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. However, getting a diagnosis may aid in reducing their symptoms so they can achieve their goals at work and at home.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can direct you to the most appropriate treatment for you, which could include community mental health services as well as specialist neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention may not function in the same way. You may miss important details in school or at your job and have difficulty remembering things. It is also possible that you have trouble focusing on tasks that require sustained concentration, such as writing, reading or maths problems. You might have trouble waiting your turn during games or conversations. You may mutter answers before others have completed asking questions. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring, or interrupt conversations at inappropriate times.
Children who suffer from ADHD often outgrow hyperactivity and impulsivity, but inattentive symptoms continue to cause difficulties for a lot of adults. People with ADHD who are primarily inattentive have difficulty staying focused at home, at school or at work. This kind of ADHD can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
Inattentive symptoms in adults can become more challenging when a person's life becomes more complex and stressful. This is often the case when a person moves out of the family home or into a workplace, and new responsibilities like caring for a child might contribute to the overall stress and anxiety.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle modifications, diet, and medication. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for some people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your doctor can suggest the best treatment for you. They will assess your medical history and symptoms and identify any medical conditions that could be contributing to them, and suggest effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their task. They can make erroneous mistakes at school or work, or jump between tasks. People with ADHD often forget important dates or occasions and have a hard time adhering to routines. They may also have difficulty 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. For a diagnosis health professionals will examine the patient's experience with ADHD symptoms when they were children and in early adulthood, interview family members, friends as well as coworkers or other people who know them well and then use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Mental health professionals or health care providers can also conduct an examination of the body and administer a psychological assessment.
The provider will also consider the person's mood as well as whether or not other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety or medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask about family and social history, lifestyle habits and any other mental health issues that the person might have.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel relieved to know that they're not "lazy or unwilling". They may also be frustrated about the fact that they weren't diagnosed as young or the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of those around them. They may also feel anger at teachers, parents or healthcare providers who didn't detect the symptoms or take action to treat them. They may also feel sadness over missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
more tips here of ADHD in adults look slightly different than they do in children. Adults are able to hide hyperactivity better, and other health issues such as depression or anxiety may overshadow it.
Fidgeting can be a sign of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's attempt to ease your tension and help you focus. It could manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. In fact, some studies show that people suffering from ADHD are able to concentrate better when they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is another sign of ADHD in adults. It can be manifested as difficulty following directions, not being punctual or ignoring important events or deadlines. You might find yourself missing social or work commitments and struggling with finances due to impulse purchases. Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel under-achievement and frustration due to not achieving their potential.
You must be able to recognize the symptoms of ADHD to get assistance. There are multiple 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. Counseling and a structured lifestyle can help you manage ADHD symptoms, in addition to medication.
Diagnosed with ADHD, you may feel a range emotions. You may be happy that your problems have a reason and that you're not being labelled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You might be dissatisfied or angry for not being diagnosed and treated when you were in your early years. You may also be sad about the impact untreated ADHD has on your career and relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from those of children or teenagers. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are typical. This can make it hard to keep up with work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that can impact many aspects of their lives. For example, people with ADHD might have difficulty sitting still and are often restless when they're reading, watching TV or at work. They might also have trouble doing leisure activities and hobbies quietly. In addition, they could have difficulty keeping their emotions in check and are more prone to react in a panic or become angry more frequently than other people.
Difficulties with organisation and planning can become more noticeable as we grow older without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can lead to delays in household chores and also difficulties with organizing household bills or appointments, or even completing work tasks. People with ADHD might find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and they may be unable to assess the long term impact of their actions.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They are designed to help people focus better and be less impulsive, as well as feel calmer. They can be purchased on prescription and can be obtained from a psychiatrist or a GP who is specialized in the condition. People should be careful to discuss any other medication they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with a health care doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to those suffering from ADHD like atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs are not as effective and can take several weeks before they begin working. However, they can be an alternative for people who do not wish to take stimulant medication for medical reasons or are not able to take it.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms involving inattentive and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity can cause serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity is not given enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, as it's a major component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
For those who suffer from the disorder of impulsive ADHD issues with self-control is often an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing miscues that impact social standing and relationships. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior, and they may be more difficult to manage their finances or driving skills. They are more likely to experience mood swings and anger outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have a smaller amygdala which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD may also have difficulty waiting their turn in lines or conversations. They may blurt out answers before the question is finished or even take over activities or games. They often have no respect for rules or other people's property.
You can learn to control your impulses if you suffer from impulsive ADHD. For example, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms, including the tendency to be impulsive. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise each day to keep your heart rate up. Reminisce about your impulsive past to identify your triggers and plan for the future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to begin working, but it improves your control over impulses.