Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to deal with. If diagnosed with ADHD, they are able to take control of their symptoms and achieve their goals both at home and at work.
Talking with your GP is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you to the best treatment for you, which could include community mental health services or specialist neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic attention system may not be working as well. You may forget important information in your school or at work and may have trouble remembering things. It can also be difficult to concentrate on tasks that require continuous concentration, like reading, math or writing. You might have trouble taking your time during conversations or games. You may blurt out answers before others are completed asking questions. You might not be able to sit and wait for your phone or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults suffering from ADHD still struggle with inattentive symptoms. People with ADHD that is mostly inattentive have difficulty staying focused, whether at home, at school or at work. Symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Adults who are prone to inattentive symptoms can be more troubled when their lives become more stressful and complex. This is often the case when a person moves away from their home or into the workplace and new responsibilities like caring for a child might add to their stress levels and anxiety.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle modifications, diet, and medication. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can help to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for some individuals who don't like stimulants or don't respond to them. Your health care provider can recommend the best treatment options for you. They can evaluate your symptoms and history and look for any medical issues that might be causing them and identify effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their work. They might be distracted between activities or make a mistake at work or school. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events and are unable to follow routines. They might also find it difficult to organize their lives or keep track of long-term projects.
ADHD symptoms in adults females with ADHD still show problems with inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, but these symptoms may become less noticeable with age. For a diagnosis healthcare professionals will examine the patient's experience with ADHD symptoms as a child and in the early years of adulthood, talk to family members, friends as well as coworkers or other people who know them well and then use standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Health care professionals or mental health professionals can also conduct an examination on the body and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The doctor will also look at the person's mood, and whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or a medical problem might cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. They will also inquire about the family and social history, lifestyle habits and any other mental health issues that the person might have.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be relieved to know that they're not "lazy or unmotivated". They might also feel frustration about the fact that they were not diagnosed when younger or the effect untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of others around them. They might also be angry with their teachers, parents or healthcare professionals for not noticing the symptoms and treating them. They may also feel sorrow about missed opportunities and the negative impact that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults differ from the symptoms of children. Adults may be able to hide their hyperactivity more successfully as well as other health issues such as anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting could be an indication of ADHD. It can be thought of as your body's attempt to calm your nerves and help you focus. It might manifest as doodling or making notes during meetings tapping your feet, or even biting your nails. In fact, some studies have shown that people with ADHD are actually more focused if they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness can also be an indication of ADHD. It may manifest in the form of difficulty following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates, or not being punctual. You may find yourself having trouble keeping up with work or social commitments and having financial issues because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults with ADHD may be frustrated and unfulfilled because they're not performing to their full potential.
You should be able to identify the signs of ADHD to seek help. There are severe ADHD symptoms in adults of medications that can treat ADHD and it is essential to test a variety of medications and dosages to find the right one for you. Alongside medication, counseling and creating structure in your life can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can trigger various emotions, including relief that you have a reason to explain your difficulties and aren't being labelled as lazy, incompetent, or unmotivated. You might be angry or frustrated that you weren't diagnosed or treated when you were in your early years. You may also be concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your career and your relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from those of adolescents or children. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common. This can make it difficult to keep up with tasks, meet deadlines and establish good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that can impact many aspects of their daily lives. For example, people with ADHD might have difficulty staying still and are often restless when they're reading, watching TV or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in leisure activities and other hobbies quietly. In addition, they might have difficulty keeping their emotions under control and are more prone to react in a panic or become angry than other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing are more apparent as we grow older without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination and difficulties organising household bills, appointments or working on tasks. People who suffer from ADHD are often unable to stop or begin tasks and may have trouble understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs are designed to help people focus more effectively, feel more calm and be less dependent. They are available by prescription and can be obtained through a GP or psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. Patients should discuss any other medications they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with a healthcare provider, as some drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant drugs for adults with ADHD such as atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. These drugs are not as effective and can take several weeks before they start working. However, they're an alternative for those who are unable to take stimulant medication for medical reasons or aren't able to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity can also be an important issue for those who suffer from ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity isn't given enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a major component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing struggle for adults suffering from impulsive ADHD. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that can affect relationships and social standing. It could also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to experience mood swings and have anger outbursts. People suffering from ADHD may have a smaller Amygdala. This could be due to the inability to control their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD might also have difficulty waiting their turn in lines or conversations. They might answer questions prior to finishing or even take over games or activities. They often disregard rules and property of others.
If you are suffering from impulsive ADHD there are ways to help you gain control over your impulses. For instance, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms that include the impulsivity. To get your heart rate going try to do 30 minutes a day of exercise. Also, think about the past incidents of impulsivity to determine the triggers for you and plan to deal with these in the future. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to start working but improves the control of impulses.