Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to manage. However, getting a diagnosis may help them get control of their symptoms so they can attain their goals at work and at home.
Talking with your GP is the best way to start an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate service, for example, community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention!
If you suffer from ADHD the brain's automatic system for focusing may not work as well. This means that you may miss important information at school or at work, and you may have difficulty remembering things. It is also possible that you have trouble working on tasks that require continuous concentration for example, writing, reading or maths problems. You might be having trouble getting your turn in conversations or games. You may blurt out answers before others have completed asking questions. You may not be able to sit and wait for your phone or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Children who suffer from ADHD tend to overcome their impulsivity and hyperactivity, but inattention symptoms remain a source of problems for a large number of adults. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD tend to have trouble staying on task at school, at home and at work. This type of ADHD can have mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Inattentive symptoms in adults are more troublesome when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complicated and stressful. severe ADHD symptoms adults could happen when a person moves out of the family home or into a job and new responsibilities like caring for a child could add to the overall stress and anxiety.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD, including lifestyle modifications as well as diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also a possibility for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your health care provider can recommend the best treatment options for you. They can assess your symptoms and history and look for any medical issues that might be causing them and suggest the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They could make mistakes at work or school or switch from one task to the next. People with ADHD often forget important dates or events and have a hard time adhering to routines. They may also have difficulties organizing their things 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 providers will examine the background of ADHD symptoms during the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also speak with relatives, friends, coworkers or other people who know the person well. They will also use the standardized behavior ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms lists. Health care professionals or mental health specialists can also conduct a physical examination and administer a psychological test.
The doctor will also consider the person's mood and whether or not other conditions like depression, anxiety or medical issues might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They will also inquire about the family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues that the person might have.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might be relieved to learn that they aren't 'lazy or unwilling'. They might also be frustrated that they were not diagnosed when younger or the impact untreated ADHD had on their life and that of others. They may also feel angry at their teachers, parents, or healthcare professionals who didn't notice the symptoms or treat them. They may also feel sadness over missed opportunities and the negative impact that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults are different in comparison to children's. Adults may be able hide their hyperactivity more successfully, and other health issues like anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting could be a sign of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's way of trying to ease your stress and help you focus. It could manifest in doodles or notes written during a meeting, or tapping your feet or biting your nail. In fact, some studies show that people with ADHD are able to concentrate better if they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is also an indication of ADHD. It can manifest as difficulty in following directions, ignoring important dates or deadlines, or being late. You may find yourself frequently missing work or social commitments and may struggle with finances because of the impulsive spending. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel depressed and unfulfilled because they're not performing to their full potential.
It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, so you can seek out help. There are many types of medications that can treat ADHD, and it is crucial to test a variety of dosages and medications to find the right one for you. Counseling and a structured lifestyle can help you manage ADHD symptoms in addition to medication.
Diagnosed with ADHD You may experience an array of emotions. You might be relieved that your issues have an explanation and you're not being called lazy or unmotivated. You may feel anger or irritated that you weren't diagnosed or treated as in your early years. You might also feel concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD has on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
Symptoms of ADHD in adults are often different from those of adolescents and children. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are all common. This makes it difficult to keep up with tasks, meet deadlines and build good relationships.
For adults, the signs are more subtle and can be evident in many aspects of daily life. For instance, those with ADHD might have trouble staying still and are frequently agitated when reading, watching TV or at work. They may also have trouble doing leisure or hobbies quietly. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and are more likely to react or become upset than others.
As people age and become more sedentary, they may experience difficulties with planning and organization. This is because they're no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can result in procrastination, issues with household obligations, appointments and tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD might 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 typically treated with stimulant drugs. They are designed to help people concentrate better and less impulsive. They also help people feel calmer. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who is skilled in treating the condition. If considering stimulants, individuals should discuss other medications with their health care provider. Certain drugs may interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medicines for adults with ADHD which include atomoxetine bupropion and guanfacine. These drugs are less effective and take several weeks before they begin working. However, they're an alternative for those who are unable to take stimulant medication for medical reasons or are unable to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity can create significant issues for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a pity that impulsivity doesn't get enough attention when it comes down to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a major part of the disorder. It also causes more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
For those who suffer from an impulsive ADHD problems with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that can affect relationships and social standing. It could also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with an impulsive ADHD may engage in risky behavior and have difficulty managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and express anger-related outbursts. People suffering from ADHD may have a smaller Amygdala. This could be due to a lack of control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD may also have trouble waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They may blurt out answers before the question has been answered or take over games or activities. They are usually disrespectful of rules and the property of others.
You can learn to control your impulses when you have the disorder of impulsive ADHD. For instance regular aerobic exercise can help with all ADHD symptoms such as the impulsivity. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise each day to get your heart rate up. Reflect on past impulsive moments to identify your triggers and plan for the future. Ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which require a while before they start working, but they can improve your the ability to control your impulses.