Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to manage. However, a diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms to attain their goals at home and work.
A chat with your doctor is the best place to start an assessment. They can refer you to the appropriate service, for example, community services for mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you suffer from ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system might not work as well. As a result, you might miss important details at school or at work, and you may be unable to remember things. You may also find it difficult to focus on tasks that require constant concentration, like reading, math or writing. You may find it difficult to wait your turn in games or conversations. You may answer questions before others have finished. You may not be able wait for your phone or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD still struggle with symptoms of inattention. People with ADHD who are primarily inattention have trouble staying on task, whether at school, home or at work. Symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or even severe.
Inattentive symptoms in adults are more troublesome when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complicated and stressful. This may happen when someone leaves the family home and enters the work environment. New obligations, such as caring for a young child could also increase their level of anxiety and stress.
There are a variety of options for those suffering from adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate like methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Certain people may also take non-stimulant medicines such as atomoxetine or Strattera when they cannot tolerate stimulants. Your doctor can suggest the most effective treatment for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and past history, look for medical problems that could be causing them, and recommend effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their task. They can be distracted and jump between activities or make a mistake at school or work. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events, and have trouble following routines. They may also have trouble 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. Health care providers will examine the history of ADHD symptoms during the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They might also talk to friends, family, coworkers or other acquaintances who know the person well. They may also employ standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists. Health care providers can also conduct physical examinations and administer a psychological assessment.
The doctor will also consider the person's mood, and whether or not other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or medical problems might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They will also inquire about the history of family and friends, lifestyle habits and any other mental health issues that the person might be suffering from.
Adults with ADHD may feel relieved to learn that they aren't 'lazy or unwilling'. They might also feel frustration at the fact that they weren't diagnosed earlier, or at the impact untreated ADHD has affected their lives and the lives of others around them. They may also feel angry with their teachers, parents, or healthcare providers for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They may also have feelings of sadness over missed opportunities and the impact not being treated for ADHD has had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults look somewhat different from what the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults can hide hyperactivity better, and other health issues like depression or anxiety may overshadow it.
Fidgeting could be a sign of ADHD. It is the body's attempt at calming your nerves and keep you focused. It can manifest as drawing or taking notes during a meeting or even tapping your feet or biting your nails. Some studies have found that people with ADHD are better at concentrating when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness is also a sign of ADHD. It can manifest in the form of difficulties following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates or not being punctual. You might find yourself frequently missing work or social commitments, and you might struggle with money due to impulsive spending. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel a sense of underachievement and frustration due to not achieving their potential.
It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, so that you can seek 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. In addition to medication, counseling and creating structure in your life can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can trigger various emotions, including happiness that you now have a reason for your difficulties and aren't being judged as lazy, incompetent, or unmotivated. You might be anger or irritated for not being diagnosed and treated as a child. You might also feel concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your career and your relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
Symptoms of ADHD in adults often differ from the symptoms of teenagers and children. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are common. This can make it difficult to stay on top of projects, meet deadlines and build good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that can impact many aspects of their lives. People with ADHD for instance, may have difficulty sitting still, and be unfocused when reading, watching television or working. They might also have difficulty engaging in leisure activities and other hobbies in a quiet manner. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and are more likely to react or get angry than others.
As people age, they may have more trouble with planning and organization. This is because they are no longer receiving the guidance and structure of school. This can result in procrastination and difficulty in organising household bills or appointments, or even working on tasks. People who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and they might have trouble assessing the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant drugs. These are designed to help people focus better and less impulsive. They also help people feel more peaceful. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP that is experienced in treating the condition. It is important to discuss any other medications they're taking when considering the use of stimulants with a health care provider, as certain medications interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medicines for adult ADHD which include atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. These are not as effective as stimulants and require a period of time to kick in however they are a viable alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant medications or cannot take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the most well-known ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity is a significant problem for people with ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity doesn't get enough consideration when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, since it is a significant component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
For adults with impulsive ADHD problems with self-control can be an ongoing battle. It can lead embarrassing mistakes that can affect your relationships and social standing. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from hyper-impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and have anger-related outbursts. People suffering from ADHD may have smaller Amygdala. This could be linked to an inability to control their impulses.
Adults who suffer from hyperactive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others, and they may be unable to wait for their turn in conversations or lines. They may answer questions before they are finished or take over activities or games. They are usually disrespectful of rules and property of others.
You can learn to manage your impulses when you have an impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for instance can help with all ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity. To increase signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults , aim for 30 minutes per day of exercise. Also, think about past moments of impulsivity to determine the triggers that cause you to be impulsive and how you can deal with them in the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to start working but improves the control of impulses.