Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can create a difficult life for adults. Diagnosed as ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and meet their goals at home and at work.
A visit to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can recommend the best treatment for you, which could include community mental health services or special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic attention system might not be working as well. This means that you may miss important information at work or in school and may have difficulty remembering things. You might also have trouble paying attention to tasks that require continuous concentration, such as reading, writing or math problems. You might find it difficult to wait for your turn in games or conversations. You might blurt out answers before other people have completed asking questions. You might not be able wait for your phone to answer or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Children who suffer from ADHD typically overcome the impulsivity and hyperactivity they display, however inattentive symptoms continue to cause difficulties for a lot of adults. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD usually have trouble staying on track at school, at home and at work. This kind of ADHD can present with mild, moderate or even serious symptoms.
Adults with attention deficits can become more challenging when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complicated and stressful. This could happen when a person moves away from their home or into a job and new responsibilities like caring for a child might increase their stress levels and anxiety.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD such as lifestyle changes as well as diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) can 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 aren't responsive to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for you. They can assess your symptoms and medical history and look for any possible medical issues that could be causing them, and identify the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their tasks. They can make erroneous mistakes at work or school or jump from one task to the next. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events and may have difficulty keeping track of routines. They may have difficulty figuring out how to organize their things or stay 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 professionals will analyze the history of ADHD symptoms during childhood and early adulthood. They might also talk to relatives, friends, coworkers or any other individuals who know the person well. They may also employ standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists. Health care professionals or mental health specialists can also conduct a physical examination and give the person a psychological test.
The provider will also consider the person's mood, and whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or a medical issue could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. They will also inquire about the person's family and social background, their lifestyle habits, and any mental health issues they might have.
Many adults with ADHD will feel relieved upon finding a reason for their issues and discovering that they aren't 'lazy' or 'unwilling'. They may also be disappointed that they weren't diagnosed when younger or the impact that untreated ADHD had on their lives as well as the lives of others. They might also be angry with their parents, teachers, or healthcare providers for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They may also experience feelings of sadness over missed opportunities and the impact not being treated for ADHD has had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The symptoms of ADHD in adults look slightly different than the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults are able to hide the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health issues such as depression or anxiety may overshadow it.
Fidgeting is a sign of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's way of trying to ease your stress and help you concentrate. It could manifest in notes or doodles during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nail. Some studies have found that people suffering from ADHD are better at concentrating when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness is a different characteristic of ADHD in adults, and it can be a sign of difficulty following directions, not being punctual or ignoring important deadlines or events. You might find yourself missing social or work commitments and having financial issues because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel under-achievement and frustration due to not living up to their potential.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, so you can seek out help. There are a variety of medications that treat ADHD, and it is essential 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 taking medication.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up various emotions, including happiness that you now have a reason to explain your difficulties and aren't being judged as lazy, incompetent, or unmotivated. It is possible to feel dissatisfied or angry for not being diagnosed and treated as an infant. You might also be concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are typical. This makes it difficult to keep up with tasks, meet deadlines and develop good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that can affect many aspects of their lives. For instance, those with ADHD might have trouble being still and often restless when they're watching TV, reading or at work. They may also have difficulty doing leisure activities and hobbies at a comfortable pace. In addition, they might struggle to keep their emotions in check and are more prone to react too quickly or get upset more frequently than other people.
As people age, they may have more trouble in organising and planning. This is because they are no longer receiving the guidance and structure of school. This can result in delays in household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People with ADHD can find it hard to stop or start work and they may have difficulty assessing the long-term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications. They are designed to help people focus more effectively, feel more calm and less dependent. These are available on prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who specializes in treating the condition. People should be careful to discuss any other medications they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with a healthcare doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for people suffering from ADHD, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are not as effective as stimulants and require a period of time to start working however they are a viable alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant medications or who are unable to use it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the most well-known ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity can also be an important issue for adults with ADHD. combined ADHD symptoms in adults 's a shame that impulsivity is not given enough consideration when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, since it's a major component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing struggle for adults with an impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that affect the status of relationships and social standing. Additionally, an impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and can be harmful to health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior and may have a harder time managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings and anger outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have a smaller amygdala that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults who suffer from impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and may have trouble waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They might answer questions even before they're finished or even take over activities or games. They often show little or no regard for rules or the rights of others' property.
You can learn to manage your impulses when you have the disorder of impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for example, helps with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. To get your heart rate going try to do 30 minutes of exercise. Reminisce about your impulsive past to identify your triggers and plan for the future. Ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which take a while before they start working but improve the ability to control your impulses.