Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to cope. When diagnosed with ADHD, they can manage their symptoms and reach their goals both at home and at work.
A chat with your doctor is the best place to begin an assessment. They can direct you to the best treatment for you, which could include community mental health services or specialised neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention might not function as well. This means that you might miss important details at work or in school, and you may have difficulty remembering things. It can also be difficult to focus on tasks that require constant concentration, such as reading, math or writing. You may have difficulty waiting your turn during games or conversations. You may mutter answers before others have finished asking their questions. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring or interrupt people at inappropriate times.
Children with ADHD typically overcome hyperactivity and impulsivity, but inattentive symptoms continue to cause difficulties for a lot of adults. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD usually have trouble staying on track at home, at school and at work. This type of ADHD can present with mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Inattentive symptoms in adults are more troublesome when a person's daily life becomes more complex and stressful. This may happen when a person leaves the home with their family and goes to the workplace. The new obligations, such as caring for a young child could also increase their level of anxiety and stress.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle modifications diet, medication, and lifestyle changes. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and amphetamines may help to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and history looking for medical conditions that might be causing them, and recommend effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their task. They may jump from one task to the next or make mistakes at school or work. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or events and have trouble adhering to routines. They might be unable to organize their lives or keep 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. To determine if they are diagnosed health professionals will examine the patient's experience with ADHD symptoms when they were children and in the early years of adulthood, talk to family members, friends, coworkers, or others who are familiar with their condition, and use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Health professionals or mental health care providers can also conduct physical examinations and conduct a psychological test.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood as well as whether or not other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety or medical issues could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask about the family and social history, lifestyle habits and any other mental health issues the person might be suffering from.
Many adults who have ADHD will feel relief at receiving an explanation for their difficulties and finding out that they are not 'lazy' or 'unwilling'. They may also be disappointed that they were not diagnosed when younger or the impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and the lives of others. They may also feel angry at their teachers, parents or healthcare professionals for not being aware of the signs and treating them. They may also experience feelings of sadness over missed opportunities and the effect untreated ADHD has had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults look slightly different than they do in children. Adults are able to hide hyperactivity better, and other health problems like depression or anxiety may overshadow it.
Fidgeting is an indication of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to relax your nerves and focus. It could manifest as doodles or taking notes during a meeting or even tapping your feet or even biting your nails. In fact, some studies have shown that people suffering from ADHD can actually concentrate better when they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness is also an indication of ADHD. It can manifest as difficulties following directions, forgetting important dates or deadlines, or being late. You might 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 underachieved because they aren't performing to their full potential.
It is important to identify the signs of ADHD in yourself, so that you can seek help. It is crucial to test out various dosages and medications to determine which one is most effective for you. Counseling and a structured life can aid in managing ADHD symptoms in addition to medication.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up many emotions such as satisfaction that you have a reason to explain your issues and aren't being judged as lazy, incompetent, or unmotivated. You may feel angry or frustrated that you weren't diagnosed and treated when you were an infant. You might also be concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your career and your relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are common. This makes it difficult to stay on top of tasks, meet deadlines and establish good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are more subtle and may be present across many aspects of daily life. People with ADHD, for example might have trouble sitting still, and be unfocused while reading, watching television or working. They might also have trouble doing leisure or hobbies in a quiet manner. In addition, they might struggle to keep their emotions in check and are more likely to overreact or become upset more frequently than other people.
As they age and become more sedentary, they may experience more trouble with planning and organization. This is because they are no longer receiving the guidance and structure of school. This can lead to procrastination and difficulty in organizing household bills and appointments, as well as completing work tasks. People with ADHD are often unable to stop or start work and may have trouble understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medication. They are designed to help people concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. They are available by prescription and can be obtained from a psychiatrist or a GP who specialises in the condition. People should be careful to discuss any other medication they're taking prior to deciding on the use of stimulants with a healthcare doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medicines for adult ADHD such as atomoxetine bupropion and guanfacine. These are not as effective as stimulants and can take a few weeks to begin working however they are a viable alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant medications or are unable to take it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms that involve inattention and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity can create significant problems for adults with ADHD as well. It's unfortunate that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's an integral part of the disorder and creates more problems than any other manifestation of ADHD.
For adults with impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that affect social standing and relationships. In symptoms for ADHD in adults , impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and detrimental to health and well-being.
People with an impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have trouble managing their finances or driving skills. They are more likely to have mood swings and anger outbursts. People with ADHD may have a smaller Amygdala. This could be linked to the inability to control their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD may also have trouble waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They may answer questions prior to finishing or even take over games or activities. They usually show little or no regard for rules or the rights of others' property.
You can learn to manage your impulses if you have the disorder of impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for example helps with all ADHD symptoms including impulsivity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day to keep your heart rate up. Reminisce about your impulsive past to identify your triggers and plan for the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to start working but improves the control of impulses.