Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to deal with. When diagnosed as ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and achieve 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 the community mental health service or special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic system for focusing might not function as well. In the end, you could miss important details at school or at work and may have trouble remembering things. It can also be difficult to concentrate on tasks that require constant concentration, such as reading, math or writing. You may have difficulty waiting your turn during conversations or games. You may be asked questions before others are done. You might be having trouble waiting for your phone to ring or interrupt people at inappropriate times.
Children who suffer from ADHD often outgrow hyperactivity and impulsivity, but inattention symptoms remain a source of problems for a large number of adults. People suffering from ADHD that is mostly inattention are unable to stay on task at school, home or at work. This type of ADHD can present with mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Adults who are prone to inattention symptoms may be more troubled when their lives become increasingly stressful and complex. This is often the case when a person is moved away from their home or into the workplace and new responsibilities like taking care of a child can increase their stress levels and anxiety.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle modifications as well as diet and medication. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who can't tolerate stimulants or don't respond to them. Your physician can recommend the best treatment options for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and past history, look for medical problems that could be causing them, and recommend the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They can be distracted and jump from one task to the next or make mistakes at school or at work. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events and have trouble following routines. They may also have difficulties keeping their things in order 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. To determine if they are diagnosed, health care providers will analyze the individual's background of ADHD symptoms when they were children and in the early years of adulthood, talk to relatives, friends, coworkers, or others who are familiar with them, and use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. Health care providers or mental health professionals may also do a physical examination and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The doctor will also look at the person's mood and whether any other disorders like depression, anxiety or a medical condition could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. They will also inquire about the person's family or social background as well as their lifestyle and any mental health issues they might have.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be relieved to know that they're not "lazy or unwilling". They may also be disappointed for not being diagnosed when younger or the impact that untreated ADHD had on their lives and the lives of others. They might also feel anger at their teachers, parents, or healthcare providers who didn't detect the symptoms or address 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
ADHD symptoms in adults are different from the symptoms of children. Adults can hide hyperactivity better, and other health issues like anxiety or depression could mask it.
ADHD symptoms female adults is one of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to relax your nerves and focus. It could manifest in notes or doodles during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. Some research has shown that those with ADHD are able to concentrate better when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness is a further symptom of ADHD in adults. It can manifest as trouble following directions, not being punctual or forgetting important events or deadlines. You might find yourself not attending work or social events and having financial issues due to impulsive purchases. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel a sense of underachievement and frustration due to not achieving their potential.
You should be able to identify the signs of ADHD to receive help. It is important to test out various dosages and medications to determine which one best suits your needs. Alongside medication, counseling and creating the right structure in your life can help you manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger many emotions, including relief that you have a reason for your difficulties and aren't being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You might also feel anger or frustration that you were never diagnosed and treated as a child, and sadness over the impact that untreated ADHD has had on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from those of adolescents or children. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, however, are not uncommon. This makes it difficult to stay on top of tasks, meet deadlines and build good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are more subtle and can be seen in a variety of aspects of daily life. For instance, people suffering from ADHD might have difficulty being still and frequently agitated when reading, watching TV or at work. They might also have difficulty doing leisure activities and hobbies quietly. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or become angry than other people.
As people grow older and become more sedentary, they may experience more difficulty in organising and planning. This is because they are no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can lead to procrastination and difficulties managing household expenses or appointments, or even working on tasks. People who suffer from ADHD can find it hard to stop or start work and may have trouble understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These are designed to help people concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel more peaceful. They are available for prescription from a psychiatrist or GP who is skilled in treating the condition. It is important to discuss any other medications they're taking prior to deciding on the use of stimulants with a healthcare provider, as some drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant drugs for adult ADHD, including atomoxetine, bupropion and guanfacine. These are not as effective and can take some time before they begin working. However, they can be an option for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to medical reasons or aren't able to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity draw the most attention, impulsivity can also be an important issue for those who suffer from ADHD. It's a pity that impulsivity isn't given enough consideration when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a major part of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing challenge for those with impulsive ADHD. It can lead embarrassing errors that impact social standing and relationships. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and may be more difficult to manage their finances or driving skills. They are more susceptible to mood swings and anger outbursts. Research has shown that people with ADHD have a smaller amygdala, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD may also have difficulty getting their turn in lines or conversations. They may blurt out answers before the question is finished or even take over games or activities. They typically don't have a lick of respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
You can learn to control your impulses when you have an impulsive ADHD. For instance, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity. To get your heart rate going you should aim for 30 minutes a day of exercise. Reflect on past impulsive moments to determine your triggers and prepare for the future. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to begin working, but it improves impulse control.