Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can create a difficult life for adults. If diagnosed with ADHD, they can manage their symptoms and achieve their goals at home and at work.
A visit to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you to the appropriate service, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you have ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system might not be working as well. In the end, you might miss important details at work or in school and have difficulty remembering things. You might also have trouble working on tasks that require constant concentration like reading, writing or maths problems. You might find it difficult to wait your turn in conversations or games. You may answer questions prior to others having finished. You may not be able to sit and wait for your phone to answer or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD still struggle with symptoms of inattention. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD usually have trouble staying on task at home, at school and at work. ADHD symptoms female adults of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe.
Adults with attention deficits can become more challenging when a person's life becomes more complex and stressful. This can 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 with ADHD that include lifestyle changes as well as diet and medication. The use of stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Some people can also take non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Strattera when they cannot tolerate stimulants. Your doctor can recommend the most effective treatment for you. They can evaluate your symptoms and medical history, look for medical problems that may be causing them, and recommend the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their task. They could make mistakes at work or in school or switch from one task to another. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events and may have difficulty keeping track of routines. They may also have trouble 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 professionals will look at the person's background of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in the early years of adulthood, interview family members, friends and coworkers who are familiar with them and then use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists. Health care professionals or mental health professionals may also do a physical examination and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The provider will also consider the person's mood and whether or not any other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or medical problems can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask questions about the person's family or social history as well as their lifestyle, and any mental health issues they might have.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD will feel relieved upon receiving an explanation for their difficulties and finding out that they aren't 'lazy or unmotivated'. They might also be frustrated for not being diagnosed when younger or the impact that untreated ADHD had on their lives as well as the lives of others. They may also feel angry at parents, teachers or healthcare professionals who failed to recognize the signs or address them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the effects that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults look a little different than the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults may be able hide their hyperactivity more successfully and other health issues like anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting is one of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's attempt 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. In fact, some research shows that people with ADHD are actually more focused if they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is another symptom of ADHD in adults, and it can be a sign of difficulty following instructions, being punctual, or forgetting important events or deadlines. You might find yourself not attending work or social events and struggling with finances due to impulse purchases. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel under-achievement and frustration due to not achieving their potential.
It is essential to be aware of the signs of ADHD in yourself, so you can seek out help. It is crucial to test out various dosages and medications to determine which one works best for you. Counseling and a structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms in addition to medications.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger various emotions, including satisfaction that you have a reason for your problems and are not being judged as lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. It is possible to feel dissatisfied or angry that you weren't diagnosed and treated as an infant. You might also feel concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your career and relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from those of adolescents or children. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, however, are common. This makes it difficult to keep up with tasks, meet deadlines and develop good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are less obvious and could be evident in many aspects of everyday life. People with ADHD, for example may have trouble staying still, and may be anxious when reading, watching television or at work. They may also have difficulty engaging in leisure activities and other hobbies in a quiet manner. In addition, they might be unable to keep their emotions under control and are more likely to overreact or become upset in comparison to other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing can become more evident as we grow older without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination, issues with household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People with ADHD might find it difficult to stop or start tasks, and they may have trouble assessing the long term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medications. These 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 that is experienced in treating the condition. If considering stimulants, individuals should discuss other medications with their physician. Certain drugs may interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medicines for adult ADHD which include atomoxetine bupropion and guanfacine. These medications are less effective and take some time before they begin working. However, they're an alternative for people who do not want to take stimulant medications due to medical reasons or are unable to take it.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactive behaviors get the majority of the attention, impulsivity could cause significant issues for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity gets short shrift when it pertains to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a key component of the disorder and causes more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
For those who suffer from an impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is usually an ongoing battle. It can lead embarrassing errors that impact relationships and social standing. In addition, an impulsive ADHD can be harmful and detrimental to health and well-being.
People with aggressive ADHD are more likely to be prone to risky behavior and have difficulty managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to suffer from mood swings and have anger outbursts. People suffering from ADHD might have smaller Amygdala. This could be linked to the inability to control their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD may also have trouble getting their turn in lines or conversations. They may respond to questions even before they're finished or take over activities or games. They are usually disrespectful of rules and other people's property.
You can learn to control your impulses if you suffer from an impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for example can help with all ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day to keep your heart rate up. Review your past impulsive experiences to pinpoint your triggers and plan for the future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to begin working, but it improves impulse control.