Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. When diagnosed with ADHD, they can manage their symptoms and achieve their goals both at home and at work.
Talking with your GP is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you the appropriate service, for example, community services for mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system may not be working as well. This means that you may miss important information at school or at work and have difficulty remembering things. It can also be difficult to focus on tasks that require constant concentration, like writing, reading or math. You may find it difficult to wait for your turn in games or conversations. You may blurt out answers before others are completed asking questions. You might not be able to sit and wait for your phone to answer or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults suffering from ADHD still struggle with symptoms of inattention. People suffering from ADHD who are primarily inattention have trouble staying focused at home, school or at work. This kind of ADHD can present with mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Adults who are prone to inattention symptoms may be more stressed when their lives become more stressful and complex. This could happen when someone leaves the home of their parents and moves into the workplace. New tasks, like taking care of a child in the early years could cause an increase in anxiety and stress.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD, including lifestyle modifications, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate like methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for some people who can't tolerate stimulants or don't respond to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for you. They can assess your symptoms and medical history, look for possible medical problems that may be causing them, and identify appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their work. They might be distracted from one task to the next or make a mistake at school or work. People with ADHD often forget important dates or occasions and have difficulty keeping track of routines. They may also find it difficult to keep their belongings in order 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. To determine if they are diagnosed healthcare professionals will look at the person's experience with ADHD symptoms when they were children and in the early years of adulthood, interview friends, family members, coworkers, or others who are familiar with their condition, and use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists. Health care providers may also perform physical examinations and administer a psychological test.
The doctor will also take into consideration the person's mood, and whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or a medical problem might cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. They will also ask questions about the person's family and social history and lifestyle habits and any mental health issues they may have.
Adults with ADHD might feel a sense of relief to learn that they aren't "lazy or unwilling". They may also be disappointed for not being diagnosed when younger or the negative impact that untreated ADHD affected their lives and the lives of others. They may also feel anger at their teachers, parents, or healthcare providers for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They may also feel sorrow about the missed opportunities and negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults differ from those of children. Adults may be able cover up their hyperactivity more effectively as well as other health issues like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting could be a sign of ADHD. ADHD symptoms in adults males is your body's attempt at calming your nerves and keep you focused. It could manifest as doodles or taking notes during a meeting tapping your feet, or even biting your nails. Some research has shown that people with ADHD are better at concentrating when they are able to fidget.
Disruptiveness is another sign of ADHD in adults. It may be manifested as difficulty following directions, being punctual, or forgetting important deadlines or events. You may find yourself missing social or work commitments and having financial difficulties due to impulse purchases. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel depressed and underachieving because they're not performing to their full potential.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of ADHD in yourself so you can seek out help. There are multiple types of medications that can treat ADHD, and it is important to test different dosages and medications to determine the best one for you. In addition to medications, counseling and creating structures in your life can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosed with ADHD You may experience various emotions. You might be relieved that your issues have an explanation and that you are not being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may also feel discontent or anger for not being diagnosed and treated as a child, and sadness over the impact that untreated ADHD has affected your professional life and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from those of children or teenagers. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are typical. This makes it difficult to keep up with work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that can impact many aspects of their daily lives. For instance, those with ADHD might have difficulty being still and frequently anxious when watching TV, reading or at work. They might also have trouble doing leisure activities and hobbies quietly. In addition, they could be unable to keep their emotions in check and are more prone to react in a panic or become angry in comparison to other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing can become more evident as people reach adulthood without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can result in procrastination and difficulty in organizing household bills or appointments, or even finishing work tasks. People with ADHD can find it hard to stop or start tasks and they may have difficulties assessing the long-term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant drugs. They are designed to help people focus better, feel more relaxed and less impulsive. They can be purchased on prescription and can be obtained by a psychiatrist or a doctor 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 provider, as certain medications interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to people suffering from ADHD such as the atomoxetine and the guanfacine. These drugs are less effective and take some time before they begin working. However, they can be an alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant medication for medical reasons or are unable to take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the most well-known ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity can also be an issue for people with ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity doesn't get enough attention when it comes down to ADHD diagnosis, since it is a significant component of the disorder. It also causes more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
For people with the disorder of impulsive ADHD problems with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that affect relationships and social standing. In addition the ADHD that is impulsive ADHD can be harmful and can be harmful to health and well-being.
People with an impulsive ADHD may be prone to risky behavior and have difficulty managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and express anger-related outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD may also have trouble waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They may blurt out answers prior to the end of the question or even take over games or activities. They typically have no respect for rules or other people's property.
If you have impulsive ADHD there are things you can do to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, for instance helps with all ADHD symptoms, including the impulsivity. To get your heart rate going try to do 30 minutes per day of exercise. Review your past impulsive experiences to determine your triggers and plan for the future. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to begin working, but it improves impulse control.