Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult time to cope. But getting a diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms and succeed at work and home.
A visit to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate service for you, including community mental health services as well as specialist neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you have ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system may not function as well. You might miss important information in your school or at work, and have difficulty remembering details. You may also find it difficult to focus on tasks that require constant concentration, such as writing, reading or math. It can be difficult to wait for your turn in games or conversations. You might be able to answer questions before others are finished. You might not be able to wait for your phone to answer or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD have trouble coping with symptoms of inattention. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD typically have difficulty staying on track at home, at school and at work. This kind of ADHD may present mild, moderate or serious symptoms.
Adults who are prone to inattention symptoms may be more stressed when their lives become increasingly complicated and stressful. This may happen when a person moves out of the home with their family and goes to the workplace. The new obligations, such as taking care of a child in the early years can also increase their level of stress and anxiety.
There are many options for those suffering from adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Some people can also take non-stimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, or Strattera when they cannot take stimulants. Your health care provider will be able to recommend the best treatment options for you. They can assess your symptoms and history looking for medical conditions that might be causing them and suggest the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their task. They may make careless errors at work or school or jump from one task to the next. People with ADHD often forget important dates or occasions and have difficulty following routines. They may be unable 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. Health professionals will look into the history of ADHD symptoms in the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also interview relatives, friends, coworkers or other acquaintances who know the person. They may also employ standard behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists. Mental health professionals or health care providers can also conduct a physical exam and administer a psychological assessment.
The doctor will also consider the person's mood, and whether or not other medical conditions like depression, anxiety, or medical problems might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. severe ADHD symptoms in adults will also ask about the family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues the person might be suffering from.
Many adults with ADHD will feel a sense of relief after finding a reason for their issues and learning that they aren't 'lazy' or 'unwilling'. They might also feel frustration over the fact that they were not diagnosed when younger or the effect untreated ADHD has affected their lives and the lives of those around them. They might also be angry with their parents, teachers or healthcare providers for not noticing the symptoms and treating them. They may also have feelings of sadness over missed opportunities, and the effects not being treated for ADHD has had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults differ from the symptoms of children. Adults can conceal hyperactivity better, and other health problems like depression or anxiety may overshadow it.
Fidgeting is among the most common symptoms of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's attempt to ease your stress and assist you in focusing. It can manifest as notes or doodles during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. In fact, some studies have shown that people suffering from ADHD can actually concentrate better if they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness is another sign of ADHD in adults, and it can manifest as trouble following instructions, being punctual, or even forgetting important deadlines or events. You may find yourself not attending work or social events and struggling with finances due to impulse purchases. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and unfulfilled because they're not reaching their full potential.
It is essential 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 find the best one for you. In addition to medication counseling and establishing structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions, including relief that you have a reason to explain your problems and are not being labelled as lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. There is also discontent or anger that you weren't diagnosed and treated as an infant, and sadness about the impact untreated ADHD has affected your professional life and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from those of adolescents or children. However, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common. This can make it hard to keep up with the demands of work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that can impact many aspects of their lives. For instance, those with ADHD may have trouble being still and frequently agitated when reading, watching TV or at work. They may also have difficulty engaging in leisure and hobbies quietly. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and be more likely to react or get upset than others.
As people age, they may have difficulties in organising and planning. This is because they are no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can result in delays in household expenses, appointments, and completing tasks at work. People with ADHD may have difficulty to stop or begin tasks, and they might have trouble assessing the long term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medication. They are designed to help people focus more effectively, feel more calm and less impulsive. They can be purchased from a psychiatrist or GP that is experienced in treating the condition. It is important to discuss any other medication they're taking prior to deciding on the use of stimulants with their health care provider, as certain medications interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medicines for adult ADHD which include atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. These medications are less effective and take several weeks before they start working. However, they can be an option for those who do not want to take stimulant medications due to medical reasons or aren't able to take it.
5. Impulsivity
While the most well-known ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity draw the most attention, impulsivity is a significant problem for those who suffer from ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it pertains to ADHD diagnosis, as it's an integral part of the disorder and causes proportionally more problems than any other manifestation of ADHD.
For people with the disorder of impulsive ADHD issues with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can lead to embarrassing mistakes that affect the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People with aggressive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have difficulty managing their finances or driving. They are more susceptible to mood swings as well as 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 they may be unable to wait for their turn in lines or conversations. They may respond to questions even before they're finished or even take over games or activities. They often disregard rules and other people's property.
If you suffer from an impulsive ADHD, there are things you can do to help you gain control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, for example, helps with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. To get your heart rate going you should aim for 30 minutes per day of exercise. Reflect on past impulsive moments to identify your triggers and plan for the future. You can ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which require several weeks before they begin working, but they can improve your the control of impulses.