Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The signs of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. However, a diagnosis can aid in reducing their symptoms so they can succeed at work and at home.
A chat with your doctor is the best place to begin an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate service, such as community services for mental health or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention might not function as well. You may miss important details in the classroom or at work, and have difficulty recalling information. It is also possible that you have trouble focusing on tasks that require sustained focus for example, reading, writing or maths problems. You might have trouble getting your turn in conversations or games. You may answer questions prior to others having done. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring or disturb people at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD have trouble coping with symptoms of inattention. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD tend to have trouble staying on track at home, at school and at work. This type of ADHD can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
Adults who are susceptible to inattentive symptoms can be more stressed when their daily lives become more stressful and complex. This can happen when a person moves from the home of their parents or into the workplace, and new responsibilities like caring for a child might contribute to their stress levels and anxiety.
There are several treatments available for people with adult ADHD that include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall) can help to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or don't respond to them. Your health care provider can recommend the best treatment options for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history and look for any medical issues that may be causing them and identify effective treatments.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They might be distracted from one activity to another or make a mistake at school or at work. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or occasions and have difficulty following routines. They might also find it difficult 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. Health care professionals will analyze the background of ADHD symptoms in childhood and early adulthood. They may also speak with colleagues, family members, friends or other people who know the person well. They will also use the standardized behavior ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms lists. Mental health professionals or health care providers may also perform an examination of the body and administer a psychological assessment.
The doctor will also look at the person's mood, and whether other illnesses like depression, anxiety or a medical issue could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. They will also ask questions about the person's family or social history and lifestyle habits, and any mental health issues they might have.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD will feel relief at finding a reason for their struggles and learning that they are not 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also be disappointed that they weren't diagnosed earlier or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and the lives of others. They may also be angry with their teachers, parents or healthcare professionals for not noticing the symptoms and treating them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults differ in comparison to children's. Adults can hide the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health issues such as anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is among the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to relax your nerves and keep you focused. It could manifest as doodles or writing 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 are able to concentrate better when they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness can also be a sign of ADHD. It can manifest as difficulty in following directions, ignoring important deadlines or dates, or not being punctual. You might find yourself missing social or work commitments and having financial issues because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel a sense of underachievement and discontent because they are not living up to their potential.
It is essential to recognize the signs of ADHD in yourself so you can seek out help. There are multiple types of medications that treat ADHD, and it is crucial to test different medications and dosages to find the most suitable one for your needs. Alongside medication counseling and establishing structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD You may experience an array of emotions. You may be happy that your problems have an explanation and that you're not being labeled as lazy or unmotivated. You might be dissatisfied or angry that you weren't diagnosed or treated when you were in your early years. You may also be sad about the impact untreated ADHD has on your career and relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from those of children or teenagers. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are not uncommon. This makes it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that affect a variety of aspects of their daily lives. For instance, those with ADHD may have trouble staying still and are often restless when they're watching TV, reading or at work. They may also have trouble doing hobbies and leisure activities quietly. In addition, they might struggle to keep their emotions under control and are more likely to react in a panic or become angry than other people.
As people grow older, they may have more trouble with planning and organisation. This is because they're no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can result in procrastination and difficulties managing household expenses and appointments, as well as finishing work tasks. People with ADHD may find it difficult 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 medications. They are designed to help people concentrate better and be less impulsive, as well as feel calmer. They can be purchased on prescription only and can be obtained from a psychiatrist or a GP who is specialized in 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.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for people suffering from ADHD such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These medications are not as effective and can take several weeks before they start working. However, they are an option for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs for medical reasons or are not able to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity receive the most attention, impulsivity is an important issue for those who suffer from ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it is a part of ADHD diagnosis, as it's a key component of the disorder and creates more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
For those who suffer from an impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is often an ongoing battle. 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 hyper-impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour and be more difficult to manage their finances or driving skills. They are more prone to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. Research has shown that people with ADHD have a smaller amygdala that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults with 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 have no respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
If you have impulsive ADHD there are ways to help you gain control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, for example, helps with all ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise every day to keep your heart rate up. Also, think about inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms that you can identify what your triggers are and prepare to address these in the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes time to start working but improves impulse control.