Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to deal with. Diagnosed with ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and achieve their goals at home and at work.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you to the best service for you, including community mental health services or special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system for focusing may not be working as well. You may miss important details in the classroom or at work and may have trouble remembering details. You might also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require continuous concentration, such as reading, math or writing. You might find it difficult to wait your turn in conversations or games. You might be able to answer questions before others are finished. You may not be able to wait for your phone to answer or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD have trouble coping with symptoms of inattention. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD usually have trouble staying on track at school, at home and at work. This kind of ADHD may present mild, moderate or even serious symptoms.
ADHD symptoms female adults with attention deficits can become more problematic when a person's daily life becomes more complex and stressful. This is often the case when someone moves out of the family home or into a workplace and new responsibilities such as caring for a child might contribute to the overall stress and anxiety.
There are several treatments available for people with adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet and medication. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can help to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your doctor can recommend the most effective treatment for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history and look for any possible medical problems that may be causing them, and identify the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They can be distracted and jump from one activity to another or make mistakes at school or work. People with ADHD often forget important dates or events and have difficulty keeping track of routines. They may also have trouble organizing their things 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. For a diagnosis, health care providers will analyze the individual's background of ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in the early years of adulthood, talk to family members, friends as well as coworkers or other people who are familiar with their condition, and use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. Health professionals or mental health care providers may also perform a physical exam and conduct a psychological test.
The provider will also consider the person's mood, and whether or not any other conditions such as anxiety, depression or medical issues could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also inquire about family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues that the person may have.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might feel a sense of relief to know that they're not "lazy or unwilling". They may also be frustrated at the fact that they were not diagnosed earlier, or at the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives and the lives of others around them. They may also feel angry at teachers, parents or healthcare professionals who didn't recognize the signs or take action to treat them. They may also feel sadness about the missed opportunities and negative impact that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear slightly different than the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults can conceal hyperactivity better, and other health problems like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is among the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's way of trying to calm your nerves and help you concentrate. It could manifest as doodles or making notes during meetings, tapping your feet, or biting your nails. Some studies have found that people suffering from ADHD are more focused when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness is another symptom of ADHD in adults, and it can be a sign of difficulty following directions, being punctual, or ignoring important events or deadlines. You may be missing social or work commitments and struggling with finances due to impulsive purchases. Adults with ADHD may feel frustrated and underachieving because they're not reaching their full potential.
It is crucial to identify the symptoms of ADHD in yourself so you can seek out help. There are many types of medications that treat ADHD, and it is essential to try out different medications and dosages to find the best one for you. In addition to medications counseling, establishing a the right structure in your life can help you manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger a range of emotions and feelings, including happiness that you now have a reason to explain your issues and aren't being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You might be anger or irritated that you weren't diagnosed or treated when you were a child. You might also feel concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your career and your relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
The signs of ADHD in adults are often different from those of children and teenagers. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, however, are not uncommon. This can make it difficult to keep up with assignments, meet deadlines, and develop good relationships.
Adults may experience subtler symptoms that can impact many aspects of their lives. For instance, people suffering from ADHD might have difficulty sitting 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. They might also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or get upset than others.
Problems with planning and organisation can become more noticeable as we grow older, without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination, issues with household bills, appointments and completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to stop or begin tasks, and they may have trouble assessing the long-term consequences of their actions.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medications. These drugs are designed to help people focus better, feel calmer and be less impulsive. They can be purchased on prescription only and can be obtained through a GP or psychiatrist who specialises in the condition. If considering stimulants, individuals should discuss their other medications with their health care provider. Certain drugs may interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for people suffering from ADHD such as Guanfacine and atomoxetine. These medications are less effective and take several weeks before they start working. However, they can be an option 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 official ADHD symptoms involving inattentive and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity could cause serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, as it's an integral part of the disorder and creates proportionally more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
For people with an impulsive ADHD issues with self-control is usually an ongoing struggle. It can lead to embarrassing miscues that impact the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have difficulty managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to experience mood swings and anger-related outbursts. People with ADHD may have smaller Amygdala. This could be linked to an inability to control their impulses.
Adults who suffer from impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and have difficulty waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They may answer questions before they are finished or take over games or activities. They are usually disrespectful of rules and property of others.
You can learn to manage your impulses if you suffer from an impulsive ADHD. For example, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms, including the impulsivity. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise per day to keep your heart rate up. Also, consider past moments of impulsivity so that you can identify the triggers that cause you to be impulsive and how you can deal with them in the near future. Ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which take some time before they begin working, but they can improve your the ability to control your impulses.