Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The signs of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. But getting a diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms and succeed at home and work.
A chat with your doctor is the best way to begin a diagnosis. They can recommend the appropriate service, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you have ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system might not be working as well. This means that you might miss important details at work or in school and may have trouble remembering things. You may also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require constant concentration, such as writing, math or reading. You might have trouble taking your time during games or conversations. You may blurt out answers before other people have completed asking questions. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring or interrupt people at inappropriate times.
Children who suffer from ADHD typically overcome the impulsivity and hyperactivity they display, however inattentive symptoms continue to cause problems for a large number of adults. People with ADHD who are primarily inattention have trouble staying on track at home, at school or at work. The symptoms of this kind of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Adults with attention deficits can become more problematic when a person's life becomes more complicated and stressful. This could happen when someone moves from the home of their parents or into a job and new responsibilities such as taking care of a child can add to their overall level of stress and anxiety.
There are several treatments available for people with adult ADHD that include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate like methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Some people can also take non-stimulant medicines such as atomoxetine or Strattera when they cannot tolerate stimulants. Your doctor can suggest the most effective treatment for you. They can assess your symptoms and medical history and look for any possible medical issues that could be contributing to them, and suggest appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their task. They may jump from one activity to another or make a mistake at school or at work. People with ADHD often forget important dates or events and have trouble keeping track of routines. They may also have difficulties 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. Health care providers will examine the history of ADHD symptoms in the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also speak with relatives, friends, coworkers or other acquaintances who are familiar with the person. They may also employ 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 test.
The provider will also consider the person's mood and whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or a medical issue could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. They will also ask about family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues that the person might be suffering from.
Adults with ADHD might be relieved to know that they're not 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also feel frustrated that they weren't diagnosed when younger or the impact untreated ADHD had on their lives and the lives of others. They might also feel anger at parents, teachers or healthcare providers who didn't notice the symptoms or treat them. They may also have feelings of sadness over missed opportunities, and the effects not being treated for ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults are different in comparison to children's. Adults may be able cover up their hyperactivity more effectively, and other health issues such as anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting is a sign of ADHD. It is the body's attempt to relax your nerves and keep you focused. It might manifest as doodling or writing notes during a meeting or even tapping your feet or even biting your nails. In fact, some studies have shown that people with ADHD are able to concentrate better if they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness is a different symptom of ADHD in adults. It can be a sign of difficulty following instructions, being punctual, or forgetting important events or deadlines. You might find yourself frequently not attending to work or social obligations and be struggling with finances due to excessive spending. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel depressed and underachieved because they aren't performing to their full potential.
You should be able to identify the signs of ADHD so that you can get help. It is crucial to test out various dosages and medications to determine which one is most effective for you. Alongside medication counseling, establishing a structure in your life can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up many emotions, including satisfaction that you have a reason for your problems and are not being labeled as lazy, incompetent, or unmotivated. ADHD symptoms female adults might also feel anger or frustration for not being diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow over the impact that untreated ADHD has had on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common. This can make it hard to keep up with work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are less obvious and could be seen in a variety of aspects of everyday life. For instance, people suffering from ADHD might have difficulty staying still and are frequently anxious when watching TV, reading or at work. They might also have trouble doing leisure or hobbies in a quiet manner. In addition, they might have difficulty keeping their emotions under control and are more prone to react in a panic or become angry than other people.
Difficulties with organisation and planning are more apparent as people move into adulthood without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination and difficulties managing household expenses and appointments, as well as finishing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stop or begin tasks, and they may struggle to evaluate the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These are designed to help people focus better and be less impulsive, as well as feel more calm. They can be purchased on prescription and can be obtained through a GP or psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. When considering stimulants, patients must discuss any other medications with their doctor. Certain drugs may interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medications for adult ADHD which include atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. These are less effective than stimulants and take several weeks to kick in, but are an alternative for those who don't prefer to take stimulant medication or who are unable to use it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the most well-known ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity draw the most attention, impulsivity is also an important issue for people with ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity is a neglected area when it pertains to ADHD diagnosis, since it's an integral part of the disorder and creates more problems than any other manifestation of ADHD.
For people with the disorder of impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is often an ongoing battle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that can affect social standing and relationships. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour and be more difficult to manage their finances or driving skills. They are more likely to have mood swings and anger-related outbursts. Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD may also have difficulty waiting their turn in lines or conversations. They may respond to questions even before they're finished or even take over activities or games. They often don't have a lick of respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
You can learn to manage your impulses when you have the disorder of impulsive ADHD. For example, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms, including the impulsivity. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise each day to keep your heart rate up. Also, consider past moments of impulsivity to identify the triggers for you and plan to deal with them in the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to start working but improves your control over impulses.