Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. But getting a diagnosis can aid in reducing their symptoms and achieve their goals at home and work.
A conversation with your doctor is the best way to begin an assessment. 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 system of focusing might not function as well. You might miss important information in the classroom or at work, and have difficulty remembering details. You might also have trouble paying attention to tasks that require sustained attention for example, writing, reading, or maths problems. You might have trouble getting your turn in conversations or games. You may mutter answers before other people have completed asking questions. You might not be able wait for your phone to answer or interrupt others at inappropriate times.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble coping with symptoms of inattention. People suffering from ADHD that is primarily inattention are unable to stay focused at home, at school or at work. This kind of ADHD can have mild, moderate or even serious symptoms.
Adults who are prone to inattentive symptoms can be more stressed when their lives become more stressful and complex. This could happen when a person moves away from their home or into the workplace and new responsibilities such as caring for a child could add to their stress levels and anxiety.
There are many solutions for people suffering from adult ADHD that include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) can help reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for individuals who don't like stimulants or who don't respond to them. Your doctor can suggest the best treatment for you. They will assess your medical history and symptoms and look for any possible medical conditions that could be the cause, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their work. They could make mistakes at work or in school, or jump between tasks. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or occasions and have trouble keeping track of routines. They might 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 health professionals will look at the person's experience with ADHD symptoms as a child, and later in early adulthood, interview friends, family members as well as coworkers or other people who know them well and utilize standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Health professionals or mental health care providers can also conduct physical examinations and administer a psychological assessment.
The provider will also consider the person's mood and whether any other illnesses like depression, anxiety or a medical issue could cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. They will also ask about the history of family and friends and lifestyle habits, as well as any other mental health issues the person may have.
Many adults who have ADHD will feel relieved upon getting an explanation for their difficulties and discovering that they are not 'lazy or unmotivated'. They might also feel frustration about the fact that they weren't diagnosed as young, or at the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of the people around them. They may also feel anger at their teachers, parents or healthcare providers for not being aware of the signs and treating them. They might also feel a sense of sadness over missed opportunities and the impact not being treated for ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults differ from those of children. Adults can hide hyperactivity better, and other health issues like anxiety or depression could mask it.
Fidgeting is an indication of ADHD. It is the body's attempt at calming your nerves and focus. It could manifest as doodles or making notes during meetings tapping your feet, or even biting your nails. In fact, some studies show that people with ADHD can actually concentrate better when they are allowed to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a further sign of ADHD in adults. It can be manifested as difficulty following directions, being punctual, or even forgetting important events or deadlines. You might find yourself not attending work or social events and having financial difficulties due to impulsive purchases. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and underachieving because they're not reaching their full potential.
It is crucial to identify the signs of ADHD in yourself, so you can seek out help. It is crucial to test out various dosages and medications to determine which best suits your needs. Counseling and a well-structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms, in addition to taking medication.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions and feelings, including relief that you have a reason to explain your difficulties and aren't being labeled as lazy, incompetent, or unmotivated. It is possible to feel anger or irritated that you weren't diagnosed and treated when you were a child. You might also feel unhappy about the negative impact that untreated ADHD can have on your professional career and relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults are often different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are not uncommon. This can make it hard to keep up with the demands of work, keep track of deadlines, and establish good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that can impact many aspects of their daily lives. For instance, those with ADHD might have trouble being still and frequently agitated when reading, watching TV or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in hobbies and leisure activities in a quiet manner. Additionally, they may have difficulty keeping their emotions under control and are more prone to react too quickly or get upset in comparison to other people.
Problems with planning and organisation are more apparent as people move into adulthood without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination, issues with household obligations, appointments and work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD are often unable to stop or start work and they may have difficulties understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
ADHD symptoms in women adults is the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. They are designed to help people focus better, feel calmer and be less impatient. They are available on prescription and can be obtained from a psychiatrist or a GP who specializes in the condition. When considering stimulants, people must discuss any other medications with their physician. Some drugs can interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for those suffering from ADHD like Guanfacine and atomoxetine. These are not as effective as stimulants and take several weeks to start working but they can be a good 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 official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactive behaviors get the majority of the attention, impulsivity can cause serious problems for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a pity that impulsivity isn't given enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, as it is a significant component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing struggle for adults with an impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing miscues that impact the status of relationships and social standing. It can also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with hyper-impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, and they may have trouble managing their finances or driving skills. They are more likely to suffer from mood swings and anger outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have an amygdala with a smaller size, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD may also have difficulty waiting for their turns in lines or conversations. They may answer questions before they are finished or take over games or activities. They often disregard rules and the property of others.
You can learn to control your impulses if you suffer from impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, like can help with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise per day to keep your heart rate up. Review your past impulsive experiences to identify your triggers and prepare for the future. You may also ask your physician to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to begin working, but it improves the control of impulses.