Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can create a difficult life for adults. When diagnosed with ADHD, they are able to manage their symptoms and reach their goals both at home and at work.
Talking with your GP is the best way to start an assessment. They can direct you to the most appropriate service for you, including the community mental health service or specialist neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system for focusing might not function in the same way. You might miss important information in your school or at work and have difficulty recalling information. You may also have difficulty focusing on tasks that require continuous concentration like reading, writing or math problems. You might have trouble waiting your turn during games or conversations. You may blurt out answers before others are completed asking questions. You might not be able wait for your phone or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Many adults suffering from ADHD have trouble coping with inattentive symptoms. People who have a predominant inattentive type of ADHD tend to have trouble staying on task at school, at home and at work. The symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe.
Adults who are susceptible to inattentive symptoms can be more troubled if their daily lives become more stressful and complex. This could happen when a person moves out of the family home or into a job and new responsibilities like caring for a child could increase their stress levels and anxiety.
There are a variety of treatments available for people with adult ADHD that include lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for some individuals who don't like stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your health care provider will be able to recommend the best treatment options for you. ADHD symptoms in adults females can evaluate your symptoms and past history looking for medical conditions that might be causing them and suggest the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD can have trouble remaining focused on their tasks. They could make mistakes at work or in school, or jump from one task to another. People with ADHD often forget important dates or occasions and have trouble keeping track of routines. They may have difficulty figuring out how to organize their things 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. For a diagnosis, health care providers will examine the patient's history of ADHD symptoms as a child and in early adulthood, interview friends, family members, coworkers, or others who know them well, and use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. Health care providers or mental health professionals can also conduct an examination on the body and conduct an assessment of their psychological health.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood as well as whether or not other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or medical problems might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They will also ask questions regarding the person's family and social background and lifestyle habits, and any mental health issues they may have.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might feel a sense of relief to learn that they aren't 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also be frustrated over the fact that they were not diagnosed when younger, or at the impact untreated ADHD has affected their lives and the lives of others around them. They may also feel anger at teachers, parents or healthcare professionals who failed to recognize the signs or address them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the effects that untreated ADHD had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear somewhat different from what the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults might be able to cover up their hyperactivity more effectively and other health issues such as anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting could be a sign of ADHD. It is the body's attempt at calming your nerves and keep you focused. It could manifest as notes or doodles written during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. In fact, some studies show that people with ADHD are actually more focused when they are allowed to play.
Disruptiveness may also be a sign of ADHD. It may manifest in the form of difficulty in following directions, ignoring important deadlines or dates, or not being punctual. You may find yourself not attending work or social events and struggling with finances because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and underachieved because they aren't reaching their full potential.
You must be able to identify the signs of ADHD to seek help. There are many types of medications that can treat ADHD, and it is crucial to test different dosages and medications to find the right one for you. In addition to medications counseling and establishing structures in your life can help you manage ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosed with ADHD You may experience various emotions. You may feel relieved that your problems have a reason and that you are not being labeled as lazy or unmotivated. You may also feel anger or frustration for not being diagnosed and treated as when you were a child, and sorrow over the negative impact that untreated ADHD has had on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are often different from those of adolescents and children. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, however, are not uncommon. This can make it hard to keep up with the demands of work, meet deadlines, and develop good relationships.
For adults, the signs are less obvious and could be present across many aspects of everyday life. For instance, those with ADHD may have trouble sitting still and are frequently anxious when watching TV, reading or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in hobbies and leisure activities at a comfortable pace. Additionally, they may have difficulty keeping their emotions in check and are more prone to react too quickly or get upset more frequently than other people.
As people grow older they might have more trouble with planning and organisation. This is because they are no longer getting the structure and guidance of school. This can lead to delays in household obligations, appointments and tasks at work. People with ADHD may find it difficult to stop or begin tasks and they may have difficulty understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently used treatment for adult ADHD. severe ADHD symptoms in adults are designed to help people concentrate better, feel calmer and less dependent. They can be purchased from a psychiatrist or GP who is skilled in treating the condition. When considering stimulants, people must discuss any other medications with their health care provider. Certain medications can interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to adults with ADHD like Guanfacine and atomoxetine. These are less effective and take several weeks before they start working. However, they can be an alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant drugs for medical reasons or aren't able to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity can also be a significant problem for those who suffer from ADHD. It's a pity that impulsivity is not given enough consideration when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's a major component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than any of the other symptoms of ADHD.
Self-control is an ongoing challenge for adults suffering from the disorder of impulsive ADHD. It can lead to embarrassing miscues that impact the status of relationships and social standing. In addition, ADHD that is impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and can be harmful to health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour and may have a harder time managing their finances or driving skills. They are more susceptible to mood swings and anger 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 an impulsive ADHD may also have difficulty waiting for their turn in conversations or lines. They may scream out answers before the question is finished or take over activities or games. They often disregard rules and other people's property.
You can learn to manage your impulses if you have the disorder of impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, like helps with all ADHD symptoms including impulsivity. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise each day to get your heart rate up. Reminisce about your impulsive past to determine your triggers and plan for the future. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes time to start working but improves the control of impulses.