Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. Diagnosed with ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and reach their goals at home and at work.
A visit to 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 suffer from ADHD the brain's automatic attention system might not function as well. In the end, you could miss important details at school or at work and be unable to remember things. It is also possible that you have trouble working on tasks that require constant concentration, such as writing, reading or math problems. It can be difficult to wait your turn in conversations or games. You may be asked questions before others have done. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring or disturb people at inappropriate times.
Children suffering from ADHD typically overcome their impulsivity and hyperactivity, but inattention symptoms remain a source of challenges for many adults. People suffering from ADHD who are primarily inattention are unable to stay focused at school, home or at work. Symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe.
Adults who are susceptible to inattention symptoms may be more troubled when their lives become more complicated and stressful. This can occur when a person moves out of the home with their family and goes to the workplace. New responsibilities, such as caring for a young child can cause an increase in anxiety and stress.
There are several solutions for people suffering from adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Drugs that stimulate such as methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines may help to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and inattention. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or don't respond to them. Your health care provider will be able to recommend the best treatment options for you. They will evaluate your medical history and symptoms, look for possible medical problems that may be contributing to them, and suggest appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They could make mistakes at work or in school or switch from one task to the next. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events and have trouble following routines. They might have difficulty figuring out how to organize their things 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. For a diagnosis healthcare professionals will examine the patient's experience with ADHD symptoms as a child and in the early years of adulthood, interview family members, friends as well as coworkers or other people who are familiar with their condition and then use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. Health care providers can also conduct a physical exam and conduct a psychological test.
The doctor will also take into account the person's mood, and whether or not other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety or medical issues might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. combined ADHD symptoms in adults will also ask questions regarding the person's family and social history and lifestyle habits and any mental health issues they might have.
Many adults who have ADHD will feel a sense of relief after receiving an explanation for their struggles and discovering that they aren't 'lazy or unmotivated'. They might also be frustrated that they weren't diagnosed when younger or the impact that untreated ADHD had on their lives and that of others. They may also be anger at their parents, teachers or healthcare providers for not noticing the symptoms and treating them. They may also have feelings of sadness over missed opportunities and the effect untreated ADHD has had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear a little different than the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults can hide hyperactivity better, and other health issues such as anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is among the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. It is the body's attempt to calm down your nerves and focus. It can manifest as drawing or writing notes during a meeting tapping your feet, or biting your nails. Some research has shown that people with ADHD are more focused when they are able to fidget.
Disruptiveness is also a symptom of ADHD. It can manifest as difficulties following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates or not being punctual. You might find yourself missing social or work commitments and having financial difficulties due to impulse purchases. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel that they are not doing enough and frustration due to not living up to their potential.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek help. There are multiple types of medications that can treat ADHD and it is crucial to try out different medications and dosages to find the most suitable one for your needs. In addition to medication, counseling and creating structure in your life can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring up various emotions and feelings, including happiness that you now have an explanation for your issues and aren't being labeled as lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You may feel anger or irritated for not being diagnosed and treated when you were an infant. You might also be concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD has on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms for adults are usually different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. However, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are common. This can make it difficult to keep up with assignments, meet deadlines, and establish good relationships.
Adults may experience subtler symptoms that affect a variety of aspects of their lives. For example, people with ADHD might have difficulty sitting still and are often restless when they're watching TV, reading or at work. They may also have difficulty doing hobbies and leisure activities in a quiet manner. In addition, they might have difficulty keeping their emotions in check and are more prone to overreact or become upset more frequently than other people.
Difficulties with organisation and planning can become more evident as we grow older, without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination and difficulty in organising household bills, appointments or working on tasks. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stop or start tasks and they may have difficulty in assessing the long-term effects of their actions.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These are designed to help people concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. They can be purchased on prescription and are available from a psychiatrist or a GP who specialises in the condition. When considering stimulants, people should discuss other medications with their physician. Some drugs can interact with them.
Non-stimulant drugs are available for people suffering from ADHD, such as the atomoxetine and the guanfacine. These are less effective and require several weeks before they begin working. However, they can be an option for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs for medical reasons or are not able to take it.
5. Impulsivity
While the most well-known ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity draw the most attention, impulsivity is an important issue for people with ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, since it's an integral part of the disorder that causes more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is a constant struggle for those with impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing miscues that impact relationships and social standing. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more prone to mood swings as well as anger outbursts. Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have an amygdala that is smaller which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and be unable to wait for their turn in conversations or lines. They may blurt out answers prior to the end of the question or even take over games or activities. They typically don't have a lick of respect for rules or the rights of others' property.
If you are suffering from an impulsive ADHD, there are things you can do to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, for example can help with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day to get your heart rate up. Review your past impulsive experiences to pinpoint your triggers and prepare for the future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication that takes a few days to begin working, but it improves your control over impulses.