Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge for adults. When diagnosed with ADHD, they can manage their symptoms and reach their goals both at home and at work.
A chat with your doctor is the best place to start an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate service, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD, your brain's automatic attention system may not work as well. As a result, you might miss important details at work or in school, and you may have trouble remembering things. You may also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require sustained concentration, like writing, math or reading. You might find it difficult to be patient in games or conversations. You may be asked questions before others are completed. You might be having trouble waiting for your phone to ring, or interrupt conversations at inappropriate times.
Children suffering from ADHD tend to overcome the impulsivity and hyperactivity they display, however inattention symptoms remain a source of problems for a large number of adults. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD usually have trouble being on task at school, at home and at work. This kind of ADHD can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
Inattentive symptoms in adults can become more problematic when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complicated and stressful. This could happen when a person leaves the home with their family and goes to the workplace. New obligations, such as taking care of a child in the early years could also increase the level of stress and anxiety.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD that include lifestyle changes diet, medication, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate Adderall and amphetamines may help to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for individuals who don't like stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history and identify any medical conditions that could be the cause, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
2. ADHD symptoms adult female suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They may jump from one activity to another, or make careless mistakes at school or at work. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and occasions, and have trouble following routines. They may also have difficulties managing their belongings or keeping 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. To determine if they are diagnosed healthcare professionals will analyze the individual's background of ADHD symptoms when they were children and in the early years of adulthood, interview friends, family members as well as coworkers or other people who are familiar with them, and use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists. Health care providers or mental health professionals may also do an examination on the body and conduct a psychological test.
The provider will also consider the person's mood and whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or a medical condition could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. They will also ask about the family and social history as well as lifestyle habits and other mental health issues that the person might be suffering from.
Many adults with ADHD will feel relieved upon getting an explanation for their difficulties and discovering that they are not 'lazy' or 'unwilling'. They might also be frustrated for not being diagnosed at a younger age or the impact untreated ADHD had on their lives and the lives of others. They might also be anger at their parents, teachers or healthcare providers for not noticing the symptoms and treating them. They might also feel sad about the missed opportunities and impact untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear a little different than they do for kids. Adults may be able to conceal their hyperactivity better as well as other health issues such as anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting can be a sign of ADHD. It is your body's attempt to calm down your nerves and concentrate. It could manifest as notes or doodles written during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nails. Some research has shown that those with ADHD are able to concentrate better when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness is also an indication of ADHD. It can manifest in the form of difficulty following directions, forgetting important dates or deadlines, or being late. You may find yourself frequently not attending work or social obligations and may struggle with finances because of excessive spending. Adults with ADHD may feel frustrated and underachieved because they aren't living up to their full potential.
It is essential to recognize the signs of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek assistance. It is important to test out different dosages and medications to find the one that works best for you. Counseling and a well-structured life can help you manage ADHD symptoms, in addition to medications.
Diagnosed with ADHD, you may feel various emotions. You may be happy that your issues are logical and that you're not being called lazy or unmotivated. You may feel dissatisfied or angry for not being diagnosed and treated as a child. You might also be concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD has on your career and your relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from the symptoms of teenagers or children. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, however, are common. This can make it hard to keep up with work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
For adults, the signs are less obvious and could be seen in a variety of aspects of our lives. For example, people with ADHD may have trouble sitting still and are frequently agitated when watching TV, reading or at work. They may also have difficulty doing leisure or hobbies in a quiet manner. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and be more likely to react or become angry than other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing can become more noticeable as people move into adulthood without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can result in procrastination, issues with household expenses, appointments, and completing work tasks. People who suffer from ADHD are often unable to stop or start tasks and may have trouble in assessing the long-term effects of their actions.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medication. They are designed to help people focus better, feel more relaxed and be less impulsive. They are available on prescription and are available from a psychiatrist or a GP who specialises in the condition. When considering stimulants, patients must discuss any other medications with their physician. Certain medications can interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant drugs for adult ADHD such as atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. They are less effective than stimulants and take several weeks to start working, but are an option for those who don't prefer to take stimulant medication or cannot take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactive behaviors get the majority of the attention, impulsivity could cause significant issues for adults suffering from ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it is a part of ADHD diagnosis, because it's a major component of the disorder and creates more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is a constant struggle for those with the disorder of impulsive ADHD. It can lead to embarrassing miscues that impact relationships and social standing. It could also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and may have trouble managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and have anger-related outbursts. Research has shown that people with ADHD have an amygdala that is smaller, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt others and may be unable to wait for their turn in lines or conversations. They might scream out answers prior to the end of the question 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 the disorder of impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, like can help with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. To get your heart rate going, aim for 30 minutes of exercise. Also, reflect on the past incidents of impulsivity to determine what your triggers are and plan to deal with these in the future. You can ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which take a while before they start working, but can help improve the ability to control your impulses.