Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. If diagnosed as ADHD, they can manage their symptoms and reach their goals at home and at work.
A chat with your doctor is the best way to begin a diagnosis. They can refer you the appropriate service, for example, community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention may not function as well. As a result, you may miss important information at school or at work, and you may have trouble remembering things. It can also be difficult to focus on tasks that require constant concentration, such as reading, math or writing. You might find it difficult to be patient in conversations or games. You may mutter answers before other people have finished asking their questions. You might not be able to sit and wait for your phone to answer or interrupt other people at inappropriate times.
Children suffering from ADHD tend to overcome hyperactivity and impulsivity, but inattention symptoms remain a source of challenges for many adults. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD usually have trouble staying on task at home, at school and at work. Symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or even severe.
Attention-deficit symptoms in adults can become more problematic when a person's life becomes more complicated and stressful. This can occur when a person leaves the home with their family and goes to the workplace. The new obligations, such as taking care of a child in the early years can also increase their level of anxiety and stress.
There are several treatments available for people with adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet and medication. The use of stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can help to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or don't respond to them. Your doctor can suggest the best treatment for you. They will evaluate your medical history and symptoms and look for any possible medical issues that could be contributing to them, and suggest appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their tasks. They can be distracted and jump from one activity to another, or make careless mistakes at school or work. People with ADHD frequently forget important dates or occasions and have difficulty adhering to routines. They may also have trouble 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. Health care professionals will analyze the history of ADHD symptoms during the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also interview friends, family, coworkers or any other individuals who know the person. They will also utilize standard behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists. Health care providers or mental health professionals can also conduct a physical examination and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood, and whether or not other conditions such as anxiety, depression or medical conditions might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They will also inquire about the person's family or social background and lifestyle habits, and any mental health issues they might have.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel relieved to discover that they're not "lazy or unwilling". They might also feel frustration over the fact that they weren't diagnosed when younger or the effect untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of those around them. They might also be angry at their teachers, parents or healthcare professionals for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They may also have feelings of sadness over missed opportunities and the impact not being treated for ADHD has affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear somewhat different from what the symptoms of ADHD in children. Adults can conceal the signs of hyperactivity better, while other health issues like anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD. It is the body's attempt at calming your nerves and focus. It could manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting, or tapping your feet or biting your nail. A few studies have shown that those with ADHD are better at concentrating when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness may also be an indication of ADHD. It can manifest as difficulty in following directions, ignoring important dates or deadlines, or being late. You may be not attending work or social events and struggling with finances because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults with ADHD often feel that they are not doing enough and frustration due to not living up to their potential.
You must be able to identify the signs of ADHD so that you can get help. There are many types of medications that treat ADHD and it is crucial to try out different dosages and medications to find the right one for you. Alongside medication counseling, establishing a the right structure in your life can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can trigger various emotions, including happiness that you now have a reason for your issues and aren't being labelled as lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. There is also anger or resentment that you weren't diagnosed and treated as an infant, and sadness about the impact untreated ADHD has affected your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can differ from those of children and teenagers. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are not uncommon. This can make it difficult to stay on top of projects, meet deadlines and develop good relationships.
Adults can experience subtle symptoms that can affect many aspects of their lives. People suffering from ADHD for instance, may have difficulty being still and anxious while reading, watching television or working. They may also have difficulty engaging in hobbies and leisure activities at a comfortable pace. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or get angry than others.
Difficulties with organisation and planning can become more noticeable as we grow older, without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can result in delays in household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD are often unable to stop or begin tasks and they may have difficulty assessing the long-term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant drugs. These are designed to help people focus better and be less impulsive, as well as feel more peaceful. They are available by prescription only and can be obtained by a psychiatrist or a doctor who is specialized in the condition. When considering stimulants, patients should discuss their other medications with their health care provider. Certain drugs may interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to people suffering from ADHD such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These drugs are less effective and take some time before they begin working. However, they can be an option for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to medical reasons or aren't able to take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity is an issue for people with ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it pertains to ADHD diagnosis, because it's an integral part of the disorder that causes more problems than other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is a constant struggle for those with impulsive ADHD. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that affect social standing and relationships. ADHD in adults symptoms uk could also be harmful to your health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior and 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 a smaller amygdala, which may link to less control over their impulses.
Adults who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and have difficulty waiting for their turn in lines or conversations. They may answer questions before they are finished or even take over activities or games. They are usually disrespectful of rules and property of others.
If you have an impulsive ADHD, there are ways to help you gain control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, like helps with all ADHD symptoms including impulsivity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day to keep your heart rate up. Also, reflect on the past incidents of impulsivity to identify what your triggers are and plan to deal with these in 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.