Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD can create a difficult life for adults. If diagnosed as ADHD, they can take control of their symptoms and achieve their goals both at home and at work.
Talking with your GP is the best way to begin an assessment. They can refer you to the appropriate service, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic attention system might not function as well. You may miss important details in the classroom or at work and have difficulty recalling information. You may also have difficulty focusing on tasks that require constant concentration for example, writing, reading or maths problems. 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 have trouble waiting for your phone to ring or interrupt people at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD are still struggling with symptoms of inattention. People who are mostly inattentive ADHD usually have trouble being on task at school, at home and at work. The symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate or even severe.
Adults who are prone to inattentive symptoms can be more troubled when their lives become more complicated and stressful. This can occur when a person moves out of the family home and enters the workplace. New obligations, such as taking care of a child in the early years can also increase their level of stress and anxiety.
There are many treatments available for people with adult ADHD which include lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall) can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for people who can't tolerate stimulants or who don't respond to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for you. They can assess your symptoms and medical history and look for any possible medical problems that may be contributing to them, and suggest effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD might have trouble staying focused on their tasks. They can make erroneous mistakes at work or in school, or jump from one task to the next. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and occasions, and have trouble following routines. They may be unable to organize their lives 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. To determine if they are diagnosed healthcare professionals will look at the person's background of ADHD symptoms when they were children and in early adulthood, interview family members, friends and coworkers who know them well and then use standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Health care professionals or mental health specialists may also do an examination on the body and administer an assessment of their psychological health.
The doctor will also take into consideration the person's mood and whether other disorders like depression, anxiety or a medical problem might cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. They will also ask about the family and social history and lifestyle habits, as well as any other mental health issues that the person might be suffering from.
Adults with ADHD might feel a sense of relief to discover that they're not "lazy or unmotivated". They may also be frustrated about the fact that they were not diagnosed as young, or at the impact untreated ADHD has had on their lives as well as the lives of those around them. They may also feel angry at their parents, teachers, or healthcare providers for not being aware of the signs and treating them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD had on their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults differ from those of children. Adults might be able to conceal their hyperactivity better as well as other health issues like anxiety or depression could overshadow it.
Fidgeting is among the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's attempt to ease your tension and help you concentrate. It could manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting or tapping your feet or biting your nail. Some studies have found that people with ADHD are more focused when they fidget.
Disruptiveness can also be a symptom of ADHD. It can manifest as difficulties following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates, or being late. You might find yourself having trouble keeping up with work or social commitments and having financial issues due to impulse purchases. Adults with ADHD often feel a sense of underachievement and frustration because they are not living up to their potential.
It is important to be aware of the signs of ADHD in yourself so that you can seek assistance. 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 ADHD adult female symptoms with ADHD can trigger many emotions such as relief that you have an explanation for your issues and aren't being judged as lazy, incompetent, or unmotivated. You might also feel anger or resentment that you were never 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
Symptoms of ADHD in adults often differ from those of children and teenagers. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are all common. This can make it difficult to keep up with assignments, meet deadlines, and build good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that affect a variety of aspects of their daily lives. People suffering from ADHD for instance might have trouble staying still, and may be anxious when reading, watching TV or working. They may also have trouble doing leisure or hobbies quietly. In addition, they might have difficulty keeping their emotions under control and are more prone to react in a panic or become angry in comparison to other people.
Problems with planning and organisation can become more noticeable as people move into adulthood, without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination, difficulties with household expenses, appointments, and completing tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD are often unable to stop or start work and may have trouble understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They are designed to help people concentrate better and be less impulsive, as well as feel calmer. They can be purchased from a psychiatrist or GP who specializes in treating the condition. If considering stimulants, individuals should discuss their other medications with their health care provider. Some drugs can interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medications for adult ADHD such as atomoxetine bupropion and guanfacine. They are not as effective as stimulants and can take a few weeks to kick in, but are an alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant medications or are unable to take it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity is also an issue for people with ADHD. It's a shame that impulsivity isn't given the proper attention when it pertains to ADHD diagnosis, because it's a major component of the disorder and creates proportionally more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
For people with an impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control can be an ongoing struggle. It can result in embarrassing mistakes that can affect the status of relationships and social standing. Additionally, ADHD that is impulsive ADHD can be harmful and detrimental to health and well-being.
People who suffer from hyper-impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, and they may have a harder time managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and have anger-related outbursts. Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have an amygdala that is smaller that could lead to less control over their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD might also have difficulty waiting for their turns in lines or conversations. They may 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.
If you have an impulsive ADHD, there are things you can do to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. For example, regular aerobic exercise helps with all ADHD symptoms, including the impulsivity. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise each day to get your heart rate up. Also, think about the past incidents of impulsivity to identify the triggers that cause you to be impulsive and plan to deal with them in the near future. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication, which takes a while to kick in but can improve your control over impulses.