Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. symptoms of ADHD in adult women as ADHD, they can take control of 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 appropriate service for you, including community mental health services as well as special neurodevelopmental services.
1. Attention
If you have ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention may not work as well. You may forget important information in the classroom or at work, and have difficulty remembering details. You might also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require sustained concentration, like writing, math or reading. You might be having trouble taking your time during games or conversations. You may be asked questions prior to others having completed. You may have difficulty waiting for your phone to ring, or interrupt conversations at inappropriate times.
Many adults with ADHD still struggle with symptoms of inattention. People who have a predominant inattentive type of ADHD usually have trouble being on task at school, at home and at work. Symptoms of this type of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Adults who are prone to inattention-related symptoms may be more troubled if their daily lives become more stressful and complex. This is often the case when a person is moved away from their home or into a workplace, and new responsibilities like caring for a child might increase the overall stress and anxiety.
There are a variety of treatments available for people with adult ADHD, including lifestyle changes, diet and medication. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also a possibility for people who can't tolerate stimulants or don't respond to them. Your doctor can recommend the most effective treatment for you. They can assess your medical history and symptoms, look for possible medical conditions that could be the cause, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused on their task. They can be distracted and jump from one task to the next or make a mistake at school or at work. People with ADHD often forget important dates or events and have difficulty following routines. They may also have difficulties organizing their things or staying 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. To determine if they are diagnosed health professionals will look at the person's background of ADHD symptoms as a child and in the early years of adulthood, talk to friends, family members and coworkers who know them well, and use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. Health care providers or mental health professionals might also conduct an examination of the body and give the person an assessment of their psychological health.
The provider will also consider the person's mood and whether any other illnesses like depression, anxiety or a medical issue could cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. They will also inquire about the person's family or social history as well as their lifestyle, and any mental health issues they may have.
Many adults who suffer from ADHD will feel relief at receiving an explanation for their issues and learning that they are not 'lazy or unmotivated'. They may also be disappointed for not being diagnosed earlier or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their life and the lives of others. They may also feel angry at their parents, teachers, or healthcare providers for not recognizing the signs and treating them. They may also feel sadness about missed opportunities and the impact untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
The signs of ADHD in adults appear somewhat different from what they do for kids. Adults can hide hyperactivity better, and other health issues like depression or anxiety may overshadow it.
Fidgeting is an indication of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's way of trying to calm your nerves and assist you in focusing. It could manifest as doodles or making notes during meetings or even tapping your feet or even biting your nails. A few studies have shown that those with ADHD are better at concentrating when they are able to fidget.
Disruptiveness may also be a sign of ADHD. It may manifest as difficulties following directions, forgetting important deadlines or dates or not being punctual. You may find yourself frequently not attending to work or social obligations, and you might struggle with finances because of the impulsive spending. Adults with ADHD often feel under-achievement and frustration due to not achieving their potential.
It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, so that you can seek assistance. It is important to test out various dosages and medications to determine which best suits your needs. Alongside medication counseling and establishing structure in your life can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosed with ADHD and diagnosed with it, you might experience various emotions. You might be relieved that your problems have an explanation and you're not being called lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. You might be dissatisfied or angry that you weren't diagnosed and treated as an infant. You might also feel concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD has on your career and relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
The signs of ADHD in adults can differ from the symptoms of teenagers and children. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are common. This makes it difficult to keep up with the demands of work, keep deadlines on track, and build good relationships.
In adults, the symptoms are less obvious and could be present across many aspects of our lives. For example, people with ADHD might have difficulty staying still and are frequently agitated when watching TV, reading or at work. They might also have difficulty engaging in hobbies and leisure activities in a quiet manner. In addition, they could have difficulty keeping their emotions in check and are more likely to react in a panic or become angry in comparison to other people.
The difficulties of planning and organizing can become more noticeable as we grow older without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can result in procrastination and difficulties organising household bills, appointments or completing work tasks. People with ADHD may have difficulty to stop or start tasks, and they might struggle to evaluate the long-term consequences of their actions.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. They are designed to help people focus better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. These are available on prescription from a psychiatrist or GP that is experienced in treating the condition. People should be careful to discuss any other medications they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with a health care provider, as certain medications interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant drugs for adult ADHD which include atomoxetine guanfacine and bupropion. These are not as effective and can take several weeks before they begin working. However, they can be an alternative for those who do not wish to take stimulant drugs for medical reasons or are not able to take it due to health reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the official ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity get the most attention, impulsivity is an issue for those who suffer from ADHD. It's unfortunate that impulsivity gets short shrift when it pertains to ADHD diagnosis, because it's a major component of the disorder that causes more problems than any other manifestation of ADHD.
For adults with impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is usually an ongoing battle. It can lead to embarrassing errors that impact relationships and social standing. It can also be detrimental to your health and well-being.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD may be prone to risky behavior and may have difficulties managing their finances or driving. They are more susceptible to mood swings and angry outbursts. Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have a smaller amygdala which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults with an impulsive ADHD might also have difficulty waiting their turn in lines or conversations. They might scream out answers prior to the end of the question or even take over games or activities. They often disregard rules and property of others.
You can learn to control your impulses when you have an impulsive ADHD. Regular aerobic exercise, for example helps with all ADHD symptoms including impulsivity. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise each day to get your heart rate up. Reflect on past impulsive moments to identify your triggers and prepare for the future. Ask your doctor for non-stimulant ADHD medication, which can take some time before they begin working but improve the ability to control your impulses.