Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The signs of ADHD can create a difficult life for adults. However, a diagnosis can help them get control of their symptoms so they can achieve their goals at work and home.
Talking with your GP is the best way to begin an assessment. They can recommend the appropriate services, such as community mental health services or neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of focusing may not function in the same way. You may forget important information in your school or at work and may have trouble recalling information. It is also possible that you have trouble focusing on tasks that require sustained concentration for example, reading, writing or math problems. It can be difficult to be patient in conversations or games. You may be asked questions before others have done. You might have trouble waiting for your phone to ring or disturb people at inappropriate times.
Many adults suffering from ADHD still struggle with inattentive symptoms. People with mainly inattentive type ADHD typically have difficulty staying on track at school, at home and at work. This type of ADHD can have mild, moderate or even serious symptoms.
Inattentive symptoms in adults can become more problematic when a person's day-to-day life becomes more complicated and stressful. This is often the case when someone moves out of the family home or into a workplace and new responsibilities like caring for a child could increase their overall level of stress and anxiety.
There are several 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 help to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for some people who can't tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment options for you. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history and identify any medical conditions that could be causing them, and identify the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their task. They may make careless errors at work or in school, or jump from one task to another. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events and are unable to follow routines. They may also find it difficult 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. Health care providers will examine the background of ADHD symptoms during the early years of life and in the beginning of adulthood. They may also speak with colleagues, family members, friends or other acquaintances who know the person. They will also use standard behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists. Health professionals or mental health care providers may also perform a physical exam and administer a psychological test.
The provider will also take into account the person's mood as well as whether or not other conditions like depression, anxiety or medical issues can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also ask about family and social history, lifestyle habits and any other mental health issues that the person might have.
Many adults who have ADHD will feel a sense of relief after receiving an explanation for their struggles and learning that they are not 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also feel frustrated that they weren't diagnosed earlier or the negative impact that untreated ADHD had on their lives and the lives of others. They may also feel anger at their parents, teachers or healthcare professionals for not being aware of the signs and treating them. They may also feel sadness about the missed opportunities and effects that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults are different in comparison to children's. Adults can hide more easily, and other health problems like depression or anxiety may overshadow it.
Fidgeting is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD. You can think of it as your body's way of trying to calm your nerves and assist you in focusing. It can manifest as doodles or notes written during a meeting, or tapping your feet or biting your nail. Some research has shown that people suffering from ADHD are more focused when they are able to fidget.
Disruptiveness is a different symptom of ADHD in adults. It can manifest as trouble following directions, not being punctual or forgetting important deadlines or events. You might find yourself frequently not attending to work or social obligations and struggle with money due to excessive spending. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel depressed and unfulfilled because they're not living up to their full potential.
It is essential to recognize the symptoms 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 structured lifestyle can aid in managing ADHD symptoms, in addition to medications.
Diagnosed with ADHD You may experience various emotions. You might be relieved that your difficulties are logical and that you are not being called lazy, sloppy or unmotivated. There is also discontent or anger that you were never diagnosed and treated as an infant, and sadness over the impact that untreated ADHD has had on your career and relationships.
4. Disruptiveness
The signs of ADHD in adults are often different from the symptoms of teenagers and children. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, however, are common. This makes it difficult to stay on top of assignments, meet deadlines, and develop good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that can affect many aspects of their daily lives. People suffering from ADHD for instance may have trouble being still and restless when reading, watching television or working. ADHD symptoms in adult men might also have trouble doing leisure activities and hobbies in a quiet manner. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or be upset than others.
Problems with planning and organisation can become more evident as people move into adulthood without the structure of school or parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination and difficulty in organizing household bills or appointments, or even completing work tasks. People with ADHD can find it hard to stop or begin tasks and they may have difficulties assessing the long-term impact of their actions.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications. These are designed to help people concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel more calm. They are available by prescription and can be obtained from a psychiatrist or a GP who specialises in the condition. It is important to discuss any other medications they're taking prior to deciding on the use of stimulants with a health care doctor, as certain drugs interact with them.
Non-stimulant medicines are available to people suffering from ADHD, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are less effective than stimulants and require a period of time to kick in, but are an option for those who don't prefer to take stimulant medication or who are unable to use it due to medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While official ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactive behaviours get most of the attention, impulsivity could cause significant problems for adults with ADHD as well. It's a shame that impulsivity is not given enough attention when it comes to ADHD diagnoses, as it is a significant component of the disorder. It can also cause more problems than the other symptoms of ADHD.
For adults with the disorder of impulsive ADHD, trouble with self-control is often an ongoing battle. It can lead embarrassing errors that impact relationships and social standing. In addition to that, impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and harmful to one's health and well-being.
People who suffer from aggressive ADHD may engage in risky behavior and have difficulty managing their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and have anger-related outbursts. Research shows that people with ADHD have an amygdala that is smaller which could be linked to less control over their impulses.
Adults with hyperactive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people and may have difficulty waiting for their turn in lines or in conversations. They might answer questions before they are finished or take over activities or games. They are usually disrespectful of rules and other people's property.
If you suffer from impulsive ADHD, there are ways 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 per 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 impulse control.