Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD can make life challenging for adults. Diagnosed as ADHD, they can manage their symptoms and achieve their goals at home and at work.
A chat with your doctor is the best way to start an assessment. They can refer you to the best service for you, including community mental health services or specialised neurodevelopmental services.
1. Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD your brain's automatic system of attention may not work in the same way. This means that you might miss important details at work or in school and have trouble remembering things. You may also have difficulty focusing on tasks that require continuous focus for example, writing, reading or math problems. You might have trouble waiting your turn during conversations or games. You may be asked questions before others have completed. You might have trouble waiting for your phone to ring, or interrupt conversations at inappropriate times.
Children with ADHD typically overcome their impulsivity and hyperactivity, but inattention symptoms remain a source of difficulties for a lot of adults. People with ADHD who are primarily inattention have trouble staying on track at school, home or at work. The symptoms of this kind of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe.
Attention-deficit symptoms in adults can become more challenging when a person's daily life becomes more complicated and stressful. This is often the case when a person moves out of the family home or into the workplace and new responsibilities like caring for a child might increase their overall level of stress and anxiety.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD that include lifestyle changes diet, medication, and lifestyle changes. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall) can help reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also an option for some people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or aren't responsive to them. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment options for you. They can assess your medical history and symptoms, look for possible medical conditions that could be contributing to them, and suggest the most effective treatment options.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on their work. They might be distracted from one activity to another, or make careless mistakes at work or school. People with ADHD tend to forget important dates and events, and are unable to follow routines. They may be unable to organize their things 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. For a diagnosis healthcare professionals will examine the patient's history of ADHD symptoms when they were children and in the early years of adulthood, interview friends, family members, coworkers, or others who know them well and then use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Health care providers may also perform an examination of the body and administer a psychological test.
The doctor will also take into account the person's mood, and whether or not any other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or medical problems could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. They will also inquire about the person's family and social background and lifestyle habits, and any mental health issues they might have.
Many adults who have ADHD will feel relieved upon getting an explanation for their issues and finding out that they are not 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also be disappointed that they weren't diagnosed earlier or the negative impact that untreated ADHD affected their lives as well as the lives of others. They may also feel angry at parents, teachers or healthcare professionals who didn't detect the symptoms or address them. They may also feel sorrow about missed opportunities and the negative impact that untreated ADHD affected their relationships.
3. Fidgeting
ADHD symptoms in adults are different from the symptoms of children. Adults can conceal more easily, and other health issues such as anxiety or depression can mask it.
Fidgeting is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD. It is the body's attempt at calming your nerves and focus. It could manifest as doodles or writing notes during a meeting or even tapping your feet or even biting your nails. A few studies have shown that people suffering from ADHD are more focused when they can fidget.
Disruptiveness is another symptom of ADHD in adults. It can be manifested as difficulty following directions, not being punctual or forgetting important events or deadlines. ADHD in adult men symptoms may be missing social or work commitments and struggling with finances because of impulse-driven purchases. Adults with ADHD might feel depressed and unfulfilled because they're not reaching their full potential.
It is important to recognize the signs of ADHD in yourself, so that you can seek assistance. There are multiple types of medications that treat ADHD and it is important to test different medications and dosages to find the most suitable one for your needs. Counseling and a structured lifestyle can aid in managing ADHD symptoms, in addition to medications.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions such as happiness that you now have an explanation for your issues and aren't being labelled as lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. It is possible to feel dissatisfied or angry that you weren't diagnosed and treated when you were in your early years. You might also feel concerned about the effect that untreated ADHD can have on your professional career and your relationship.
4. Disruptiveness
ADHD symptoms in adults can be different from those of adolescents or children. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are common. This can make it hard to keep up with work, meet deadlines, and develop good relationships.
Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that can affect many aspects of their lives. For example, people with ADHD may have trouble sitting still and are frequently agitated when reading, watching TV or at work. They might also have trouble doing leisure or hobbies in a quiet manner. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be more likely to react or become upset than others.
Difficulties with organisation and planning are more apparent as we grow older without the structure of school and parental guidance. This can lead to procrastination, issues with household bills, appointments and completing tasks at work. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stop or start work and they may have difficulty in assessing the long-term effects of their actions.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications are intended to help people focus better, feel calmer and less impulsive. They are available on prescription and are available through a GP or psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. It is important to discuss any other medication they're taking before considering the use of stimulants with a health care provider, as some drugs interact with them.
There are also non-stimulant medicines for adult ADHD, including atomoxetine, guanfacine and bupropion. They are not as effective as stimulants and can take a few weeks to start working but they can be a good option for those who don't prefer to take stimulant medication or cannot take it for medical reasons.
5. Impulsivity
While the most well-known ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity draw the most attention, impulsivity is also an important issue for adults 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 that causes more problems than any other symptom of ADHD.
Self-control is a constant struggle for adults with the disorder of impulsive ADHD. It can lead embarrassing mistakes that can affect your social standing and relationships. Additionally the an impulsive ADHD can be dangerous and detrimental to health and well-being.
People with impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviour, and they may be more difficult to manage their finances or driving. They are more likely to have mood swings and anger-related outbursts. People suffering from ADHD may have smaller Amygdala. This could be due to an inability to control their impulses.
Adults with impulsive ADHD are also more likely to interrupt other people, and they may be unable to wait for their turn in lines or in conversations. They may blurt out answers prior to the end of the question or take over activities or games. They are often disrespectful of rules and other people's property.
If you are suffering from an impulsive ADHD, there are ways to help yourself gain more control over your impulses. Regular aerobic exercise, like can help with all ADHD symptoms including the impulsivity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day to keep your heart rate up. Reflect on past impulsive moments to determine your triggers and plan for the future. You can consult your physician for non-stimulant ADHD medications, which require several weeks before they begin working but improve impulse control.