ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you often prone to forgetting important things, losing your keys or wallet, or have trouble staying organized? If so, you could have ADHD.
Your health care provider will apply the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to establish a diagnosis. The symptoms have been present for more than six months and are appropriate for your developmental stage.
1. Inattention
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on track at school or at work. This can lead to unfinished projects, incomplete tasks at work or with chores forgotten appointments, and a general feeling of disorganisation. These issues can also result in problems with family and friends.
Inattention symptoms are usually less evident in adults, however they can be difficult to manage. Adults who are inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty to focus during conversations or lectures, and also to read lengthy documents, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They could miss crucial details and often make erroneous mistakes at work. Inattention-deficient ADHD patients might not be able to sit still and may need to pace, tap their feet or chew gum during meetings.
Inattentional ADHD can be misdiagnosed as other health problems like anxiety, depression or physical illnesses such as stress. This can lead to people not being referred for an ADHD assessment or having their challenges misunderstood as another issue.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. This could include difficulty sitting still, feeling restless and interrupting others, as well as doing things on impulse without thinking about the consequences. This can create problems within the family at work, as well as with friends, and can lead to inappropriate behavior such as excessive spending or sexual activities. This kind of ADHD is more likely to be seen in school settings where teachers are able to provide supervision and assistance.
2. Hyperactivity
Restlessness, also known as hyperactivity is one of the ADHD symptoms that adults frequently experience. It can be a feeling that you're constantly "on the go" or having difficulty playing or participating in leisure activities quietly. This could also mean you are unable to keep your place in conversations or games. Some people with ADHD are unable to determine the time it will take to complete certain tasks. It may be difficult to estimate how much time to devote on homework or preparing for a crucial meeting at work.
Adults who are hyperactive are more likely to pace or fidget, talk too much and have trouble sitting still. They may also have difficulties following directions and making decisions. Some adults may have trouble getting up or out of bed in the morning, are late for work or school, and often lose their keys. This can lead to problems with relationships and poor performance at work or school.
While we don't know what causes ADHD, studies suggest that genetics play a role. Also, the environment and problems with the brain's central nerve system at crucial times in development may increase the risk of developing the disorder.
It's important that you or someone you care about seek help from a doctor if they have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to mental health specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. NIMH provides tips on how to talk with your doctor about ADHD when you're not sure where to begin. You can also find out more about the condition by reading the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). It is accessible online for free.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less common than hyperactivity and inattention, it can still be a factor in a few adults with ADHD. People who make decisions on impulse without considering the consequences often struggle with relationships, work or school. They may be unable to sit still and talk too much or interrupt others often. They may be unable to manage their impulses and make decisions they regret later. They might spend time or money on things they don't require, leave a job on a whim or go out without thinking about the consequences.
In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present before age 12 and persist into adulthood. The symptoms should be present in at least two settings like school, home, working, with friends or family, or during other activities. These symptoms should cause major problems and interfere with or diminish the quality of school, social or work performance.
Adults who were never diagnosed with ADHD as children might discover that their symptoms persist throughout adulthood, causing problems at work or relationships. In these instances, the health care provider will evaluate symptoms. This may include reviewing old reports and talking with family members about childhood problems.
People suffering from ADHD respond well to therapy, lifestyle changes and stimulant medication. These stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine that help enhance attention and focus. While these drugs may cause negative effects, they are safe when administered under medical supervision. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may also prove effective. Certain adults suffering from ADHD get benefit from participating in an informal peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
When people with ADHD have difficulty managing their emotions or paying attention to the details of the situation, they may become very disruptive. This can sabotage their performance at work, make them difficult to work with in their personal relationships, and even lead to separation or divorce.
Talking too much, shouting out answers before others have completed their questions, causing disruption to other people or acting out on impulse without considering the consequences can be signs of adult ADHD. These actions can disrupt their home life and damage their relationships with their family and friends. They may forget important dates, such as birthdays and anniversaries, or struggle to complete household chores or keep a budget.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also more prone to easily becoming bored and experiencing difficulty in waiting or being still. They often feel restless and fidgety, a symptom that is difficult to distinguish from anxiety or depression. People suffering from ADHD may also be angry and short-tempered, particularly when they are overly tired or upset.
Speak with your GP If you think you may have a disorder like ADHD. symptoms of ADHD in an adult can refer you to a specialist in mental health for an assessment. They will inquire about your symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. They will also inquire about any other health concerns you may have. Certain medications, such as those for depression, high blood pressure and high blood sugar, can interact negatively with stimulants.
Sometimes, it takes some time to identify the condition, like ADHD. There are also waiting lists. The process is based upon NICE guidelines. Your GP can discuss your challenges with you, and request to speak to your family/whanau, employers and friends (if they are able). If they believe that you exhibit symptoms of ADHD they will send you to the appropriate service to conduct an assessment.
5. Anxiety
If you suffer from ADHD, you may suffer from anxiety. You can control your symptoms by utilizing the appropriate treatment. Anxiety is a normal reaction to emotions. It can also become an issue if it develops into a chronic. The first step is to identify what triggers your anxiety. This could be a specific situation, tasks, or even relationships. You could also use your self-awareness in order to determine how your ADHD symptoms may be contributing to, or exacerbating, your anxiety.
People suffering from ADHD have a hard time being engaged in a job or undertaking, making it difficult to meet deadlines and other requirements at work and school. They are often unable to prioritize, leading to miscommunication and missed opportunities. This can also result in conflicts with family members and friends.
In addition to being a major cause of anxiety, it can also be crippling. It can trigger a range of physical reactions, including sweating, a rapid pulse and a general sense of anxiety. It can also cause problems concentration or even depression.
Anxiety is a frequent comorbid condition associated with ADHD. In fact, people with the disorder are more likely to develop an anxiety or mood disorder than those who do not suffer from ADHD. They are also more likely to suffer from addictions, smoking, impulsivity and eating disorders.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify and reframe unhealthy mindsets, beliefs, and ways of thinking to alter your behaviors. Your doctor can also recommend other kinds of therapy, such as marriage or family counseling, for managing anxiety and improving relationships with your loved ones. You can also keep journals or practicing meditation to help relieve your worries.