ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Do you have trouble staying organized, often forget important tasks or you frequently lose your wallet or keys? You could be suffering from ADHD.
Your doctor will refer you to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) to establish a diagnosis. The symptoms have been present for more than six months and are not appropriate for your developmental stage.
1. Attention
Many people with ADHD struggle to stay focused at school or at work. This can lead to unfinished homework, work projects or chores left hanging with no reminders, a lack of appointments and an overall feeling of disorganization. These challenges can cause problems in relationships with family and friends.
Inattention symptoms are usually less obvious in adults, however they can still be painful. Adults who are inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty to concentrate in conversations or lectures and to read long documents, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They may miss important details and frequently make careless mistakes at work. Inattention-deficient ADHD patients might not be able to remain in a seated position and may need to pace, tap their feet or chew gum during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD is often disguised by other disorders, such as depression, anxiety or physical health issues like stress or physical illness. This can mean that individuals do not receive an ADHD assessment or find their issues mixed up with another issue, which could mean they are never treated.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. They may have trouble staying still, being restless and interrupting others, and doing things on impulse without thinking about the consequences. It can cause problems within the family at work, at home, and with friends, and lead to inappropriate behavior such as reckless spending or sexual activity. This kind of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school environments where teachers are able provide supervision and assistance.
2. Hyperactivity
ADHD can affect adults in a variety of ways. Restlessness or hyperactivity is just one of the symptoms. This can include feeling like you're constantly "on the move" or having trouble playing or taking part in leisure activities quietly. This can also mean that you're not able to wait your turn when playing games or having conversations. Certain people who suffer from ADHD have difficulty to estimate how long certain tasks will take. For instance, it might be difficult to determine the time needed to complete homework or getting ready for a work meeting.
Adults with hyperactivity tend to fidget, or pacing their feet or talk too much. They also have trouble sitting still. They may also have difficulty following directions and making a decision. Some adults may have trouble getting up or out of their bed in the morning, are late to work and school and frequently lose their keys. This is a sign that they are susceptible to problems with relationships and poor performance at work or school.
While we don't have a clear understanding of what causes ADHD, studies suggest that genetics play a part. Also, the environment and problems with the brain's central nerve system at key moments in development may increase the likelihood of having the disorder.
If you or a loved one is suffering from ADHD it is important to seek help from your health professional. Your doctor can refer to mental health professionals that specialize in treating adult ADHD. NIMH offers tips on how to talk with your doctor about ADHD if you aren't in a position to know where to start. You can also learn more about the disorder by reading the American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). This is accessible online for free.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less prevalent than hyperactivity or inattention, it is still a possibility among some adults with ADHD. People who make decisions on impulse without taking into account the consequences frequently struggle with relationships, work and school. They may not be in a position to wait for their turn, talk too loudly or interrupt other people frequently. They may also be unable to stop themselves from making quick decisions that later prove to be regrettable. They might spend time or money on things that aren't needed, quit at the last minute or have unprotected sex 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 must be apparent in a variety of settings such as work, home or school or with family members and friends or in other settings. These symptoms must cause significant problems and hinder or diminish the quality of, school, social or work-related functioning.
Adults who were not diagnosed with ADHD as children might find that their symptoms persist throughout adulthood, causing problems in relationships or at work. In these cases an individual health professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person's symptoms. This could include looking through old reports and talking to relatives about childhood problems.
People with ADHD typically respond well to treatment through psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and medications referred to as stimulants. Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that help increase focus and concentration. While these drugs can have side effects, they are safe when taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may be beneficial. A few adults suffering from ADHD get benefit from participating in a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
People suffering from ADHD are often disruptive when they have trouble managing their emotions and paying attention to small details. This can impact their performance at work and make them difficult to handle in relationships with others. It could even result in divorce or separation.
Talking too much, blurting out answers before others have finished their questions, interrupting other people or acting out of a whim without considering the consequences are indicators of adult ADHD. These behaviors can also impact their personal life as well as their relationships with their family and friends. They may forget social commitments, birthdays or anniversaries and struggle to finish household chores or meet their budget.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to be bored easily and having difficulty waiting or being still. They may be agitated or fidgety, an indication that is difficult to distinguish from depression and anxiety. People with ADHD are also prone to being angry and irritable, especially when they are exhausted or angry.
Speak to your GP in the event that you think that you might be suffering from a disorder such as ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional to conduct an assessment. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your daily functioning. ADHD symptoms female adults will also inquire about any other health problems you suffer from. Certain medications, like those for depression, high blood pressure and high blood sugar, may interact negatively with stimulants.
Sometimes, it takes some time to identify a condition such as ADHD. There are waiting lists. The process is based upon NICE guidelines. Your GP will talk to you about your issues and, if possible, ask to speak to your family/whanau or employer. If they are of the opinion that you exhibit symptoms of ADHD they will refer you to the most appropriate service for an assessment.
5. Anxiety
If you have ADHD you may be afflicted by anxiety. It is possible to manage your symptoms by utilizing the appropriate treatment. Anxiety is a normal reaction to emotions. Chronic anxiety can become an issue of serious concern. The first step is to identify what triggers your anxiety. This could be a specific situation or tasks, or even relationships. You can also use self-awareness to discover what your ADHD symptoms could be causing or aggravate your anxiety.
People suffering from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on a task or an activity. This makes it difficult to meet deadlines at school or at work and also to meet other expectations. They are unable to prioritize tasks and can result in miscommunications and missed opportunities. This can cause issues with friends or family members.
Anxiety can be a debilitating condition as well as a major source of stress. It triggers a range of physical responses, including sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and a general feeling of apprehension. It can also cause difficulties in concentration and depression.
Anxiety is a frequent comorbid condition with ADHD. People with ADHD are more likely than those with ADHD to be suffering from an anxiety or mood disorder. They also have higher levels of smoking, addiction or consuming alcohol eating disorders, and issues with their families.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medications and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you to identify and reframe harmful attitudes, beliefs and patterns of thinking can help you change your behavior. Your doctor may also recommend other types of therapy, like marriage or family counseling, for managing anxiety and improving relationships with your loved ones. You can also try keeping a journal or meditating to help relieve your worries.