Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives, without ever being diagnosed. They may even be incorrectly diagnosed as having other disorders.
They may be relieved to know that they're not 'lazy or inflexible'. They may also be disappointed that their problems were not recognized and addressed earlier.
1. Lack of Focus
Finding it difficult to stay focused is a typical symptom of ADHD. It is a condition that can last a lifetime, but it can become challenging as people grow older and take on more responsibility. It can affect work, relationships and other aspects of life. It can also lead people to feel as if they've failed, particularly when they're always late or not meeting their deadlines.
Inattention can be a problem in a variety of areas that include work, school, and social activities. It can lead to lost opportunities as well as poor job performance and financial difficulties. It can also make it more difficult to keep up with routine medical and health-related treatments.
In some instances, a person's difficulty in focusing could be caused by an underlying mental or physical health issue that must be addressed first. For instance depression or anxiety can cause a person to be distracted, lose focus, and forget important details. These conditions can be treated to help the person concentrate better.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause people to be unable to perform at a high level at work, in school or on other tasks. They may struggle to maintain healthy relationships with family members, classmates, or coworkers. They could be branded uncaring, reckless or foolish by other people.
ADHD is usually treated with medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine could help certain people remain focused by boosting or balancing the levels of brain chemicals that affect the ability to focus. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and some antidepressants, can be used if stimulants aren't safe for health reasons or have serious side effects. Cognitive and behavioral therapy can be beneficial to people who suffer from ADHD. These therapies can improve self-esteem and teach strategies to remain organized at home as well as at work and provide support in managing daily responsibilities.
2. Poor Memory
For many people suffering from ADHD memory issues are a major reason for their struggles. They may forget important deadlines, commitments or tasks. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their daily routine or chores. They might also lose items like eyeglasses, cell phones or keys. These issues can impact school, work, and social life, but it's often difficult to get help, especially for adults whose parents could dismiss their problems as "being lazy or a bad student."
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that a person experiences several inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that are present before age 12. To be diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, the symptoms have to hinder functioning at home, work or school. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will examine the patient's symptoms and history using ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavioral rating scores. They may also inquire about childhood behavior and may also talk to relatives.
People with ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression or other mood disorders. They struggle with managing their emotions and may become frustrated.
Treatment for adults with ADHD may include group and family therapy as well as self-help groups, educational assistance, vocational counseling, and medications. Exercise, dietary modifications and behavioral coaching can improve symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD typically take stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. These medications appear to balance brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters by increasing their levels. Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and some antidepressants, are also used to treat adults with ADHD. These medications tend to work slower than stimulants but are a great choice for adults who can't use them due to health issues or serious side effects.
3. Impulsivity
Adults with adhd may struggle to manage their impulses. They may be enticed by their impulses to agree to every thing, but struggle to finish the work they have started. This can lead to difficulties at work, in relationships, and with finances. They may also lose important documents or forget medical advice and put their health in danger.
The difficulties of adhd start in the early years of most people and continue into adolescence and adulthood. They may get worse during certain periods of life, such as when they move out of the home or when new obligations like parenthood or a change in job come along. They can also improve as they get older.
Most people with ADHD have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, although some have more of one than the other. They might also have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, which can make it difficult for them to identify that the underlying ADHD is the cause of their problems.
If you think you may have adult adhd, speak to your GP. adhd symptoms adults will refer you to the most appropriate service to conduct an assessment. It is usually a community mental health service or a neurodevelopmental service that is specialized.
You may be able to participate in a study to determine whether medication is effective for adults with adhd. However, it's important to talk to your GP about the advantages and disadvantages of taking part. They can help you identify the risks and decide whether it's the right choice for you.
4. Restlessness
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty being able to concentrate on tasks that do not appeal to them. They can also lose focus quickly and make mistakes because they're bored and are eager to explore new things. This is less prevalent for adults than children and teens with the condition however, it can cause issues at school, work and home.
While anyone can experience restlessness, people with ADHD tend to experience more severe symptoms than other people. This condition can impact their ability to concentrate on school or work and could cause them to miss appointments or be late for work or social engagements. It can also cause feelings of anger, despair and hopelessness. People who experience restlessness can become depressed, anxious or irritable and might try to take self-medicating measures by using alcohol or other substances.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have symptoms of inattentiveness than hyperactivity-impulsivity, but many adults with the condition have both. Women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive symptoms, while men are more likely to have hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware of the challenges they face. A diagnosis can bring relief and hope to those suffering from the disorder. It can help them realize that their issues are caused by ADHD instead of being a personal flaw or weakness.
If you have someone in your family who suffers from ADHD, support them whenever and as often as you can. Encourage them to develop healthy sleep habits, avoid caffeine and sugary foods before bedtime, exercise regularly, use a daily routine to prepare for the next day and to go to bed at the same time every night. You could also sign them up for an adult ADHD peer support group. This can be a great opportunity to meet others with similar issues.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety is a symptom of adhd in adulthood that can manifest as restlessness, trouble sleeping or fear that is not rational. The symptoms can also impact the daily lives of a person as well as their relationships with others. It can be difficult for mental health professionals distinguish between anxiety and ADHD symptoms since they can overlap. This can lead to misdiagnosis, which can lead to both conditions to be untreated or untreated.
Anxiety and ADHD are not the same thing. Anxiety is common among those who suffer from ADHD. The anxiety can be independent of their ADHD, or it can be a result of their lives with the disorder. For example, if someone with ADHD fails to meet a deadline at work or forgets to study for an exam, they could become anxious about their performance.
Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from co-occurring ADHD and anxiety have lower accuracy in working memory tasks than those with ADHD alone (Jarrett and co., 2014). When discussing treatment options with your mental healthcare professional, it is important to mention any other medical issues or medications you may be taking. Some medications, particularly those used to treat health problems of adults like high blood pressure or diabetes, can interfere with certain stimulants that are used for ADHD.
Psychiatrists can treat ADHD with stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall and Adderall Dextroamphetamine. These medications increase the supply in the brain of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and. This can reduce the amount of hyperactivity, improve focus and ease ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist might also suggest therapy to determine the root causes of anxiety, and teach stress management and coping skills.