Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
If your ADHD is untreated you may face difficulties at work or in relationships. Diagnosed and treated, you are able to manage these issues.
Your doctor will need to determine if you are suffering from symptoms that cause impairment in two or more areas of your life. These could include difficulties keeping on track at school or work, relationship conflicts and financial problems caused by impulsive purchases.
1. Problems with Focusing
For those with ADHD who have ADHD, staying on track at work, adhering to corporate rules or meeting deadlines can be a challenge. They may have trouble balancing home and professional life and this can lead to financial problems or an impulsive spending. They often feel a persistent feeling of not being successful, even if they are extremely intelligent and gifted.
Concentration can be a challenge for those suffering from ADHD because they struggle to keep track of their goals and commitments, Dr Lifshitz says. They also tend to become bored easily and look for exciting activities like socializing, working at a rapid pace or playing games. During breaks, they tend to be distracted or perform chores around the house, which can cause anger for their spouses who might end up shouldering a disproportionate amount of household responsibilities.
People with ADHD also have trouble controlling their emotions. This can cause them to lose their focus and become distracted by other thoughts or desires. They aren't able to pay attention to the minute details and often forget things like birthdays or appointments. They may get so engrossed in their work or project that they fail to notice other people around them. This is called hyperfocus and it can lead to confusion in relationships.
Recent studies have shown that many of the signs of adult ADHD are due to an issue with the frontal cortex, which is responsible for impulse control and attention. This is the reason why people with ADHD struggle to be productive at the workplace or at school and are often hard to relax during downtime. They can't stay focused during a movie or a massage. They also have difficulty adhering to the rules in board games.
People with ADHD may have different subtypes of the condition, including predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation and combined presentation. As an individual grows, they can switch between these presentations. Each one has distinct symptoms. The most reliable way to recognize ADHD is to have a professional evaluate your behavior. They'll help you identify your symptoms and teach you skills to improve your concentration, planning, memory and organization. Another option is cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy.
2. People are ignored
These little slip-ups when you fail to take your keys at home, or having a meeting with a client that's crucial, can add up to cause problems in your daily life. Forgetfulness is a frequent symptom of ADHD in adults. People with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble keeping their schedules in order and may underestimate the time it will take to complete tasks. These struggles with daily responsibilities can lead to stress and anxiety which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are more subtle than in children, and it is often harder to spot the signs. If you're always late to work or events, have trouble finishing projects at work or leaving a wave of "incompletions" behind you -- such as unpaid bills, missed appointments or forgotten anniversaries -- it may be an appropriate time to speak with your doctor about ADHD.
Some people with ADHD have only inattentive symptoms, while others have both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. If you are suffering from only inattentive ADHD your doctor might prescribe stimulants, like Ritalin and Concerta to help manage your symptoms. These drugs can help you concentrate at school and work and also help improve your memory. combined ADHD symptoms in adults can cause side effects, so it's important to talk with your doctor about these before starting treatment.
If you have only hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, your doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine or guanfacine to help control your symptoms. These medications are less likely to cause side effects and do not perform as fast as stimulants. They can also have adverse effects, like stomachaches and headaches.
It is possible that your ADHD symptoms will diminish as time passes. This is particularly true if you are older and have more responsibility at work or home. If you're still having these struggles, consider talking to counsellors. They can teach you methods of time management and organizational skills that can aid, and they can also discuss ways to reduce stress. Stress can make your ADHD symptoms worse, so it's a good idea to look for healthy ways to manage your stress. Exercise, meditation and deep breathing techniques are all good options.
3. Forgetting Details
Whether you're losing your keys frequently or having trouble finishing tasks at work It's worth looking into getting an evaluation if ADHD is a factor. There is no cure for ADHD, however current treatments can reduce symptoms and improve performance. These include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of the two.
ADHD is a disorder of development, and usually manifests in the teen years or early childhood. However, signs of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity can persist into adulthood. They can also be present alongside other mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or addictions. For adults, symptoms are more subtle than in adolescents or children.
Most people who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have both symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people only have inattentive ADHD with no hyperactivity or impulse. People who only have inattentive ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with ADD (formerly known as attention deficit disorder) as opposed to ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can include an interview with the patient, family members and loved ones, evaluation of rating scales, questionnaires, and a medical exam to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, for instance seizures and thyroid issues. Many patients with ADHD struggle to describe their own symptoms or minimizing their symptoms, and it may be helpful for a loved one to do the interviewing.
It is important that the person being evaluated can describe how their symptoms affect them at home, school, work and in social situations. The clinician will also ask whether the ADHD symptoms have caused any impairments in the past, like being dismissed for not performing at work or being unable to pay bills on schedule.
Adults with ADHD may be prescribed stimulants to balance brain chemicals which influence mood, attention and behavior. These medications can enhance functioning and improve relationships, however they can also cause side effects, such as headaches, appetite loss insomnia, and heart rhythm issues. The doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of these drugs with the patient. It is also essential to inform the doctor of any other medications or supplements the patient is taking. Some common medications, like blood pressure and antidepressants, may interact with stimulants.
4. Fidgeting
You tend to fumble during meetings or when someone else is talking. ADHD symptoms in adults males could fidget by tapping your foot or gnashing your nails. This restlessness is a common ADHD symptom in adults. It isn't easy to focus, and it can make people appear irritable or anxious. The desire to move and perform activities constantly can also lead depression and mood swings.
Some adults with ADHD were diagnosed as children. Some may not have been diagnosed until later in their lives. Hyperactivity symptoms are normal to diminish with the advancing years. However, they can be a problem in your life and relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms are often more apparent than those seen in children. Behavioral health specialist Michael Manos says to think about the last time you've had difficulty managing your time and organising tasks at work or home. If you notice a pattern in which you are not completing tasks, such as unfinished projects, missed appointments or missed anniversaries, you might have ADHD.
If you suspect you have ADHD and are concerned, speak to your primary care provider or request the referral to a psychiatrist or therapist. They can perform an exam of your body and review your medical documents to rule out conditions that may be causing symptoms, such seizures or thyroid problems. The American Psychiatric Association has a manual with diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Your doctor will use the ratings to ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life.
Everyone has lapses of attention from time to time, it's important for adults who think they have ADHD to seek assistance from a medical professional. They can devise an appropriate treatment plan and manage their symptoms to live a long and healthy life. The earlier they start treatment, the better their quality of living.
