Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults with ADHD have issues that first began to manifest in childhood. However, the symptoms have to be severe and persistent to justify a diagnosis at the age of adulthood.
Mood disorders are common among adults with ADHD. They may suffer from bipolar disorder or depression. They might also suffer from anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks.
1. Difficulty concentrating
Adults with ADHD are unable to stay focused and focused. They also have a difficult time organizing their time. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. Every person's experience will differ. People who aren't attentive ADHD might appear to be forgetful or easily distracted, whereas hyperactive people tend to fidget a lot or talk too much.
Speak to a mental health specialist or GP If you are experiencing trouble concentrating and think you may have ADHD. A GP can refer you to an expert when your symptoms are moderate or severe and affect your daily activities.
The initial treatment for adult ADHD is usually stimulant medication. Certain medications can cause side effects which make them unsuitable or even harmful. Your GP will recommend a drug or combination that works best for you. They will also take into account other factors that may affect your symptoms, like physical or mental disorders, for example.
The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are typically quick-acting and last for about four hours. Following that, they can cause an effect of rebound or crash which can cause a dramatic decrease in energy and hunger. The stimulants can also increase your blood pressure and heartbeat and heart rate, so it is crucial to tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking.
If you have a difficult in staying still or focused, you can try meditation, exercise or taking a walk in nature. You could benefit from a course of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which will help you improve your ability to concentrate and control your emotions. CBT can help you improve your relationships by addressing issues such as forgetfulness, poor time management, and the impulsive behavior.
2. Inattention
Inattention ADHD people are unable to focus on their tasks and often make naive mistakes. They often don't follow instructions, fail to attend appointments, or forget to complete their schoolwork or assignments. They might also have trouble with their attention or a tendency to daydream a good amount. This type of ADHD typically appears in childhood, but can last into adulthood, causing problems at school or at work.
Although everyone loses keys and phones occasionally but a pattern of losing important things frequently can indicate that someone is having trouble paying attention. People with inattention ADHD can also be disorganized or sloppy and have trouble managing their possessions. They might make frequent mistakes at work or at school, for example, failing to proofread a report or missing important details on a project.
Most people with inattention ADHD will blame themselves for their failures when they don't succeed. This can create a vicious cycle of low self-esteem and depression. It may be easier to cover their symptoms by blaming others or avoid social events. They may have a difficult getting their goals accomplished at work or at home and are more likely to be judged by co-workers or family members for being lazy, flaky, or inattentive.
The health professional will ask the patient about their symptoms and when they occur. They will also use a rating scale to determine how much ADHD affects their daily lives. They may also ask family members who know the child's development. They may also ask for details about any other health conditions or emotional problems.
3. Impulsivity
Symptoms of impulse control in adults with adhd can differ from those seen in children. For example the child with ADHD might be fidgety or talkative in class but an adult might impulsively disrupt others or begin playing games or other activities without permission. They might forget to keep appointments, or fail to meet deadlines, or make impulsive decisions that strain relationships with friends or co-workers.
Adults with impulsive behaviors may also have difficulty working or with schoolwork and may be at risk of accidents or legal issues. They are also more likely to suffer from depression and other mood disorders. A psychiatrist or a GP can instruct people who are impulsive to stop before they do something and consider the consequences. They may prescribe medication such as clonidine and guanfacine. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) may also be beneficial.
To be diagnosed with a condition that affects their ability to control their impulses, they must have persistent problems in different areas of their life. Adults are generally not thought to have a medical issue unless the symptoms are present since childhood, or cause significant clinical impairment in several aspects of their lives.
If impulsive behavior is causing problems in the person's life, he or she should consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. They might suggest psychotherapy or accommodations, which are methods and changes to the environment that can help manage an illness. For example planning a schedule can be beneficial, as can setting up regular routines or using apps on smartphones to keep track of schedules, or asking for help from teachers or colleagues. They can also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in order to alter the way an individual views a situation. This could alter their behavior.
4. Hyperactivity
Many adults suffering from ADHD do not exhibit restlessness or fidgeting. However, they may have difficulty staying for long periods of time, waiting for their turn, or observing instructions in school and work. They are more likely to have frequent mood swings, and have a lower tolerance for anger. This can cause conflict between partners.
To diagnose ADHD in adults, symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms must be evident in at least two different environments and have a significant impact on their performance. The diagnosis must be determined by a mental health specialist or a primary care physician who has been trained in ADHD. A thorough evaluation should also be done. This includes a description of symptoms by the individual and their caregivers, interviewing the person about their behavior and experiences at school, home and at work, and analyzing medical and psychiatric histories. A physical exam is crucial because certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea and thyroid disorders that can cause symptoms and signs.
A comorbid disorder, such as anxiety or depression, can often co-occur with ADHD and make it harder to manage the symptoms. If a comorbid disorder is identified, it must also be treated in order to manage ADHD.
People with mild ADHD symptoms might find that their medications and other treatments are sufficient to improve their lives. Moderate symptoms are more likely than severe symptoms to cause trouble at work or in social situations. People with severe symptoms may struggle to maintain relationships and work. In these instances couples therapy, classes in communication and therapy that teaches people coping skills can be beneficial.
5. Disruptive behavior
ADHD symptoms can cause disruptive behavior. For example, they may forget important dates or events, not paying attention to others and interrupting often or making irrational decisions or not adhering to rules, among other issues that can strain relationships. It is possible to engage in therapy that teaches how to improve organization skills and reduce mental distortions that can lead to negative moods. Mood stabilizers (antidepressants) may also assist in these situations.
A doctor might use a behavior rating scale or checklist to determine if a person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough assessment usually involves reviewing the person's past of childhood behaviors and experiences. A mental health professional may also ask permission to speak with family and friends about the person's history. A health care provider may conduct psychological and medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that can cause or coexist with ADHD like anxiety, insomnia, depression and low blood pressure. high or low blood sugar levels, and the use of drugs.
Adults with ADHD typically have at least six symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. adhd in adults symptoms and treatment must be present across a range of settings and result in significant clinical impairments for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
It is possible that the symptoms and signs of ADHD appear different as you age and may differ according to the environment or the specific situation. Certain people may need to take medication to manage their ADHD. Others will benefit from behavior treatment such as counseling or parent training. Some adults who suffer from ADHD will require working closely with their teachers and school staff to ensure they receive the help they require at school.