ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Do you have trouble staying organized, often forget important tasks, or often lose your wallet or keys? You could be suffering from ADHD.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to make an assessment. Symptoms have been present for at least 6 months and are not appropriate for your developmental level.
1. Attention
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused at school or at work. This can result in unfinished classwork, work projects or chores that are left unfinished or forgotten appointments, as well as a general sense of disorganisation. These issues can also create difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
Symptoms of inattention are typically less evident in adults, however they can still be difficult to manage. Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty to focus during lectures or conversations and also to read lengthy documents, as per the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They might miss important information or make a mistake at work. Inattention ADHD sufferers may not be able to remain still for long periods of time and may need to chew gum and tap their feet, or keep up with meetings.
Inattentive ADHD is often disguised by other issues like depression, anxiety or physical health issues like stress or a physical illness. This can mean that individuals do not receive an ADHD assessment or have their challenges confused 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 acting on impulse without thinking about the consequences. It can cause problems in the home, at work, and with friends, and lead to inappropriate behaviors such as impulsive spending or unprotected sexual activity. This kind of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school environments where teachers are able to monitor and provide assistance.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity, or restlessness is one of the ADHD symptoms adults often encounter. You might feel "on the move" or have trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly. It also can mean being unable to wait for your turn during games or conversations. Some people with ADHD have difficulty to determine how long tasks will take. For instance, it could be difficult to know how long it will take to complete homework or getting ready for a meeting at work.
Adults with hyperactivity tend to fidget or move their feet or talk too much. They also have trouble sitting still. They also may have trouble taking directions and making decisions. Adults may have trouble getting out of bed or getting up or being late to school or work and often lose their keys. This symptom may also cause uneasy relationships and poor performance in the workplace or at school.
While we don't know what causes ADHD, studies suggest that genetics play a role. The environment and the issues with the central nervous system of the brain at critical times during development could increase a person's chances of developing ADHD.
It's important that you or someone you love seek help from your doctor in the event of ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to mental health professionals that specialize in treating adults with ADHD. NIMH provides advice on how to speak with your doctor about ADHD in case you're not sure where to begin. You can also learn more about the condition by reading The American Association for Psychiatric Research's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). It is available for download online.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less common than hyperactivity and inattention, it can still be a factor among some adults with ADHD. People who make decisions without thinking about the consequences could have issues with their relationships, work, and at school. They may not be able to wait for their turn, talk excessively or interrupt other people often. They might not be able to control their impulses and make decisions that they regret later. They could spend time or money on things aren't needed, quit an employment on the spur of the moment 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 must be noticeable 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 interfere with or hinder the quality of, social, school or work performance.
Adults who were not diagnosed with ADHD as children may find that their symptoms persist throughout adulthood, causing problems in relationships or at work. In these cases the health care professional will evaluate symptoms. This may include reviewing old reports and talking to family members about childhood issues.
People with ADHD respond well to therapy, lifestyle changes and stimulant medications. The stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve focus and attention. While these drugs can have side effects, they are safe when they are taken under the supervision of a physician. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also be efficient. A few adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from participation in an informal peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
If people with ADHD struggle with managing their emotions or paying attention to the details of an event, they could be disruptive. This can impact their performance at work and cause them to be difficult to manage in personal relationships. It could even lead to divorce or separation.
Talking too much, shouting out answers before others have finished their questions, interrupting others or acting out of a whim without thinking about the consequences can be signs of adult ADHD. These actions can disrupt their lives at home and harm their relationships with their family and friends. They may not remember social obligations such as birthdays or anniversaries, and struggle to complete household chores or meet their budget.
In addition, adults with ADHD tend to become easily bored and have trouble getting bored or waiting for others to arrive. They are often agitated and fidget, a sign that can be hard to differentiate from depression or anxiety. People suffering from ADHD may also be angry and unruly, particularly when they are overly tired or upset.
If you suspect you may are suffering from a disorder, such as ADHD consult your GP or a licensed psychologist. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health to conduct an evaluation. They will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. They will also inquire about any other health issues you suffer from. Some medications, including those for high blood pressure, depression and high blood sugar can interact negatively with stimulants.
Sometimes, it can take a long time to diagnose an illness like ADHD. There are also waiting lists. However, the process follows NICE guidelines. Your GP will discuss your challenges and, if possible request to speak with your family/whanau, or employer. If severe ADHD symptoms adults believe that you are suffering from ADHD, they will send you to the most appropriate service to conduct an assessment.
5. ADHD symptoms in adults females
If you suffer from ADHD, you may suffer from anxiety. The good news is that with the proper treatment, you can manage your symptoms. Anxiety is an expected reaction to emotion. It can also be an issue if it develops into a chronic. The first step is identifying what triggers your anxiety. This could be certain environments, tasks, or relationships. You can also use self-awareness to determine how your ADHD symptoms might be causing or aggravating your anxiety.
ADHD symptoms in adults females suffering from ADHD have a hard time being engaged in a job or activity, which makes it difficult to keep deadlines and other obligations at school and at work. They often struggle with prioritizing, leading to miscommunication and missed opportunities. This can cause problems with family or friends.
In addition to being a major cause of anxiety, it can also be crippling. It can trigger a range of physical reactions, such as sweating, a rapid pulse and a general feeling of anxiety. It can also cause trouble concentrating or even depression.
Anxiety is a frequent comorbid condition associated with ADHD. In fact, those suffering from the disorder are more likely to develop a mood or anxiety disorder than people who do not have ADHD. They are also more likely to suffer from addictions such as smoking, impulsivity, smoking and eating disorders.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medications and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method that helps you identify and reframe unhelpful mindsets, beliefs and ways of thinking, can aid in changing your behavior. Your doctor might also suggest other types of therapy like marriage or family counseling to help manage anxiety and improve relationships with your loved one. You can also keep journals or practicing meditation to alleviate your stress.