What is ADHD Symptoms in Adults?
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of emotions. They might feel a sense of relief getting diagnosed, anger at being called lazy or irresponsible and regret over the impact ADHD has affected their lives.
There are a myriad of ways to help people who suffer from ADHD manage their symptoms. Sleeping enough and exercising regularly, for instance can help reduce anxiety.
1. You Can't Focus
ADHD can make it difficult to prioritize tasks requiring concentration and focus. It may be difficult to begin work or school projects or remain focused at home. You may also have trouble remembering your daily responsibilities and completing deadlines. This can cause stress, especially in your relationships.
Adults with ADHD can be irritable and seem distracted but it's not the same as the hyperactivity seen in children. Instead of being bouncing around or bouncing around, people with ADHD may fidget -- like tapping their feet or biting their nails -- even when they should be listening to a lecture or participating in a business gathering.
People who have both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms can have what's called Combined Type ADHD. They usually have at least six inattentive symptoms and at least six hyperactive/impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with this subtype of ADHD. Some experts believe that certain brain structures and chemicals can trigger Combined Type ADHD.
A doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine if a person is ADD/ADHD, and to determine the correct diagnosis. This will include a person's early years and current behavior, and if an adult, their schooling experiences. A health care professional will also ask for permission to speak with family members, partners and close friends about their experiences with the person.
A medical professional can offer a variety of treatments for ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy and prescription medications. Your doctor can also discuss tools and accommodations to assist you in managing your condition. For instance an app or planner that remind you of important dates.
2. You're always fidgeting
The most common image of ADHD is a child running around the classroom or imagining a dream in class, however ADHD can affect anyone at any age. For adults an inability to concentration can manifest as problems at work or school. For example, an adult might be rushing through a test and miss questions they know the answers to, or not understand important information in an email. These types of mistakes are often due to insufficient organization skills. Having ADHD symptoms in adults females keeping track of schedules, tasks, and paperwork is another sign of inattention ADHD.
The first step in finding an effective treatment is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will examine the symptoms of a person and take into consideration aspects such as mood, family history, medical history and physical health in order to make the right assessment.
People who suffer from ADHD benefit from having strengths like a strong ability to "hyper-focus" on tasks that are interesting or fun. A person who is passionate about music might be able to learn chords quickly and be focused on playing the guitar. A student, for instance, might be able memorize facts and words quickly because of their passion for the subject. These positive aspects of ADHD can help you succeed in relationships, careers, and other aspects of life.
However, many adults don't receive a diagnosis of ADHD because they don't think it's an issue. It's not uncommon for people to be misdiagnosed as kids. This could have serious implications for their well-being and happiness. A thorough evaluation by a mental health professional is crucial to determine the cause of ADHD and find the best treatment options. It is also important for adults to discuss their symptoms with their friends, family, or other reliable sources.
3. You're Easily Distracted
It's not always the fault of those with ADHD. They can be distracted by the events around them, or by their own thoughts or anxieties. They may not prioritize their tasks or become indecisive. This can lead to late deadlines at work. They are more likely to underestimate the amount of time it will take to finish a task and put off projects until last minute. In turn, partners and friends of people with undiagnosed ADHD can feel like their inability to fulfill commitments is an indication of their lack of care or interest.
This symptom can look different depending on whether you have hyperactive or inattentive ADHD. It's fine to be distracted from time to time, but if your attention is constantly drawn to something or other you should consult your doctor. Kara Naylon PhD, a neuropsychologist with LifeStance Health, Boston, says that certain adults are more susceptible to internal distractions, while others are more prone to external ones. She says that it is more enjoyable to concentrate on fun tasks but it can be difficult to get back in control if you are distracted by something more interesting or exciting.
Stress, mental health issues, and certain physical illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. This is why it's crucial to have a thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD. They'll look at your mood and medical history as well as other factors to determine if you be suffering from this disorder and recommend the most effective treatment options. If they require more details regarding your childhood and school they'll request your permission to speak to your family, friends and teachers.
4. You have a difficult time Remembering Details
If you are constantly losing keys or forget appointments, or if you miss deadlines at work or school, it's worth talking to your doctor about ADHD. It's normal for people to develop symptoms in adulthood, but the disorder can be inherited by families. To confirm the diagnosis, your health care professional will look at past behaviors and experiences -- like old report cards or conversations with family members. They'll also conduct an examination of your body and look at your medical background.
Experts don't know the cause of ADHD but genetics and developmental issues in the early years of childhood may be a factor. Some environmental factors, like lead exposure, may also be associated with the disorder. People who have a family history of the disorder are more likely to develop the disorder in early childhood.
The two subtypes of ADHD are inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty in paying attention making mistakes, and losing the time during lectures or conversations. People suffering from this type of ADHD struggle to stay focused and develop long-term plans. They have difficulty reading social boundaries and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them without permission.
In hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, a person shows symptoms of fidgeting and trouble waiting for their turn. They can't remain still or wait for their turn in a game or a conversation, and they have trouble finishing tasks or taking turns at work or in relationships. This type of ADHD can lead to problems at school, in the workplace or in relationships.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it is likely that you will need to change the way you perform your daily tasks, as well as taking medication, going through therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD can benefit from support groups or mentors who can teach them better coping skills.
5. You're Always late
ADHD can cause people to have trouble managing their schedule, making sure they're on time for appointments and meetings or getting to work or school on time. These difficulties can make it difficult to maintain relationships with coworkers and friends or meet financial obligations, especially if they are not aware of the cause.
People with ADHD often find it harder to seek treatment than people without the condition. They might be worried about the "disorder" label or fear that medications could have negative side effects. Adults who suffer from ADHD may not seek treatment if there isn't access to healthcare. They might be worried about their health insurance, or the adverse effects of medication.
Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed than adults, however, symptoms can be overlooked until adulthood. Adults with ADHD may never be diagnosed because their symptoms are not severe, they have been misdiagnosed, or they develop other problems.
While hyperactivity and restlessness are harder to catch in adults than in children, people with ADHD are still exhibiting these symptoms. They may fidget, squirm in their seat, or try to do too many things at the same time. They might be unable to handle stress or frustration or experience mood fluctuations.
It is essential to speak with an experienced health professional who can identify ADHD and perform an evaluation and recommend treatment. It's been scientifically proven that psychotherapy and medications can improve ADHD symptoms. Stimulant medications are the most effective for treating ADHD in adults. These medications can cause serious adverse consequences. A doctor must prescribe and monitor them. Before beginning a stimulant people who are taking other medications should tell their doctor.