Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many people with ADHD live their lives with no need to be diagnosed. They might even be misdiagnosed with other disorders.
They might feel relieved to know that they're not 'lazy or inflexible'. They may also be disappointed that their problems were not identified and treated earlier.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Having difficulty staying focused is a typical symptom of ADHD. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime, however, it can become more difficult as people age and are juggling more responsibility. It can impact work, relationships and other aspects of your life. It can also cause low performance and a feeling of failure, particularly when people fail to meet deadlines or are chronically late for appointments.
A lack of focus can be an issue in many aspects of life including school, work and social activities. It can result in missing opportunities as well as poor job performance and financial hardships. It can also make it more difficult to keep up with routine medical and health-related treatments.
In certain situations the difficulty of concentrating may be caused by an underlying health or mental issue which need to be addressed first. For example, anxiety and depression can cause a person to lose focus, feel distracted, and forget important details. The treatment of these issues can help the person to concentrate better.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause people to be unable to perform at a high level at school, at work or with other tasks. They might struggle to get to be with their coworkers, classmates or family members and may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. They may be considered uncaring, reckless or foolish by their peers.
ADHD is usually treated with medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine can help people stay focused by increasing or stabilizing the levels of brain chemicals which influence the ability to focus. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants may be used when stimulants are not suitable for the health of a person or have serious side effects. Cognitive and behavioral therapies are beneficial for people with ADHD. These therapies can help improve self-esteem and help you learn to stay organized at home and at the office. They also provide support in managing your daily responsibilities.
2. Poor Memory
Memory problems are a major issue for many people suffering from ADHD. They might forget important deadlines, commitments, or even tasks. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their daily routines or chores. They may also lose things like eyeglasses, cell phones or keys. These issues can impact your school, work as well as your social life. But it's hard to seek assistance for adults who be viewed by their parents as "lazy or bad students."
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that a person experiences several inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that are present before age 12. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD in adults, symptoms have to interfere with the daily activities at work, school or home. A health healthcare provider or mental health professional will typically evaluate the person's history and symptoms with standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. He or she might also inquire about childhood behaviors and talk to relatives.
People who suffer from ADHD are at increased risk of developing depression and other mood disorders. They have difficulty managing their emotions and can be frustrated.
Treatment for adults with ADHD can involve family and group therapy as well as self-help groups, vocational counseling, education assistance, and medications. Exercise, diet modifications, and behavioral coaching can help improve symptoms. The most commonly prescribed treatments for adults suffering from ADHD are stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine that are believed to increase and regulate levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine and antidepressants, are also used to treat adult ADHD. These drugs tend to be slower than stimulants, however they are a good choice for those who are unable to take them because of health issues or serious adverse reactions.
3. Impulsivity
Adults with adhd often struggle to manage their impulses. They may feel the need to say yes to too many things and then struggle to finish the work they've set out to complete. This can lead to issues at work, in relationships and with finances. They may also lose important paperwork or forget medical advice which could put their health in danger.
The difficulties of adhd start in the early years of most people, and they continue to be a problem throughout adulthood and adolescence. It can get worse at certain times of life, such as when people leave the house or face new demands such as parenthood or changing jobs. They may 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 disorders, such as anxiety or depression that can make it difficult for them to identify the fact that ADHD is the cause of their difficulties.
If you suspect you have adult adhd, talk to your GP. They can refer you the appropriate service to assess your condition. signs of adult adhd could be a mental health community service or a specialised neurodevelopmental service.
It's possible to participate in a clinical trial which tests the effectiveness of medication for people who suffer from adhd. It's important to discuss the pros and cons with your GP before you decide to participate. They can talk about the risks involved and determine if it's right for you.
4. Restlessness
People suffering from ADHD have trouble concentrating on tasks that do not interest them. They also lose their focus easily and make errors because they are bored and are eager to explore new things. This is more prevalent among teenagers and children with the condition than in adults, but it can cause problems in school, at work as well as at home.
ADHD patients are often irritable more than others. This symptom can affect their ability to focus on school or work, and can cause them to miss appointments or be late to work or social events. It can also trigger feelings of frustration, failure and hopelessness. People who experience restlessness can be depressed, anxious or angry and may attempt to self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs.
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.
Many adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD are unaware of the problems they have to face. A diagnosis can provide relief and hope to these individuals. It can allow them to realize that their difficulties are due to ADHD rather than being a personal flaw or weaknesses.
If you know someone who suffers from ADHD and you want to help them, try to support them as much as possible. Encourage them to adopt healthy sleep habits. Avoid drinking alcohol and sugary food prior to the time of bed. Engage in regular exercise. Make a daily schedule to prepare for the following day. Sleep at the exact same time each night. You can also join an adult ADHD peer-support group. This can be an ideal way to get to know other people with the same condition.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety is a sign of adhd in adults. It can manifest as restlessness, trouble sleeping or anxiety that isn't rational. The symptoms can affect a person's everyday life as well as their relationships with other people. The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD may overlap, and it is often difficult for mental health professionals to distinguish between the two. This could lead to a misdiagnosis which can cause both conditions to be neglected or not being treated.
Anxiety and ADHD are not the identical thing. Anxiety is common among people who suffer from ADHD. The anxiety can be independent of the ADHD, or it can be a result of their lives with the disorder. If a person with ADHD forgets to study or misses a deadline for work they may feel anxious.
Researchers have discovered that those who have an underlying condition like ADHD with anxiety are less accurate in working memory tasks compared to those with ADHD alone (Jarrett, and co. 2014). When discussing treatment options with a mental health professional it is crucial to mention any other health issues or medications you might be taking. Certain medications, especially those used to treat adult health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can be incompatible with certain stimulants prescribed for ADHD.
Psychiatrists treat ADHD by prescribing medication that are stimulants, for example Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). These medications work quickly to increase the availability of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps reduce the amount of hyperactivity, improve focus and alleviate ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist could also recommend therapy in order to identify the underlying causes of anxiety and teach stress management techniques and coping strategies.