ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you prone to forgetting important tasks such as losing your keys or wallet, or have trouble staying organized? You could be suffering from ADHD.
Your doctor will use the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to make an assessment. The symptoms have been present for at least 6 months and are inappropriate for your developmental stage.
1. Attention!
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on task whether at school or at work. This can lead to unfinished projects, incomplete tasks at work or with chores, missed appointments, and a general feeling of disorganisation. These challenges can cause problems in relationships with family and friends.
Symptoms of inattention are typically less obvious in adults, but they can still be debilitating. Adults who are inattentive ADHD often have trouble to concentrate during conversations or lectures, and to read long documents, as per the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They might miss crucial information and often make erroneous mistakes in their work. Inattentive ADHD patients may not be able to stay still and may have to walk around, tap their foot or chew gum during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed as other health issues like anxiety, depression or physical ailments like stress. This can mean that individuals do not receive an ADHD assessment or find their issues mixed up with another issue, which could mean they're not treated.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These symptoms include difficulty staying still, being anxious interrupting others, and acting on impulse, without considering the consequences. It can cause problems within the family at work, at home, and with friends, and lead to inappropriate behaviors such as impulsive spending or unprotected sexual activity. This kind of ADHD is more likely to be seen in school settings where teachers can monitor and provide support.
2. Hyperactivity
Restlessness, also known as hyperactivity is one of the ADHD symptoms that adults commonly encounter. You might feel "on the move" or have trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities without interruption. It can also mean being not able to wait for your turn in conversations or games. Some people who suffer from ADHD have difficulty judging the amount of time it takes to complete certain tasks. For instance, it might be difficult to determine how long to spend on homework or making preparations for a work meeting.
Adults who are hyperactive are more likely to pace or fidget, talk excessively and have trouble sitting still. They may also have trouble following directions and making decisions. Adults may have difficulty getting up or out of their bed in the morning. They are late to work and school and frequently lose their keys. This symptom may also cause tension in relationships and poor performance at the workplace or at school.
Although we aren't sure what causes ADHD in children, research studies have shown that genetics may play a role. Also the environment and problems with the brain's central nerve system at key moments in development can increase the risk of developing the disorder.
If you or a loved one has ADHD, it's important to seek help from your health care provider. Your doctor may refer you to mental health professionals who specialize in treating adult ADHD. If you're unsure what to do, NIMH offers tips for talking with your health care provider about ADHD. You can also find out more about the condition by reading the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). It is accessible online for free.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is not as common than hyperactivity and inattention However, this characteristic may be present in certain adults suffering from ADHD. People who act on impulse without taking into account the consequences frequently struggle with relationships, work or school. They may be unable to sit still, talk excessively or interrupt others regularly. They might not be able to control their impulses, and may make decisions they regret later. They might spend money on things they don't need, quit their job on the spur of the moment, or engage in sexual activities 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 evident in at least two environments such as at school, at home, at work, with friends and family, or during other activities. These symptoms must cause significant issues and affect or hinder the quality of school, social or work-related functioning.
Adults who weren't diagnosed with ADHD as children might discover that their symptoms continue throughout adulthood, causing problems at work or relationships. In these cases, a health care provider or mental health professional will assess the individual's symptoms, which may include reviewing old report cards and talking to family members about childhood problems.
People with ADHD respond well to psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and stimulant medications. The stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which help enhance attention and focus. Although these medications can cause side effects, they are considered safe when they are taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, may also be effective. Certain adults with ADHD benefit from joining a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
When people with ADHD have difficulty managing their emotions or paying attention to the details of the situation, they may be disruptive. This can impact their performance at work and make them difficult to handle in relationships with others. It could even lead to divorce or separation.
Talking too much, shouting out answers before others have completed their questions, interrupting others or acting out of a whim without considering the consequences can be signs of adult ADHD. These behaviors can also affect their personal life as well as their relationships with their family and friends. They may not remember social obligations, birthdays or anniversaries and struggle to finish household chores or meet their budget.
In addition, adults with ADHD tend to be easily bored and have trouble getting bored or waiting for others. They may feel agitated or fidgety, a sign that is hard to differentiate from anxiety and depression. People with ADHD may also be angry and unruly, particularly when they are overly tired or angry.
If you suspect you may have a disorder like ADHD, talk to your GP or a registered psychologist. They can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. They will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your daily functioning. They will also ask you about any other health concerns that you might have. Some medications, including those for high blood pressure, depression and high blood sugar can interact negatively with stimulants.
It can take a long time to assess someone for an illness such as ADHD and there are sometimes waiting lists. However, the process follows NICE guidelines. Your GP will talk to you about your issues and, if they are able, ask to speak to your family members/whanau or your employer. If they believe you have ADHD symptoms they will refer you to the best service to assess you.
5. Anxiety
If you suffer from ADHD, you may experience anxiety. You can control your symptoms with the right treatment. Anxiety is a reaction to stress. It can also be an issue if it becomes chronic. The first step is to determine the factors that trigger anxiety. This could be certain situations, tasks, or even relationships. You can also utilize your self-awareness in order to determine how your ADHD symptoms could be leading to, or worsening anxiety.
People with ADHD typically have trouble staying focused on a task or an activity. This makes it difficult to keep deadlines at work or school, and to meet other demands. symptoms ADHD in adults with prioritizing, leading to miscommunication and missed opportunities. This can also cause problems with family members or friends.
Anxiety can be debilitating, in addition to being a major source of stress. It can trigger a variety of physical reactions, such as sweating, a rapid pulse and a general feeling of anxiety. It can also lead to anxiety and depression.
Anxiety is often a comorbid disorder that can be a result of ADHD. In fact, people with the disorder are more likely to suffer from an anxiety or mood disorder than those without ADHD. They also have higher levels of smoking, addiction and impulsivity, eating disorders, and issues with their families.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medications and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you to identify and reframe harmful attitudes, beliefs and patterns of thinking, can help you change your behavior. Your doctor may also suggest other types of therapy like marriage or family counseling to reduce anxiety and improve your relationships with a loved one. You can also try keeping your own journal or meditate to alleviate your stress.