Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults with ADHD have issues that were first present in childhood. But the symptoms must be severe and persistent to justify a diagnosis at the age of adulthood.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are prone to mood disorders. They could suffer from bipolar disorder or depression. They might also suffer from anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks.
1. It is difficult to concentrate
For adults suffering from ADHD problems with attention cause trouble staying focused and staying on task. They also have difficulty organizing their time. These symptoms can be severe or mild and everyone's experience will be different. For example, inattentive people with ADHD might see m to be irritable or easily distracted by a thought, whereas hyperactive people tend to talk or fidget a lot.
If you have problems with your concentration and suspect you may be suffering from ADHD Talk to a mental health professional or GP. A GP may refer you to an expert when your symptoms are moderate or severe and impact your daily functioning.
The first treatment for adults with ADHD is usually stimulant medication. Certain drugs may have negative side effects that make them ineffective, or even harmful. Your GP will suggest the most effective drug or combination that is suitable for you and your needs. They will also take into consideration how other factors affect your symptoms, including mood disorders and physical conditions.
The stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD are typically quick-acting and last around four hours. After that, they may cause a crash or rebound result, which can cause a sudden reduction in energy levels as well as hungry cravings. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate somewhat, so you should inform your GP about any other medications you take.
If you find it difficult to remain still or focused, try meditation or exercise or a nature walk. You could also benefit from a program of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches you how to improve your ability to concentrate and control your emotions. CBT can also help improve your relationships by addressing issues like inattention, poor time management and impulsive behavior.
2. Inattention
Inattention ADHD sufferers have trouble focusing on tasks and make careless mistakes. They are prone to not following directions, ignoring appointments, or forgetting to complete schoolwork or work assignments. They may also have issues listening or daydream a lot. This type of ADHD typically manifests in childhood but can persist throughout adulthood, causing issues at work or school.
While everyone loses their phones or keys every now and then A habit of frequently missing essential items could indicate that someone is suffering from inattention. People with inattentive ADHD may also be unorganized or sloppy and have trouble keeping track of their possessions. They may make a lot of mistakes at work or in school, for example, forgetting to proofread an essay or leaving out crucial details on a project.
Most people with inattention ADHD are self-critical when they fail. This can lead to a cycle of shame and self-esteem issues, as well as depression. They may find it easier to mask their symptoms by blaming others or by abstaining from social activities. They might find it difficult to achieve their goals at work or at home and are more prone than not to be judged for being inattentional, lazy or sloppy by their coworkers.
To identify a person suffering from inattention ADHD, the health care professional will ask about the person's symptoms as well as when they occur. They'll also use a rating scale to assess the extent to which ADHD affects daily life. They may also ask people who know the child about their development. They can also ask for information about any other physical or emotional issues.
3. Impulsivity
Adults with adhd can exhibit different signs than children. A child with ADHD may be fidgety and agitated in the classroom, whereas adults might interrupt others or begin playing games or engage in other activities without permission. They might forget to make appointments, miss deadlines or make impulsive choices that cause tension with their coworkers or friends.
Adults who exhibit impulsive behavior may also struggle with their work or schoolwork and be at risk for accidents or legal issues. They are also more likely to suffer from depression and other mood disorders. A psychiatrist or a GP can help people with impulsivity how to stop before they do something and consider the consequences. They can prescribe medications such as guanfacine or clonidine. Antidepressants, also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be helpful.
To be diagnosed as having an illness that affects the ability to control impulses there must be a persistent problem throughout their lives. Adults are usually not considered to be suffering from a medical condition 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 it is recommended that they consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. They may suggest therapy or treatments referred to as accommodations, which are techniques or changes to the environment that can help manage a disorder. For instance the use of a planner could be useful, as can creating routines that are regularly followed or using apps on smartphones to track schedules, or asking for assistance from teachers or colleagues. They may also suggest cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in order to alter the way in which an individual views the situation. This can alter their behavior.
4. Hyperactivity
Many adults suffering from ADHD do not experience anxiety or agitation. They may have difficulty sitting still for a long period of time or waiting in line or following instructions at work and school. They are more likely to experience frequent mood swings and have a lower tolerance for anger. This could lead to conflicts between partners.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD at an adult age, the symptoms must have persisted from before the age of 12. They should be evident in at least two different settings and seriously affect their performance. A mental health professional or primary healthcare provider who is certified in ADHD must be able to make the diagnosis. Additionally, a thorough assessment of the patient must be completed. This includes a description of symptoms of the person and their caregivers, as well as interviewing the person about their behavior and experience at home, at school and at work, and analyzing the medical and psychiatric history. A physical exam is also vital due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.
A comorbid condition such as anxiety or depression, can often co-occur with ADHD and make it more difficult to manage the symptoms. If a comorbid disorder is discovered, it should be treated to manage the ADHD.
People with mild ADHD symptoms might find that their medications and other interventions are sufficient to improve their lives. Moderate symptoms are more likely than severe symptoms to cause issues at workplace or in social settings. People with severe symptoms may have difficulty to maintain relationships and jobs. In these cases couples therapy, classes in communication, and therapy that teaches people how to cope can be helpful.
5. Disruptive behavior
ADHD symptoms can sometimes lead to disruptive behavior. This includes forgetting important dates or events as well as not paying attention to others and interrupting often or making irrational decisions or not observing rules and other issues that can strain relationships. Therapy that teaches you how to improve organization and reduce the thinking distortions that cause negative moods may be helpful. Mood stabilizers (antidepressants) can also assist in these situations.
A health care provider can use an assessment checklist or a behavior rating scale to determine whether an adult meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough assessment usually involves reviewing the person's past of childhood behavior and experiences. A mental health professional may also request permission to talk with friends and family members about the person's life. A health care professional can conduct psychological and medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause or coexist with ADHD such as anxiety, insomnia, depression as well as low blood pressure, high blood sugar levels or low blood sugar and addiction to drugs.
Adults with ADHD typically have at least six symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in a variety of situations and result in significant impairment in clinical significance for at least six months before receiving an ADHD diagnosis. (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
Signs and symptoms of ADHD may change as people get older, and can also change depending on the conditions or the environment. Some people may have to take medication to manage their ADHD. Others will benefit from behavior treatment such as counseling or parent training. Certain adults with ADHD may need to work closely with their teachers and staff to get the support they need at school.