Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many people suffering from ADHD live their lives without ever being diagnosed. They may even be misdiagnosed as having other conditions.
They may feel relieved at finding a solution to their struggles and knowing that they're not 'lazy' or 'unwilling'. They may also feel frustrated because their issues weren't acknowledged and addressed earlier.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
ADHD is often associated with difficulty in staying focused. It is a condition that can last a lifetime, but it can become more difficult as people age and are juggling more obligations. It can impact your relationships, work and other aspects of your life. It can also cause an unsatisfactory performance and a feeling of failure, particularly when people fail to meet deadlines or are chronically late for appointments.
Inattention can be a problem in a variety of areas such as at school, at work, and in social activities. It can lead to missed opportunities as well as poor job performance and financial difficulties. It can also make it more difficult to keep up with regular health care and medical treatments.
In some cases the person's difficulties in focusing could be due to an underlying physical or mental health issue that requires to be addressed first. For example depression or anxiety can cause a person to feel lost in their thoughts, lose focus and forget important details. Having these conditions treated can help the person to concentrate better.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can make it difficult for people to perform at a high level at work, in school or on other tasks. They may have trouble maintaining healthy relationships with family members, classmates, or coworkers. Others may consider them uncaring, reckless or even stupid.
ADHD is usually treated with medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine could help certain people stay focused by increasing or stabilizing the levels of brain chemicals which affect the ability to focus. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants may be used when stimulants aren't suitable for a person's wellbeing or cause severe adverse effects. Cognitive and behavioral therapy can be beneficial to people with ADHD. These therapies can boost self-esteem and teach strategies to remain organized at home as well as at work, and provide assistance in juggling daily obligations.
2. Poor Memory
Memory problems are a major issue for people suffering from ADHD. They may forget important deadlines, commitments or even tasks. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their daily routine or chores. They may also be prone to losing items such as glasses, keys or even phones. These issues can impact the school, work and social activities, but it's sometimes difficult to seek help, particularly for adults whose parents might dismiss their issues as "being lazy or a bad student."
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that a person experiences several inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that are present before age 12. To be considered to have adult ADHD symptoms must interfere with functioning at work, at home or school. A health care provider or mental health professional will typically evaluate the person's history and symptoms by using standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. The person may also ask about childhood behaviors and talk to family members.
People suffering from ADHD are at a higher chance of developing depression or other mood disorders. They have difficulty managing their emotions and may be frustrated.
Treatment for adults with ADHD can involve group and family therapy as well as self-help groups, vocational counseling, education assistance, and medications. The use of behavioral coaching, dietary modifications and exercise can aid in reducing symptoms. The most frequently prescribed treatments for adults suffering from ADHD are stimulants, like amphetamine or methylphenidate, which appear to boost and regulate brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine, and other antidepressants can also be used to treat adults with ADHD. These medications work slower than stimulants, but they are good for adults who are not able to take stimulants due health issues or severe side-effects.
3. Impulsivity
Adults with adhd may struggle to control their impulses. They may be enticed by their impulses to agree to every thing, but struggle with completing the tasks they have started. This can cause problems at work, in relationships and with finances. They may also forget important medical documents or instructions, putting their health at risk.
The issues of adhd can be found in childhood for most people and persist into the adolescent years and into adulthood. It can become more severe during certain periods of life, such as when people move out of the house or when they have to deal with new demands, such as the birth of a child or a change in job. They can also get better as they age.
Most people with ADHD have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, although some have more of one than the other. female symptoms of adhd suffering from ADHD may also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, making it difficult to determine if ADHD is the primary reason behind their issues.
If you think you may be suffering from adult adhd, talk to your GP. They can refer you to the appropriate service to assess your condition. It is typically a community mental or neurodevelopmental service.
It's possible to participate in a clinical study that will determine if medication is effective for people suffering from adhd. It is important to discuss the benefits and cons with your GP before you decide to sign up. They can explain the risks involved and determine whether it's the right choice for you.
4. Reluctance
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty being able to concentrate on tasks that do not appeal to them. They can also lose focus easily and make errors because they're bored and want to try new things. This is less prevalent for adults than teenagers and children with the condition however, it can cause difficulties at school, at work and home.
ADHD patients often feel restless more than other people. This can affect their ability to concentrate on school or work and may cause them to miss appointments or be late to work or social events. It can also cause feelings of anger, despair and hopelessness. People who are afflicted by restlessness may be depressed, anxious, or irritable, and may try to take self-medicating measures with alcohol or other narcotics.
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.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not be aware of the difficulties that they have to face. A diagnosis can bring relief and hope for these people. It can allow them to realize that their difficulties are due to ADHD rather than being a personal flaw or weakness.
If you know someone who suffers from ADHD Try to help them as much as you can. Encourage them to adopt healthy sleep habits. Avoid drinking alcohol and sugary food prior to the time they go to bed. Engage in regular exercise. Use a daily schedule to prepare for the coming day. Sleep at the exact same time each night. You could also sign them up for an adult ADHD peer support group, which can be a great opportunity to meet others with similar conditions.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety is a symptom of adhd in adults that can manifest as restlessness, trouble sleeping, or irrational fears. The symptoms can also impact a person's everyday life and their relationships with other people. It can be difficult for mental health professionals distinguish between anxiety and ADHD symptoms since they may overlap. This could lead to a misdiagnosis which can result in both conditions being untreated or undertreated.
Anxiety and ADHD are not the identical. Anxiety is a common occurrence among people who suffer from ADHD. Anxiety can be triggered by ADHD or the effects of the disorder. If someone who suffers from ADHD fails to complete their homework or misses a work deadline, they might become anxious.
Researchers have found that people with co-occurring ADHD and anxiety have lower accuracy in working memory tasks than those with ADHD alone (Jarrett et al., 2014). When discussing treatment options with your mental healthcare professional it is essential to bring up any other health issues or medications that you may be taking. Some medications, particularly those used to treat health problems of adults such as high blood pressure or diabetes, may be incompatible with certain stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD.
Psychiatrists treat ADHD by prescribing medications that are stimulants, like Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). These medications increase the supply in the brain of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and. This reduces hyperactivity, improve focus, and alleviate ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist might also suggest therapy to identify the root causes of anxiety, and teach stress management and coping skills.