ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you struggling to stay well-organized, forgetting important tasks or frequently lose your keys or wallet? Then you may have ADHD.
Your health care provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to determine a diagnosis. Symptoms have been present for a minimum of 6 months and are inappropriate for your level of development.
1. Inattention
Many people who struggle with ADHD have trouble staying on task and sustaining focus, often at school or work. This can result in unfinished work, incomplete projects at work or with chores, forgotten appointments and a general feeling of disorganisation. These challenges can cause problems in relationships with friends and family.
Adults with ADHD who are inattentive often have trouble concentrating during conversations or lectures, and also reading lengthy documents. Adults with inattention ADHD often have trouble to focus during conversations or lectures, and to read long documents, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They might miss important information and make careless errors when working. Inattentive ADHD sufferers may not be able to remain in a seated position for long periods of time. They may require chewing gum or tap their feet to pace during meetings.
Inattentional ADHD can be masked by other disorders, such as anxiety, depression or physical health issues such as physical or mental stress. This can mean that individuals aren't referred for an ADHD assessment or are misinformed about their symptoms with another issue, which could mean they are never treated.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These can include trouble sitting still, feeling restless and interrupting others, and doing things on impulse without thinking about the consequences. This can cause problems with work, family, and social life and could cause inappropriate behavior like spending impulsively sexual sex that is not protected or breaking promises. This type of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school settings where teachers can supervise and offer assistance.
2. Hyperactivity
Restlessness, or hyperactivity, is one of the ADHD symptoms adults often encounter. This can include feeling like you are constantly "on the go" or having trouble playing or taking part in leisure activities quietly. It could also mean that you are not able to wait for your turn in conversations or games. Certain people who suffer from ADHD are unable to determine the time it will take to complete certain tasks. For instance, it might be difficult to determine how long it will take to complete homework or getting ready for a meeting at work.
Adults with hyperactivity are more likely to pace or fidget, talk a lot and have trouble sitting down. They may also have difficulty following directions and making a decision. Some adults have difficulty getting up or out of bed in the morning, are late for work or school and frequently lose their keys. This symptom may also lead to uneasy relationships and poor performance in school or at work.
Although we aren't sure the causes of ADHD in children, studies have shown that genetics may play a role. Additionally, the environment and problems with the brain's central nerve system at crucial times in development may increase the likelihood of having the disorder.
It is crucial that you or someone you care about seek assistance from your physician when they suffer from ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to mental health specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. If you're not sure where to start, NIMH offers tips for talking with your doctor about ADHD. You can also learn more about the condition by reading The American Association for Psychiatric Research's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). This is available online for download for free.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less prevalent than hyperactivity and inattention, it may still be present among some adults with ADHD. People who are impulsive and do not take into account considering the consequences often have issues with relationships, work or school. They may not be capable of waiting for their turn, talk too loudly or interrupt other people frequently. They may also find it difficult to stop themselves from making quick decisions that later prove to be regrettable. They could spend money or time on things they don't need, quit a job on a whim or have unprotected sex 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 settings, such as home, school, or at work, with friends and family members, or in other activities. These symptoms should cause serious problems and interfere with or diminish the quality of, social, school or work functioning.
Adults who were never diagnosed with ADHD as children may find that their symptoms persist into adulthood and cause issues at work or in relationships. In ADHD in adults symptoms women or mental health professional will evaluate the person's symptoms. This could include looking over old report cards and talking to family members about childhood problems.
People suffering from ADHD respond well to psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and stimulant medication. These stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine, which help increase focus and concentration. Although these medications can cause side effects, they are considered safe when taken under the supervision of a physician. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, could be beneficial. 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 specifics of the situation, they may become extremely disruptive. This can sabotage their performance at work, make them difficult to work with in personal relationships and can lead to separation or divorce.
Adult ADHD is defined as excessive talking interrupting others or acting in a way that is not thinking about the consequences. These behaviors can also disrupt their daily routine and damage their relationships with friends and family. They may forget important dates, such as birthdays and anniversary celebrations or find it difficult to complete household chores or stick to a budget.
In addition, adults with ADHD tend to become easily bored and have trouble getting bored or waiting for others to arrive. They can feel agitated and fidget, a sign that can be hard to differentiate from depression or anxiety. People suffering from ADHD may also be angry and unruly, particularly when they're exhausted or upset.
Speak to your GP in the event that you think that you might be suffering from a disorder, such as ADHD. They may refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities. They will also ask you about any other health issues that you may have. Certain medications, like those for depression, high blood pressure and high blood sugar can interact negatively with stimulants.
It can take time to evaluate someone for a disorder such as ADHD, and sometimes there are waiting lists. However, the process follows NICE guidelines. Your GP is able to discuss your concerns with you, and request to speak to your family/whanau, employers and friends (if they are able). If they believe you have ADHD symptoms they will refer you to the most appropriate service to assess you.
5. Anxiety
You may also experience anxiety if you have ADHD. The good news is that with right treatment, you can manage your symptoms. Anxiety is a reaction to stress. It can also turn into an issue when it becomes chronic. The first step is to determine what triggers your anxiety. This could be specific environments, tasks, or relationships. You can also use self-awareness to figure out how your ADHD symptoms might be causing or aggravate your anxiety.
People with ADHD have trouble staying engaged in a task or undertaking, making it difficult to meet deadlines and other requirements at school and work. They have difficulty prioritizing tasks and can result in mistakes in communication and missed opportunities. This can also cause problems with family members or friends.
In addition to being a major cause of anxiety, it can also be crippling. It causes a variety of physical reactions, including a rapid heartbeat, sweating and a general feeling of a sense of anxiety. It can also cause difficulty in concentration, or even depression.
Anxiety is a common comorbid condition associated with ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely than people without ADHD to suffer from a mood disorder or anxiety disorder. They also have higher levels of smoking, addiction and impulsivity, eating disorders, and issues with their families.
The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders and ADHD is a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you recognize and change unhelpful mental attitudes, beliefs, and ways of thinking can aid in changing your behavior. Your doctor may also suggest different types of therapy such as marriage or family counseling for managing anxiety and improving relationships with your loved ones. You can also keep a journal or meditate to help ease your worries.