Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults suffering from ADHD have issues that first began to manifest in childhood. However, the symptoms have to be persistent and severe to be considered a diagnosis in the later years of life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are at risk of developing mood disorders. They could suffer from bipolar disorder or depression. They might also suffer from anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks.
1. Trouble concentrating
In adults with ADHD, problems with attention cause trouble staying on task and sustaining focus. They also have a difficult time organizing their time and staying on task. These symptoms may be severe or mild however, everyone's experience is different. For instance, people who are inattention who suffer from ADHD might appear to be forgetful or easily distracted by a passing thought, while hyperactive individuals may fidget or talk excessively.
Talk to a mental healthcare professional or GP if you are having difficulties concentrating and believe you might have ADHD. A GP may refer you to specialists if your symptoms are severe or moderate and affect your daily activities.
The first treatment for adults with ADHD is usually stimulant medications. Some drugs can have adverse effects that render them unsuitable or even harmful. Your GP will suggest a medication or combination that is suitable for you. They will also consider other factors that can affect your symptoms such as physical or mental health issues.
The stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD are typically fast-acting and last about four hours. After that, they can result in a rebound or crash effect, with a sharp drop in energy levels and hungry cravings. They can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure little, so it is important to inform your GP about any other medications you are taking.
If you have trouble to sit still or stay focused, you can try meditation, exercise, or a nature walk. You may also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program that teaches you strategies for improving your ability to focus and control your emotions. CBT can help you improve your relationships by addressing issues such as inattention, poor time management, and the impulsive behavior.
2. Inattention
People with inattention ADHD have trouble staying focused on their tasks and making careless mistakes. They often don't follow instructions, fail to attend appointments, and fail to complete schoolwork or work assignments. They may also have difficulty listening or daydream a great amount. This kind of ADHD typically manifests in childhood but can persist into adulthood, creating problems at work or school.
Although everyone loses their keys and phones occasionally, a pattern of losing important things frequently can suggest that someone is having trouble paying attention. People with inattentive ADHD are also often disorganized or unorganized, and have trouble keeping track of their belongings. They could make a lot of errors at work or at school, for example, not proofreading the report or omitting important details on a project.
People with inattention ADHD often feel that they are the cause of their own failures. This can create a cycle of guilt and low self-esteem. It can also lead to depression. They may find it easier to hide their symptoms by blaming other people or avoid social activities. They may have a hard to achieve their goals at work or at home and are more likely to be criticized by co-workers or family members for being sloppy, inactive, or inattentive.
The health care specialist will talk to the patient about their symptoms and when they occur. They will also use an ADHD rating scale to assess the extent to which ADHD affects your daily life. They may also speak with people who knew the person as a child and ask questions about their progress. They can also request details about any other medical conditions or emotional issues.
3. Impulsivity
Adults who have adhd may exhibit different symptoms than children. A child with ADHD may be fidgety and talkative in the classroom, whereas adults may interrupt other students or begin playing games or other activities without permission. They might forget appointments, delay deadlines, or take impulsive decisions that strain relationships with their coworkers or family members.
Adults who exhibit impulsive behavior may be troubled with schoolwork or job performance, and might be at risk of accidents or legal issues. They are more likely to be suffering from depression and other mood disorders. A mental health professional or a doctor can help people with impulsivity how to stop before they act, and to consider the consequences. They may prescribe medications such as clonidine and guanfacine. Antidepressants, also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), can also be helpful.
To be diagnosed as having a condition that affects the ability to control impulses there must be ongoing problems in various areas of their lives. Adults are typically not considered to be suffering from a medical condition unless their symptoms have been present since childhood or cause significant clinical impairment in several aspects of their lives.
If the person's impulsive behavior interfere with their lives it is recommended that they talk to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They may recommend psychotherapy, or accommodations, which are methods and changes to the environment that aid in managing the disorder. For example, a planner can be helpful, as could creating routines that are regularly followed and using smartphone apps to keep track of schedules, or asking for assistance from colleagues or teachers. untreated adhd in female adults may also suggest cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to change the way a person thinks about an event, which can be a way to change their behavior.
4. Hyperactivity
Many adults suffering from ADHD do not experience tension or fidgeting. However, they may have issues staying for long periods of time, waiting their turn, or observing instructions at work and school. They are more likely to have frequent mood swings, and have a low tolerance for anger. This could lead to conflict between partners.
To diagnose ADHD in adults, the signs must be present before the age of 12. The symptoms must be evident in at least two different environments and have a significant impact on their functioning. The diagnosis must be determined by a mental health specialist or primary care provider who has been trained in ADHD. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation of the person must be completed. This includes a description of the symptoms by the individual and their caregivers. It also includes an interview with the individual about their behavior, experiences at work, school and home, as well in a review of their psychiatric history. Physical examinations are crucial, as certain medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, including vision and hearing problems sleep apnea, as well as thyroid disorders.
A compulsive disorder, like anxiety or depression, may often be co-occurring with ADHD and make it more difficult to manage the symptoms. If a comorbid condition is discovered, it should be treated to manage the ADHD.
People with mild ADHD symptoms may find their medications and other treatments are sufficient to improve their lives. Moderate symptoms are more likely than severe symptoms to cause issues at work or in social situations. People with severe symptoms may find it difficult to maintain relationships and jobs. In these instances, couples therapy, communication classes and therapy that helps teach people coping skills can be beneficial.
5. Disruptive behavior
In certain cases, the symptoms of ADHD can lead to disruptive behaviors. This includes forgetting important appointments or events as well as not paying attention to others and interrupting often or making irrational decisions, not following rules and other issues that can cause stress in relationships. Therapy that teaches skills to improve organization and reduce the thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods may be helpful. These issues may also be addressed by mood stabilizers (antidepressants).
A healthcare professional might use a behavior rating scale or checklist to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough evaluation usually includes reviewing the person's past of childhood behaviors and the experiences. A mental health professional may also request permission to talk with family members and friends about the person's past. A health professional may conduct psychological and medical tests to identify other conditions that could cause or coexist with ADHD, such as sleep problems, anxiety or depression as well as low blood pressure, high blood sugar levels or low blood sugar, and drug abuse.
Adults with ADHD typically have at least six symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Those symptoms must be present in a variety of situations and result in significant impairment in clinical significance for at least six months to receive an ADHD diagnosis. (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
It is possible that the symptoms and signs of ADHD may change as you age and also vary by environment or by circumstances. Some people may have to take medication to manage their ADHD. Some people may benefit from behavioral treatment such as counseling or parent education. Adults who suffer from ADHD will need to work closely with their teachers and school staff to ensure that they receive the assistance they require at school.