Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults with ADHD have problems that first appeared in childhood. However, the symptoms must be persistent and severe to justify a diagnosis at the age of adulthood.
Mood disorders are common in people with ADHD. They may have depression or bipolar disorder. They could also be suffering from anxiety disorders, for example, panic attacks.
1. Difficulty concentrating
Adults with ADHD have difficulty staying focused and focused. They also have trouble keeping track of their time. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. More suggestions will vary. People who aren't paying attention ADHD may seem forgetful or easily distracted, whereas hyperactive people tend to fidget a lot or talk excessively.
If you have problems with your concentration and think you might have ADHD consult a mental health professional or GP. A GP may refer you to specialists in the event that your symptoms are moderate or severe and impact your daily activities.
The initial treatment for adult ADHD is often stimulant medications. However, not all medications work for everyone; some cause side effects that make them unhelpful, or even harmful. Your GP will suggest the most effective drug or combination that is suitable for you and your particular needs. They will also take into account other factors that could affect your symptoms such as mood disorders or physical conditions.
The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are typically quick-acting, lasting about four hours. Following that, they can cause a rebound or crash effect that can result in a sudden reduction in hunger and energy. Stimulants can also increase heart rate and blood pressure little, so it is important to tell your GP about any other medications you are taking.
If you have trouble to stay still or focused, try meditation or exercise, or even a nature walk. You may also benefit from a program of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you improve your ability to concentrate and regulate your emotions. CBT can help you improve your relationships by addressing issues such as inattention, poor time management and impulsive behavior.
2. Attention
Inattentive ADHD sufferers have trouble focusing on their work and can make mistakes. They often fail to follow instructions, miss appointments, or forget to complete their schoolwork or work assignments. They may also have difficulty being attentive or often daydream. This kind of ADHD typically manifests in the early years of childhood, but it can also persist into adulthood, causing problems at school or at work.
While everyone loses their phones and keys occasionally, a pattern of losing important items frequently could indicate that someone isn't paying attention. People with inattention ADHD may also be unorganized or sloppy and have trouble keeping track of their possessions. They may make mistakes frequently at work or in school for example, not being able to proofread reports or overlooking crucial details in a project.
Most people with inattention ADHD will blame themselves for their failures when they don't succeed. This can lead to a vicious cycle of self-esteem loss and depression. It may be easier to hide their symptoms by blaming others or avoid social events. They might have a difficult time to meet their goals at work or at home and are more likely to be criticised for being inattentional, lazy or flaky by co-workers.
The health professional will inquire with the patient about their symptoms and when they occur. They'll also employ an assessment scale to determine how much ADHD affects daily life. They could also talk to family members who knew the child about their progress. They can also request details about any other medical or emotional issues.
3. Impulsivity
Symptoms of impulse control in adults with adhd could look different from those in children. For example the child with ADHD may be fidgety or talkative in class but an adult might impulsively interrupt other students or engage in games or other activities without permission. They might forget to keep appointments, fail to meet deadlines or make impulsive choices that strain relationships with friends or co-workers.
Adults who are impulsive may also have trouble with schoolwork or job performance and may be at risk of accidents or legal issues. They are also more likely to experience depression and other mood disorders. A psychiatrist or a GP can teach people with impulsivity how to rethink their actions before they occur, and to consider the consequences. They can prescribe medications such as clonidine and guanfacine. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), can also be beneficial.
To be diagnosed with a condition that impacts their ability to control their impulses, they must have persistent problems in different areas of their lives. Adults are generally not thought to have a medical problem unless their symptoms have been present since childhood or cause clinically significant impairment in a variety of aspects of their lives.
If the person's impulsive behaviors interfere with their lives it is recommended that they talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist. They could suggest psychotherapy or accommodations, which are tools and changes to the environment that can help with managing the disorder. For example planning a schedule can be useful, as can making routines for the day or using apps on smartphones to keep track of timetables and asking for assistance from colleagues or teachers. They can also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to alter the way people view a situation. This could alter their behavior.
4. Hyperactivity
Many adults suffering from ADHD don't experience tension or fidgeting. They may be unable to sit still for a long period of time, waiting in line, or following directions at work and school. They are also more likely to experience frequent mood swings and low tolerance for frustration which can lead to conflict in relationships.
In order to diagnose ADHD at an adult age, the symptoms must be present from before the age of 12 years old. They must be present in at least two different settings and significantly affect their functioning. A mental health provider or primary healthcare provider who is certified in ADHD must be able to make the diagnosis. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of the person has to be completed. This includes a description of symptoms of the person and their caregivers, a discussion with the person regarding their behavior and their experiences at home, school and work, and examining medical and psychiatric histories. A physical exam is essential, since certain medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as vision and hearing issues sleep apnea and thyroid disorders.
A co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety or depression, can often be co-occurring with ADHD, making it harder to manage the symptoms. If a comorbid condition is discovered, it should be treated in order to manage the ADHD.
People with mild ADHD symptoms might find that their medications and other interventions can help improve their lives. Moderate symptoms are more likely than those with severe symptoms to cause issues at work or in social situations. People with severe symptoms may struggle to maintain relationships and jobs. In these cases therapy that teaches how to cope and classes that assist people improve their communication and also couples therapy can be helpful.
5. Disruptive behavior
ADHD symptoms can sometimes result in disruptive behavior. These include forgetting important dates or appointments, interrupting others, making uninformed choices or not observing rules and other problems. It may be helpful to use therapy that teaches how to improve organizational skills and reduce the distortions in thinking that contribute to mood swings. Mood stabilizers (antidepressants) may also assist in these situations.
A healthcare professional might use a behavior rating scale or checklist to determine if an adult has the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough assessment typically involves looking at the person's history of childhood behavior and experiences. A mental health professional can also request permission to talk with friends and family members about the person's life. A health care professional can also conduct medical and psychological tests to identify other conditions that could cause or coexist with ADHD like sleep problems, anxiety or depression, low blood pressure, high or low blood sugar levels, and addiction to drugs.
Adults with ADHD typically have at least six symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be present across a range of settings and result in significant clinical impairments for at least six months in order to be given an ADHD diagnose. (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
It's possible that the symptoms and signs of ADHD will look different as you age, and they may vary by environment or by situation. Some people may have to take medication to manage their ADHD. Others will benefit from behavior treatment, such as counseling or parent training. Some adults with ADHD might require working closely together with their teachers and other staff members to get the support they require at school.