Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many people who suffer from ADHD go through their entire lives without being diagnosed. They could be misdiagnosed with other disorders.
They might feel a sense of relief finding a solution to their struggles and knowing that they aren't 'lazy' or unwilling. They might also be frustrated because their issues were not identified and treated earlier.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
ADHD is typically characterized by difficulty staying focused. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime however, it can lead to more problems as people have more responsibilities. It can affect relationships, work and other aspects of your life. It can also lead people to feel as if they've failed, particularly if they are constantly late or not meeting deadlines.
Focus issues can be a problem in numerous areas such as at school, work, and social activities. It can result in missing opportunities or a poor performance at work, and financial issues. It can also make it more difficult to keep up with routine medical and health care.
In certain situations people's difficulties in concentrating may be caused by an underlying health or mental issue that require treatment first. For example depression or anxiety may cause a person to feel distracted, lose focus, and forget important information. These conditions can be treated to help someone focus better.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause people to be unable to perform at a high level at work, in school or in other activities. They may have trouble maintaining healthy relationships with their family members, co-workers or classmates. Others may label them as uncaring, reckless or naive.
Medications are often prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine could help certain people remain focused by increasing or stabilizing the levels of brain chemicals that influence the ability to focus. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants may be used when stimulants aren't suitable for a person's wellbeing or have severe side consequences. Cognitive and behavioral therapies can be beneficial for people with ADHD. These therapies can improve self-esteem and help you remain organized at home as well as at work, and offer support in managing daily responsibilities.
2. Poor Memory
Memory problems are a major issue for people suffering from ADHD. They may lose track of important deadlines, tasks or other commitments, and could be unable to keep track of their daily schedule or chores. They might also lose items such as cell phones, eyeglasses or keys. These difficulties can affect your school, work, and social life. But it's hard to get help for adults who have been viewed by their parents as "lazy or poor students."
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that a person experiences several inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that are present before age 12. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD in adults, the symptoms must be affecting daily life at school, work or home. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the person's symptoms and past history using ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scores for behavioral ratings. He or she may also ask about childhood behaviors and talk to relatives.
People who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk of depression and other mood disorders. They have difficulty managing their emotions and may become frustrated.
Treatment for adult ADHD may include group and family therapy, self-help groups, educational assistance, vocational counseling, and medications. Exercise, diet and behavioral coaching can improve symptoms. Adults with ADHD often take stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. These medications are believed to regulate brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters by increasing their levels. Adult ADHD is treated with non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine and other antidepressants. symptoms of add tend to work slower than stimulants but are a good choice for adults who aren't able to take them due to medical issues or serious adverse effects.
3. Impulsivity
Adults with adhd often struggle to manage their impulses. They may be compelled to accept too many things and then struggle to complete the tasks they've set out to complete. This can lead to problems with relationships, work and finances. They could also lose important documents or forget medical instructions and put their health at risk.
For the majority of people with adhd, the problems begin in childhood and persist throughout teen years and into adulthood. They can become worse at certain times of life, such as when they move out of their home or when new demands like parenthood or changes in job are present. They can also improve as they age.
Most people with ADHD have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, although some have more of one than the other. Some people suffering from ADHD may also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety, making it difficult to pinpoint if ADHD is the root cause of their problems.
If you suspect you have adult adhd, speak to your GP. They can refer you to the appropriate treatment to determine your condition. This is often an in-person mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist.
You can participate in a trial to test whether or not medication is beneficial for adults suffering from adhd. It's important to discuss the benefits and cons with your GP before you decide to take part. They can explain the risks involved and help you decide whether it's the right choice for you.
4. Unrest
People suffering from ADHD struggle to concentrate on tasks that don't interest them. They also tend to become bored easily and are drawn to exciting new experiences, which can cause them to lose their focus and make mistakes. This symptom is less common in adults than in adolescents and children suffering from the condition however, it can cause difficulties at school, at work and home.
ADHD patients are often irritable more than others. This can cause them to be unable to concentrate at school or at work and they might miss appointments or arrive late to social events or work. It can also lead to feelings of frustration, failure and despair. People who are constantly stressed can develop anxiety or depressed, or even irritable. They may also attempt to manage their stress through alcohol consumption or other drugs.
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 might not be aware of the difficulties that they have to face. For these individuals diagnosed, it can bring relief and a sense of hope. It can help them understand that their issues aren't due to a character flaw or personal weakness, but rather ADHD.
If you know a friend or family member who suffers from ADHD be sure to support them whenever and as often as possible. Encourage them to adopt healthy sleep habits. Avoid caffeine and sweet food before bedtime. Exercise regularly. Use a daily schedule to prepare for the next day. Go to bed at the same time each night. You can also join an adult ADHD peer-support group. This is an ideal way to get to know other others who suffer from the same condition.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety is a sign of adhd in adults. It can manifest as restlessness, trouble sleeping or anxiety that isn't rational. The symptoms can also impact a person's everyday life as well as their relationships with others. The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can overlap and it can be difficult for mental health professionals to differentiate between the two. This could lead to misdiagnosis which can cause both conditions to be untreated or untreated.
Anxiety and ADHD are not the same thing. Anxiety is a common occurrence among people with ADHD. The anxiety may be a result of the ADHD or result from their experience living with the disorder. For instance, if someone who suffers from ADHD is late at work or fails to study for an exam, they could be worried about their performance.
Researchers found that people who have co-occurring ADHD with anxiety have lower accuracy in working memory tasks as compared to those with ADHD only (Jarrett, and others. 2014). When discussing treatment options with a mental health professional, it is important to mention any other medical issues or medications you might be taking. Certain medications, especially those used to treat health problems of adults like high blood pressure or diabetes, may interact with certain stimulants used to treat ADHD.
Psychiatrists treat ADHD by prescribing drugs that act as stimulants, like Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). These drugs work quickly to increase the availability of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. This can help relieve ADHD symptoms, improve focus and reduce hyperactivity. A psychiatrist might also recommend therapy to uncover any underlying causes of anxiety and to teach the skills of stress management and coping.