Symptoms of Adult ADHD
The signs of adult ADHD can impact your personal and professional relationships. If you are having trouble keeping the track of appointments and completing your daily tasks it could feel like you are constantly falling behind or underachieving compared to other people.
During an exam your doctor will follow guidelines for your clinical evaluation provided by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. They will review your history and symptoms.
1. Inattention
Everyone struggles with paying attention sometimes. However, in adulthood, these problems are more serious and impact work, family and friendships. You may be late for meetings, lose track of your deadlines or struggle to keep on top of important documents. You might also find it difficult to recall names and specifics from conversations. This is the most typical form, inattentive ADHD.
Often, inattentive ADHD symptoms go unrecognized throughout childhood, when parents and teachers often don't recognize the symptoms as being related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When you're young, it's easier to be able to ignore not completing tasks on time or becoming easily distracted. But as an adult the demands of everyday life put greater demands on your ability to focus and organize.
Inattentive ADHD can be subtle and difficult to recognize. You may forget details during conversations with friends or coworkers or you may misplace items in your home. Your memory might be weakened by poor diet, excessive fatigue or drug-related side effects. Inattentional ADHD can cause issues with your work or personal relationships, as you often get lost in confusion and failure to follow through on commitments.
Some people's lack of attention ADHD may look like an inherited trait they've always experienced. Who doesn't forget something from time to time? If these issues are creating problems at work or with your relationships, it is important to talk with your doctor about being diagnosed with adult ADHD. They'll recommend the appropriate treatment that is usually cognitive behavioral therapy paired with prescription medications. Ask your doctor for a referral for a specialist in your area who can provide an evaluation. You can also contact your insurance company and request the list of specialists.
2. Hyperactivity
If you're hyperactive your body and mind are rushing around too fast for you to concentrate on your thoughts, and it's hard to regulate your actions. You might enter a room without a knock, interrupt people during conversations, or engage in disagreements over the smallest things. These uncontrollable behaviors can lead to problems at work and relationships. These behaviors can cause mood swings, depression and anxiety. You can learn how to manage these symptoms by working with an expert in mental health or a doctor.
A lot of people who suffer from ADHD have success in their creative fields due to the different brain functions that allow them to think differently and come up with innovative solutions. You can employ strategies such as planning and using a notepad or planner to keep track of tasks and appointments, and also medications to manage your symptoms.
People with mild symptoms might not experience any significant impairment in their daily lives. For those with moderate and severe symptoms, ADHD interferes with work and school and causes difficulty in managing emotions and relationships. The disorder can result in losing your job, difficulty paying your bills and insurance, being late for class or work meetings or racking up debt as a result of impulse purchases.
A complete test can be used to diagnose ADHD. This includes a review of any past or current injuries or illnesses and your medical background. Your doctor will also interview you along with your parents, and other caregivers to look for patterns in behavior and experiences over time. They can then recommend a treatment based upon the symptoms you are experiencing. Medication usually includes stimulants, that increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine or guanfacine, can be used when stimulants don't work or cause side effects. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you modify negative thinking patterns.
3. Impulsivity
Impulsivity can be a problem for people who have difficulty controlling their behavior. They often blurt things out without considering the consequences, and spend money they don't have, or take risks that aren't worth it. They are more likely to get into disputes, fights, or be involved in risky activities such as driving recklessly, playing dangerous sports or using drugs.
ADHD adult symptoms have difficulty managing their bills, work schedules and other obligations. They may struggle to keep track of appointments and make plans, which can lead to missed meetings and forgotten social events. They may also have trouble getting their turn, or interrupting others during conversation or other activities. This is particularly evident in adulthood as the system set up by parents and schools is less apparent.
It is more problematic for adults suffering from ADHD symptoms. It can destroy relationships and careers, create problems at home and increase the risk for injury or illness.
There are strategies to manage the impulsive behavior of adults with ADHD. Making sure to stop before you act is helpful, as is recording what you are going to say, do or purchase. The use of prescribed medicines can help to control impulses but they must be used as directed.
There isn't a single test for ADHD, but the symptoms should have been present from the age of childhood (before the age of 12). You can be referred to psychiatrists by your doctor or registered psychology or self-refer. A complete diagnostic assessment is needed, which includes a medical exam and questionnaires on your family/whanau background, school experiences and current issues.
4. Unrest
ADHD could manifest as a perpetual "on-the-go" attitude or inability to relax even when it's time to go to bed. You may fidget or interrupt others incessantly or speak too loudly and even take over conversations or games. This unrest could be a sign of chronic procrastination or the inability to stick on commitments.
People who suffer from ADHD often get absorbed in activities that they find rewarding, such as engaging in a hobby or playing their favorite video game. This is a huge strength, but it can cause problems when these activities distract from tasks that they are expected to complete at work or in their relationships.
For instance, not remembering important details at work or in your private life can result in serious consequences and be viewed as negligence by others. Also, failing to remember an anniversary or birthday may result in lost opportunities or disappointments in these relationships.
This type of restlessness can also be an indication of bipolar disorder that occurs during a manic phase characterized by increased energy and impulsive behaviors. Restlessness can also be a symptom of other mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Talk with your doctor if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD or if you have a family history of the disorder. They can recommend specialists in health care who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults, and most insurance plans have a list of professionals who offer these services. In addition, it's helpful to join an ADHD support group and chat with other people who live with the condition about their experiences. Counseling as well as other therapies can be helpful in managing ADHD.
5. Anxiety
As adults, many people with ADHD struggle to keep up with their work, family and social commitments. These challenges can cause stress and can cause symptoms to become worse. Be sure to take care of your health by eating a balanced diet, working out regularly and sleeping well.
The best treatment can ease your ADHD symptoms and increase your quality of life. Medication, counselling and lifestyle changes can all help. To balance brain chemicals, stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate may be prescribed. Non-stimulants (such as atomoxetine) can also be helpful. Both kinds of medicines can cause adverse reactions, so you should talk with your doctor about which is best for you.
It's important to see your GP or an expert in mental health in the event that you exhibit ADHD symptoms. They can identify and treat you. The first step to determine if you have ADHD is a physical examination. Certain medical conditions like seizures or thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
A psychiatrist who is a clinical specialist can evaluate an individual for ADHD and recommend treatment. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and lifestyle as well as the background of your family or whanau. They'll also look for any other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
It can be difficult for adults to recognize ADHD because experts once believed children did not have the disorder. Many adults suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without a proper diagnosis. Some are misdiagnosed, or their symptoms are masked by other health issues, like depression or anxiety. They aren't receiving the treatment they require to live an enjoyable and fulfilled life. Many people with untreated ADHD are not able to maintain healthy relationships and may experience financial and legal trouble.