ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you prone to forgetting important tasks and losing your keys, wallet, or have trouble staying organized? If so, you could have ADHD.
Your health care provider will apply the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to make an assessment. The symptoms have been present for more than six months, and are appropriate for your developmental stage.
1. Inattention
Many people who struggle with ADHD struggle to stay on task and sustaining focus typically at school or at work. This may result in incomplete classwork, work projects or chores left unfinished or forgotten appointments, as well as an overall feeling of disorganization. These issues can also result in problems with family and friends.
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD typically have trouble concentrating during lectures or conversations, and also reading lengthy documents. Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty to focus during conversations or lectures, and reading long documents, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They might miss important information or make a mistake at work. Inattention-deficient ADHD patients might not be able to sit still and may need to pace, tap their foot or chew gum during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD may be misdiagnosed as other health problems such as depression, anxiety or physical ailments like stress. adult ADHD symptoms in men can lead to people not receiving an ADHD evaluation or having their challenges misunderstood as a different problem.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These symptoms could include trouble staying still, being anxious or interrupting others, as well as doing things on impulse, without thinking about the consequences. This can create problems within the family at work, at home, and with friends, and lead to inappropriate behaviours like impulsive spending or unprotected sexual activity. This type of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school environments where teachers are able provide supervision and support.
2. Hyperactivity
Restlessness, or hyperactivity is among the ADHD symptoms that adults frequently encounter. You might feel "on the move" or have difficulty playing or participating in leisure activities at a secluded. It could also mean that you are in a hurry to get your turn in conversations or games. Some people with ADHD struggle to determine how long tasks will take. It may be difficult to determine the amount of time you will need on homework or preparing for a crucial meeting at work.
Adults with hyperactivity are more likely to pace or fidget, talk excessively and have difficulty sitting still. They might also have trouble following directions and making decisions. Some adults have difficulty getting up or out of bed in the morning, are late to work and school, and often lose their keys. This can lead to troubled relationships and poor performance at work or school.
Although we don't yet know what causes ADHD in children, studies have shown that genetics may be a factor. The environment and issues with the central nervous system of the brain at key times during development could increase the chances of developing ADHD.
If you or someone you love is suffering from ADHD it is important to seek help from your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to mental health specialists who specialize in treating adult ADHD. NIMH provides advice on how to speak with your doctor about ADHD when you're not in a position to know where to start. You can also learn more about ADHD by studying the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5TR). This is accessible online for free.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less common than hyperactivity or inattention This trait could be present in a few adults with ADHD. People who act on impulse without considering the consequences often have issues with relationships, work or school. They may not be able to wait their turn or talk in a loud manner, or interrupt others regularly. They may also be unable to stop themselves from making quick decisions that later prove to be regrettable. They might spend money or time on things aren't needed, quit at the last minute or even have sex that isn't protected without considering 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 present in at least two settings such as at home, school, or work, with friends and family members, or in other activities. These symptoms should cause serious problems and interfere with or diminish the quality of, school, social or work functioning.
Many adults who did not receive an ADHD diagnosis as children realize that their symptoms continue to persist into adulthood, creating problems at work or in relationships. In these instances the health professional will examine the symptoms. This may include reviewing reports from the past and speaking to family members about childhood issues.
People suffering from ADHD generally respond well to treatment using psychotherapy, changes in lifestyle and medications known as stimulants. The stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that help improve focus and attention. These drugs can cause side effects but are generally considered safe if taken with medical supervision. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also prove effective. Some adults with ADHD get benefit from participating in a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
People suffering from ADHD can be disruptive when they have trouble managing their emotions and paying attention to the smallest details. This can affect their performance at work, make them difficult to get along with in personal relationships and even result in divorce or separation.
Adult ADHD is characterized by excessive talking interrupting others or acting without considering the consequences. These behaviors can also disrupt their home life and damage their relationships with family and friends. They may not remember important dates, like birthdays and anniversary dates, or struggle to complete household tasks or budget.
Adults with ADHD are also more prone to be bored easily and having difficulty waiting or sitting still. They can feel restless or fidgety, a symptom that is difficult to differentiate from depression and anxiety. People suffering from ADHD may also be angry and unruly, particularly when they are overly tired or upset.
Speak to your GP If you think you may have a disorder like ADHD. They may refer you to an expert in mental health for an assessment. They will ask about your symptoms and the impacts they have on your daily life. They will also ask about any other health concerns you suffer from. Certain medications, like those for depression, high blood pressure and high blood sugar can interact negatively with stimulants.
Sometimes, it takes an extended time to diagnose the condition, such as ADHD. There are waiting lists. However, the process is based on NICE guidelines. Your GP can discuss your challenges with you, and request to speak to your family members/whanau as well as employers (if they are able). If they are of the opinion that you are suffering from ADHD they will recommend you to the most appropriate service for an assessment.
5. Anxiety
If you suffer from ADHD you may suffer from anxiety. The good news is that with right treatment, you can manage your symptoms. Anxiety is an normal reaction to emotion. It can also become an issue when it becomes chronic. The first step is identifying the factors that trigger anxiety. This could be specific environments, tasks, or relationships. You can also use self-awareness to discover the ways in which your ADHD symptoms might be causing or aggravate your anxiety.
People suffering from ADHD have trouble being engaged in a job or activity, making it difficult to meet deadlines and other expectations at school and work. They are often unable to prioritize and causing miscommunication and missed opportunities. This can cause problems with family members or friends.
Anxiety can be a debilitating condition and is a major source of stress. It can cause a number of physical reactions, including sweating, a rapid pulse and a general feeling unease. It can also cause difficulty in concentration, or even depression.
Anxiety is a frequent co-occurring condition associated with ADHD. In fact, those suffering from the disorder are more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder than people who do not have ADHD. They are also more likely to have addictions smoking, impulsivity, and eating disorders.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists you in identifying and reframe unhealthy mindsets, beliefs, and ways of thinking in order to change your behaviors. Your doctor might also suggest other types of therapy like marriage or family counseling to help manage anxiety and improve relationships with your loved one. You could also consider keeping journals or practicing meditation to ease your stress.