Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many people who suffer from ADHD live their entire lives, without ever being diagnosed. They may even be misdiagnosed with other conditions.
They might feel relief at receiving an explanation for their problems and knowing that they're not 'lazy' or unwilling. They may also feel frustrated that their problems weren't recognised and addressed earlier.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
ADHD is usually characterized by difficulty staying focused. This is a chronic condition, but it can cause more problems in adulthood when people have more responsibilities to manage. It can interfere with relationships, work and other aspects of life. It can also lead people to feel that they've failed, especially when they're always late or fail to meet deadlines.
Focus issues can be a problem in many areas that include school, work, and social activities. It can lead to missing opportunities and poor performance at work, and financial problems. It can also make routine medical treatment and treatments more difficult to keep up.
In some instances, a person’s difficulty concentration may be due to underlying mental or health issues that require treatment first. For instance, anxiety or depression can cause a person to lose focus, become distracted, and forget important details. Having these conditions treated can help the person to concentrate better.
People who are not diagnosed or treated for ADHD often have difficulty to perform well in school, work or in other areas. They may have difficulty getting along with their colleagues or classmates, as well as family members and may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. Others may label them as lazy, irresponsible or naive.
ADHD is usually treated with medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine can help people stay focused by increasing or managing the levels of brain chemicals that affect the ability to focus. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine, and other antidepressants can be used if stimulants are not safe for health reasons or have serious negative side effects. Cognitive and behavioral therapy may also be helpful for people who suffer from ADHD. These therapies can help improve self-esteem and teach you how to remain organized at home and at the office. They also provide assistance in managing your daily responsibilities.
2. Poor Memory
For a lot of people with ADHD memory problems are a major reason for their struggles. They might forget important tasks, deadlines or other commitments, and may be unable to keep track of their schedules or chores. They are also prone to losing things like glasses, keys or even cell phones. These problems can affect your school, work and social life. But it's hard to find assistance for adults who have been viewed by their parents as "lazy or bad 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, symptoms have to interfere with the daily activities at school, work or at home. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the person's symptoms and their history using ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized scores for behavioral ratings. They may be able to inquire about childhood behaviors and speak to relatives.
People who suffer from ADHD are at a higher chance of developing depression or other mood disorders. They often have trouble understanding and managing their emotions, and frustrations can escalate into arguments or feelings of hopelessness.
Treatment for adult ADHD may involve group and family therapy and self-help groups, as well as vocational counseling, education assistance and medication. Exercise, dietary modifications and behavioral counseling can ease symptoms. The most frequently prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD are stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, which appear to boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and some antidepressants, can also be utilized to treat adult ADHD. These medications tend to work slower than stimulants but are a great option for adults who can't take them because of health problems or severe adverse effects.
3. Impulsivity
One of the biggest challenges for people with adhd is that they are unable to always control their impulses. They may be compelled to agree to too many things, and then struggle to finish the work they've set out to complete. This could cause issues at work, in relationships and with finances. They could also overlook important medical or legal documents, putting their health at risk.
The challenges of adhd begin in the early years of most people and persist into the adolescent years and into adulthood. The symptoms can worsen during certain periods of life, such as when they move out of home or when new demands like parenthood or a change in job come along. They can also get better 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 suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, making it difficult to pinpoint if ADHD is the reason behind their issues.
If signs of adhd in adults suspect you be suffering from adult adhd, talk to your GP. They can refer you to the appropriate service to assess your condition. It is typically a community mental or neurodevelopmental service.
It's possible to participate in a clinical study that will determine if medication is effective for adults with adhd. It's important to discuss the benefits and cons with your GP before you decide to sign up. They can help you understand the risks and decide if it is right for you.
4. Reluctance
People with ADHD struggle to concentrate on tasks that don't interest them. They also lose their focus quickly and make mistakes because they are bored and want to explore new things. This is more prevalent for children and teens with the condition than in adults, but it can cause problems in work, school and at home.
While anyone can experience restlessness However, those with ADHD typically experience it more intensely than others. This can make them in a state of disorientation at school or at work and may also delay appointments or show up late to work or social events. It can also cause feelings of disappointment, frustration and despair. Restless people can become anxious and depressed. They may also be irritable, angry or depressed. They may also try to take self-medication by drinking alcohol or other substances.
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 they confront. A diagnosis can bring relief and hope to those suffering from the disorder. It can help them understand that their difficulties are not due to a character flaw, or personal weakness or a lack of motivation, but rather ADHD.
If you know an adult who has ADHD, try to support them as much as you can. Encourage them to adopt healthy sleep habits. Avoid caffeine and sugary food prior to bedtime. Regularly exercise. Use a daily schedule to prepare for the coming day. Sleep at the same time each night. You can also sign them up for an adult ADHD peer support group. This can be a great opportunity to connect with other people suffering from similar conditions.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety is a sign of adhd in adulthood that can manifest as restlessness, trouble sleeping, or fear that is not rational. The symptoms can affect the person's daily life and their relationships with other people. The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can overlap and it can be difficult for mental health professionals to distinguish between the two. This could lead to a misdiagnosis which can result in both conditions being undertreated or not treated.
Anxiety and ADHD are not the same thing. However, it's not common for people with ADHD to suffer from anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by ADHD or the effects of the disorder. If a person with ADHD forgets to study or misses a work deadline, they might become anxious.
Researchers have discovered that those with comorbid ADHD and anxiety have lower accuracy in working memory tasks than those who have ADHD alone (Jarrett and co., 2014). When discussing treatment options with your mental health professional it is essential to mention any other health issues or medications you are taking. Certain medications, specifically those used to treat adult health issues like high blood pressure, or diabetes, can interact with certain stimulants used for ADHD.
Psychiatrists treat ADHD by prescribing drugs that can be used as stimulants, for example Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). These medications quickly increase the supply of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This reduces hyperactivity, improve focus and alleviate ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist will also likely recommend therapy to uncover the root causes of anxiety, and teach the skills of stress management and coping.