Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from issues that first appeared in childhood. But the symptoms must be severe and persistent to justify a diagnosis at the age of adulthood.
Mood disorders are common in people with ADHD. They may be suffering from depression or bipolar disorder. They may also suffer from anxiety disorders, for example, panic attacks.
1. It is difficult to concentrate
In adults with ADHD, problems with attention cause trouble staying on task and sustaining focus. They also have a difficult time organizing their time. These symptoms can be severe or mild however, everyone's experience is different. People who aren't attentive ADHD may appear irritable or easily distracted, while hyperactive people tend to fidget a lot or talk a lot.
If you are experiencing problems with your concentration and suspect you may be suffering from ADHD Talk to a mental health professional or GP. If your symptoms are severe or moderate and interfere with daily functioning Your GP may refer you to a specialist.
These medications are typically the first choice for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain drugs may have side effects which make them unsuitable or even harmful. Your GP will recommend a medicine or combination that works best for you. They will also take into consideration the impact of other factors on your symptoms, such as mood disorders and physical conditions.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are usually quick-acting and last for about four hours. After that, they may cause a rebound or crash effect that can result in a sudden drop in energy and hunger. They can also increase heart rate and blood pressure slightly, so you should inform your GP about any other medications you may be taking.
If you are struggling to stay still or focused, you can try meditation, exercise, or an outdoor walk. You might also benefit from a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program which teaches methods to improve your ability to focus and regulate your emotions. CBT can help you improve your relationships by addressing issues like forgetfulness, poor timing and impulsive behavior.
2. Inattention
People with inattention ADHD have trouble staying focused on their work and committing blunders. They often fail to follow directions, miss appointments, and fail to complete their schoolwork or assignments. They might also have trouble with their attention or a tendency to daydream a good amount. This kind of ADHD symptom usually appears in childhood, but can continue into adulthood and cause problems at school or at work.
Although everyone loses their keys and phones occasionally, a pattern of losing important items frequently could indicate that someone isn't paying attention. People with inattentive ADHD may also be sloppy or unorganized, and have trouble keeping their belongings in order. They are likely to make errors frequently at school or work for example, not being able to proofread reports or forgetting important details in a project.
symptoms of adhd in adults treatment who have inattention ADHD often blame themselves for their failures. This can result in a vicious cycle of self-esteem loss and depression. It may be easier to hide their symptoms when they blame others or avoid social activities. They may have a hard to achieve their goals at home or at work and are more likely to be criticised by co-workers or family members for being flaky, lazy, or inattentive.
To identify a person suffering from inattention ADHD, a health care professional will ask about the person's symptoms and the time they occur. They will also use a rating scale to determine how much ADHD affects daily life. They can also speak to people who knew the person as a child and ask questions about their growth. They can also inquire for information about any other medical conditions or emotional problems.
3. Impulsivity
Adults who have adhd may exhibit different symptoms as children. A child with ADHD might be agitated and loud in the classroom, whereas adults may interrupt other students or start playing games or engaging in other activities without permission. They might forget to make appointments, miss deadlines or make decisions impulsively that strain relationships with friends or co-workers.
Adults who exhibit impulsive behavior may be troubled with schoolwork or performance, and might be at risk of causing accidents or legal issues. They are also more likely to experience depression and other mood disorders. A doctor or mental health specialist can help people with an impulsive personality learn to stop themselves before they act and weigh the consequences of their actions. They may recommend medications like the clonidine or guanfacine. Antidepressants, also known as selective serotoninin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also be helpful.
To be diagnosed with a condition that affects their ability to control their emotions, they must be suffering from chronic problems in multiple areas of their life. Adults are generally not thought to be suffering from a medical condition unless their symptoms have been present since childhood or result in clinically significant impairments in several aspects of their lives.
If the person's impulsive behavior are affecting their lives, they should talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist. They could suggest psychotherapy or accommodations, which are tools and adjustments to the environment that help manage an illness. For example planning a schedule can be beneficial, as can setting up regular routines, using smartphone apps to keep track of schedules or seeking assistance from colleagues or teachers. They could also suggest cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to alter the way a person views an event. This could change their behavior.
4. Hyperactivity
In contrast to children, many adults do not experience issues with tension or fidgeting if they have ADHD. They may have difficulty sitting still for a long period of time waiting in line, or following instructions at school and work. They are also more likely to experience frequent mood swings and poor tolerance for anger which can lead to conflict in relationships.
To determine ADHD in adults, the symptoms must be present before the age of 12. They must occur in at least two different settings and significantly affect their functioning. A mental health professional or primary healthcare professional who is trained in ADHD must determine the diagnosis. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of the person has to be completed. This includes a description of symptoms by the individual and their caregivers, a discussion with the person about their behaviour and experiences at school, home and at work, and reviewing the medical and psychiatric history. Physical examinations are also vital as certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders and sleep apnea that can cause symptoms and signs.
A comorbid condition such as anxiety or depression, can frequently co-occur with ADHD and make it difficult to manage the symptoms. If a comorbidity disorder is identified, it must be treated to manage ADHD.
A few people who have mild ADHD symptoms discover that medication and other interventions can be enough to enhance their lives. People with moderate symptoms are more likely to face difficulties with their work or social life, and those with severe symptoms might struggle to maintain jobs and relationships. In these situations, therapy that teaches how to cope and classes that help people develop better communication, and couples therapy can be helpful.
5. Disruptive behavior
In some instances, the signs of ADHD can lead to disruptive behaviors. This includes forgetting important events or appointments, not paying attention to others and interrupting often and making irrational choices or not observing rules and other problems that can strain relationships. It may be helpful to engage in therapy that helps improve organizational skills and decrease the distortions in thinking that contribute to negative moods. These issues can also be helped by mood stabilizers (antidepressants).
A doctor may use a behavior rating scale or checklist to determine if an adult has the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough evaluation will usually consist of a detailed review of the child's experiences and behavior. A mental health professional may also request permission to talk with family and friends about the person's history. A health professional may also conduct medical and psychological tests to identify other conditions that may cause or coexist with ADHD such as anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, low blood pressure, high or low blood sugar 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 evident across a range of settings and result in clinically significant impairments for at least six months to be given an ADHD diagnose. (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
It is possible that the signs and symptoms of ADHD will look different as people grow older, and they may vary according to the environment or the specific situation. Some people might need to take medication for ADHD. Others may benefit from behavior treatment, such as counseling or parent training. Some adults with ADHD might need to work closely with their teachers and staff to get the support they need at school.