ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Do you have trouble staying organized? Do you often forget important tasks, or often lose your wallet or keys? You could be suffering from ADHD.
Your doctor will refer you to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) to make a diagnose. The symptoms have been present for more than six months, and are suitable for your developmental stage.
1. Inattention
Many people who struggle with ADHD struggle to stay on task and sustaining focus, often at school or at work. This can lead to not being able to finish work, a lack of completion of projects at work or chores, unscheduled appointments and a general feeling of disorganisation. These issues can also cause problems in relationships with family and friends.
Adults with inattentive ADHD often struggle to concentrate during lectures or conversations, and also reading lengthy documents. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, adults with inattentive ADHD have difficulty concentrating during lectures or conversations and reading long documents. They may miss important information and make careless errors in their work. Inattentive ADHD patients might not be able to remain in a seated position and may require them to pace, tap their feet or chew gum during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD can be misdiagnosed as a health issue like anxiety, depression, or physical illnesses like stress. This can lead to people not being referred for an ADHD assessment or having their issues misinterpreted as another issue.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These symptoms include difficulty staying still, being anxious or interrupting others, as well as acting on impulse, without thinking about the consequences. It can cause issues with work, family, as well as social life. It could result in inappropriate behaviors such as impulsive spending and sexual activity that is not protected, or breaking promises. The signs of this kind of ADHD tend to be more evident in school environments where teachers can observe the students and provide appropriate help.
2. Hyperactivity
ADHD can affect adults in a variety of ways. Restlessness or hyperactivity is one of them. You may feel "on the move" or have trouble playing or participating in leisure activities at a secluded. It could also mean that you're not able to keep your place in conversations or games. Some people with ADHD struggle to determine how long tasks will take. For example, it may be difficult to determine how long it will take to complete homework or getting ready for a work meeting.
Adults who are hyperactive tend to fidget or pace their feet, talk too much and struggle to sit still. They also may have trouble following instructions and making decisions. Adults may have difficulty getting up or out of their bed in the morning, are late for work or school, and often lose their keys. This symptom may also cause strained relationships and poor performance in the workplace or at school.
While we don't have a clear understanding of what causes ADHD, studies suggest that genetics play a role. The environment and problems with the central nervous system of the brain at key moments during development can also increase the likelihood of having ADHD.
If you or a loved one is suffering from ADHD, it's important to seek out help from your health professional. Your doctor can refer you to mental health professionals that specialize in treating adult ADHD. NIMH provides tips on how to talk with your doctor about ADHD in case you're not in a position to know where to start. You can also find out more about the condition by reading the American Association for Psychiatric Research's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). The manual is accessible online for free.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less common than hyperactivity and inattention However, this characteristic may be present in some adults suffering from ADHD. People who act without considering the consequences may have issues with their relationships, work, and at school. They might not be able to sit still or talk in a loud manner, or interrupt others frequently. They may be unable to control their impulses, and may make decisions that they regret later. They may spend money or time on things they don't need, quit an employment on the spur of the moment or have unprotected sex 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 should be evident in a variety of settings, including home, work or school; with friends and family or in other activities. The symptoms must be an issue that is significant and impact the quality of social, school or work performance.
Adults who were never diagnosed with ADHD as children might discover that their symptoms persist into adulthood and cause problems at work or in relationships. In these instances, the health care provider will assess the symptoms. here. could involve reviewing old reports and talking to family members about childhood problems.
People suffering from ADHD generally respond well to treatment through psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and medications referred to as stimulants. The stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine, which can improve concentration and attention. Although adult ADHD symptoms men can cause negative effects, they are safe when they are taken under medical supervision. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also be beneficial. Some adults with ADHD benefit from joining a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
When people suffering from ADHD have difficulty managing their emotions or paying attention to the details of an event, they could become very disruptive. This can affect their work performance, making them difficult to get along with in their personal relationships, and even lead to separation or divorce.
Adult ADHD is defined as excessive talking, interrupting others, or acting without considering the consequences. These behaviors can also affect their home life and damage their relationships with family and friends. They might forget social obligations, birthdays or anniversaries and struggle to complete household chores or budget.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also prone to easily becoming bored and having difficulty waiting or sitting still. They can feel restless or fidgety, which is an indication that is difficult to differentiate from anxiety and depression. People with ADHD may also be irritable or short-tempered. This is especially true when they are exhausted or angry.
Speak to your GP in the event that you think that you might be suffering from a disorder, such as ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional for an assessment. They will inquire about your symptoms and what effects they have on your daily life. They will also ask about any other health concerns you may have. This is due to the fact that certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure and depression can interact with stimulants.
Sometimes, it takes an extended time to diagnose the condition, like ADHD. There are waiting lists. The process is based upon NICE guidelines. Your GP will talk to you about your issues and, if possible request to speak with your family/whanau or employer. If they believe that you have symptoms of ADHD, they will recommend you to the most appropriate service for an assessment.
5. Anxiety
If you suffer from ADHD, you may experience anxiety. The good news is that with right treatment, you can manage your symptoms. Anxiety is an expected reaction to emotion. Chronic anxiety can be an issue of serious concern. The first step is identifying the triggers that cause anxiety. This could be a specific situation or tasks, or even relationships. You can also utilize your self-awareness in order to identify how your ADHD symptoms may be leading to, or worsening, your anxiety.
People with ADHD struggle with engaging in a task or activity, which makes it difficult to meet deadlines and other expectations at school and work. They have difficulty prioritizing tasks which can lead to mistakes in communication and missed opportunities. This can also result in conflicts with family members or friends.
Anxiety can be debilitating and is a significant source of stress. It can trigger a range of physical reactions, such as sweating, rapid pulse and a general sense of unease. It can also lead to anxiety and depression.
Anxiety is a common comorbid condition with ADHD. People with ADHD are more likely than those without ADHD to suffer from a mood disorder or anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to suffer from addictions such as smoking, impulsivity, smoking and eating disorders.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is the combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify and reframe unhelpful attitudes, beliefs and patterns of thinking, can assist you in changing your behavior. Your doctor may also recommend other types of therapy, such as family or marriage counseling, to reduce anxiety and improve relationships with your loved ones. You can also keep a journal or meditate to help ease your worries.