ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you struggling to stay well-organized, forgetting important tasks or frequently lose your keys or wallet? If so, you could have ADHD.
Your doctor will use 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 appropriate for your developmental stage.
1. Attention
Many people who struggle with ADHD have difficulty staying 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, missed appointments, and a general feeling of disorganization. These challenges may also lead to problems in relationships with family and friends.
Adults with inattentive ADHD often have trouble concentrating during conversations or lectures, and reading long documents. Adults with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty to focus during conversations or lectures, and also to read lengthy documents, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They may miss important information and make careless errors in their work. Inattention ADHD patients might not be able to sit still and may have to walk around, tap their feet or chew gum during meetings.
Inattentional ADHD is often disguised by other issues such as anxiety, depression or physical health issues like stress or physical illness. This could mean that people aren't referred for an ADHD assessment or have their challenges confused with a different issue. This could mean that they are not treated.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. This could include difficulty staying still, being restless and interrupting others, as well as doing things on impulse without thinking about the consequences. It can cause issues with family, work and social life, and may result in inappropriate behaviors like spending impulsively and sexual activity that is not protected, or breaking promises. This type of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school settings where teachers are able supervise and offer support.
2. Hyperactivity
ADHD can affect adults in a variety of ways. Hyperactivity or restlessness is just one of the symptoms. You might feel "on the move" or have trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities at a secluded. It could also mean that you're not able to wait your turn in conversations or games. Certain people who suffer from ADHD have difficulty to estimate how long certain tasks will take. For example, it may be difficult to know how long it will take to complete homework or making preparations for a work meeting.
Adults who are hyperactive tend to fidget or move their feet, talk too much and are unable to sit still. They also may have trouble following directions and making decisions. Adults may struggle to get out of bed or getting out of bed and may be late for school or work and lose their keys frequently. This symptom can also lead to a rocky relationship and poor performance at work or school.
Although we don't yet know what causes ADHD in children, studies have revealed that genetics could play a part. The environment and the issues with the central nervous system of the brain at critical moments during development can also increase the chances of developing ADHD.
If you or a loved one has ADHD it is important to seek assistance from your health care provider. Your doctor may refer you to mental health professionals who specialize in treating adult ADHD. NIMH provides tips on how to talk to your doctor about ADHD in case you're not in a position to know where to start. You can also find out more about ADHD by reading the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5TR). The manual is available online for free.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less common than hyperactivity and inattention, it may still be present in some adults suffering from ADHD. People who behave without considering the consequences could have issues with their relationships, work and in school. They might not be able to wait for their turn, talk too loudly or interrupt other people frequently. They may also find it difficult to stop themselves from making decisions that they regret later. They might spend money on things they don't really require, quit their job on the spur of the moment, or engage in unprotected sexual activity 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 environments such as at home, school, or at work, with friends and family members, as well as during other activities. These symptoms should cause serious problems and interfere with or diminish the quality of, social, school or work performance.
Adults who were not diagnosed with ADHD as children might discover that their symptoms persist into adulthood and cause problems at work or relationships. In these instances the health care professional will examine the symptoms. This could involve reviewing old reports and talking to family members about childhood issues.
People with ADHD respond well to psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and stimulant medication. These stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which improve focus and attention. These drugs can cause negative effects, but they are generally regarded as safe when taken with medical supervision. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also be effective. Some adults with ADHD are able to benefit from participation in an informal peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
If people with ADHD have trouble managing their emotions or paying attention to the specifics of an event, they could become very disruptive. This can impact their performance at work and make them difficult to manage in personal relationships. It can result in divorce or separation.
Adult ADHD is defined as excessive talk, interrupting others, or acting in a way that is not thinking about the consequences. These behaviors can also impact their personal life as well as their relationships with their family and friends. They might forget important dates, such as birthdays and anniversary dates or have difficulty completing household tasks or budget.
In addition, those with ADHD tend to be easily bored and have trouble being still or waiting for others to arrive. They may be agitated or fidgety, a sign that is hard to differentiate from depression and anxiety. People suffering from ADHD may also be irritable or short-tempered. This is especially the case when they are tired or frustrated.
If you suspect you may might have a disorder such as ADHD consult your GP or a licensed psychologist. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or any other mental health professional to conduct an assessment. They will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your daily functioning. They will also ask about any other health concerns you 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 can take an extended time to diagnose the condition, such as ADHD. There are waiting lists. However, next follows NICE guidelines. Your GP can discuss your challenges with you and ask to talk to your family/whanau, employers and friends (if they are able). If they are of the opinion that you exhibit ADHD symptoms they will refer you to the best service to assess you.
5. Anxiety
You might also experience anxiety if you suffer from ADHD. The good news is that with the proper treatment, you can manage your symptoms. Anxiety is an emotional reaction. It can also be a serious problem when it develops into a chronic. The first step is to determine what triggers anxiety. It could be a particular environment or tasks, or even relationships. You can also use your self-awareness to determine if your ADHD symptoms could be leading to, or worsening your anxiety.
People with ADHD typically have trouble staying focused on a task or an activity. This makes it difficult to meet deadlines at work or school, and to meet other demands. They have difficulty prioritizing tasks which can lead to confusion and missed opportunities. This can result in conflicts with family members and friends.
In addition to being a major source of stress, anxiety can be debilitating. It can cause a number of physical reactions, including sweating, rapid pulse and a general feeling anxiety. It can also cause anxiety and depression.
Anxiety is often a comorbid disorder that is associated with ADHD. In fact, people with the disorder are more likely to suffer from a mood or anxiety disorder than those who do not suffer from ADHD. They are also more likely to have addictions such as smoking, impulsivity, smoking and eating disorders.
The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders and ADHD is a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you recognize and reframe unhealthy mindsets beliefs, attitudes, and ways of thinking to alter your behaviors. Your doctor may also recommend other types therapy, such as marriage or family counseling to reduce anxiety and improve your relationships with a loved ones. You can also keep a diary or meditate to help alleviate your stress.