ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you having trouble staying well-organized, forgetting important tasks or frequently lose your wallet or keys? You could be suffering from ADHD.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to establish 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 focused and staying on task typically at school or work. This can result in unfinished classwork, work projects or chores left hanging or forgotten appointments, as well as a general sense of disorganisation. These challenges can also cause issues with relationships with friends and family.
Adults with inattentive ADHD often have difficulty concentrating during lectures or conversations, and reading long documents. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, adults with inattention ADHD are unable to concentrate during conversations or lectures, and also reading lengthy documents. They might miss important information or make a mistake when working. Inattention ADHD sufferers may not be able to remain in a seated position for long periods of time and may need to chew gum, tap their feet or move around during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD can be disguised by other issues such as anxiety, depression, or physical health issues, such as stress or physical illness. This can mean that people fail to get referred for an ADHD assessment or have their challenges confused with a different issue. This could mean they are never treated.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These symptoms could include trouble sitting still, feeling restless or interrupting others, as well as doing things on impulse, without thinking about the consequences. It can lead to problems with family, work and social life and could result in inappropriate behaviours like spending impulsively, unprotected sex or breaking promises. This type of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school environments where teachers are able to provide supervision and assistance.
2. Hyperactivity
ADHD can affect adults in a variety of ways. Hyperactivity or restlessness is one of the symptoms. You might feel "on the move" or have difficulty playing or participating in leisure activities quietly. It also can mean being in a hurry to get your turn in conversations or games. Certain people with ADHD aren't able to gauge the time it will take to complete certain tasks. It can be difficult to estimate how much time to spend on homework, or preparing for a crucial meeting at work.
Adults with hyperactivity tend to fidget or move their feet or talk too much. They also struggle to sit still. They also may have trouble following directions and making decisions. Adults may have trouble getting out of bed or getting up and may be late for school or work, and may frequently lose their keys. This is a sign that they are susceptible to troubled relationships and poor performance at work or school.
While we don't know what causes ADHD, studies suggest that genetics are a factor. 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 has ADHD it's crucial to seek assistance from your health care provider. Your doctor can refer you to mental health specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. If you're unsure where to begin, NIMH offers tips for discussing with your health professional about ADHD. 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). This is free online.
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 make decisions without considering the consequences may have issues with their relationships, work, and at school. They may be unable to be patient and talk too much or interrupt others regularly. They might be unable to manage their impulses and make decisions that they regret later. They could spend money on things they don't need, quit their job on a whim, 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 apparent in two or more settings such as work, home or school or with family members and friends or in other activities. These symptoms should cause serious problems and hinder, or reduce the quality of social, school or work-related functioning.
Adults who were not diagnosed with ADHD as children may find that their symptoms continue throughout adulthood, causing problems at work or relationships. In these cases, a health professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person's symptoms, which could include looking over old report cards and talking to family members about childhood issues.
People with ADHD usually respond well to treatment with psychotherapy, changes in lifestyle and medications called stimulants. These stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine, which help increase focus and concentration. While these drugs may cause negative effects, they are safe when they are taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also be effective. Some adults with ADHD benefit from joining a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
If people with ADHD struggle with managing their emotions or paying attention to the details of an event, they could become very disruptive. This can affect their work performance, make them difficult to get along with in relationships at home and can lead to separation or divorce.
Talking too much, uttering answers before others have finished their questions, interrupting other people or acting on impulse without considering the consequences are signs of adult ADHD. These behaviors can also affect their lives at home and harm their relationships with friends and family. They may forget social commitments, birthdays or anniversaries and struggle to complete household chores or budget.
In addition, those with ADHD tend to be easily bored and have trouble getting bored or waiting for others. They may be agitated or fidgety, a symptom that is difficult to differentiate from anxiety and depression. People suffering from ADHD may also be angry and unruly, particularly when they are overly tired or angry.
Speak to your GP if you suspect you may have a disorder like ADHD. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health for an assessment. They will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. They will also ask you about any other health issues you may be suffering from. ADHD symptoms female adults , such as those for depression, high blood pressure and high blood sugar, may interact negatively with stimulants.
It can take time to assess someone for a condition like ADHD, and sometimes there are waiting lists. The process is based upon NICE guidelines. Your GP can discuss your issues with you, and ask to speak with your family/whanau, employers and friends (if possible). If they believe you have ADHD symptoms, they will refer to the best service to assess your needs.
5. Anxiety
You might also experience anxiety if you have ADHD. It is possible to manage your symptoms with the proper treatment. Anxiety is a reaction to stress. It can also become an issue if it becomes chronic. The first step is to identify the triggers that cause anxiety. This could be certain situations or tasks, or even relationships. You can also use your self-awareness in order to determine if your ADHD symptoms may be aggravating or causing your anxiety.
People with ADHD frequently have trouble staying focused on a task or activity. This makes it difficult to keep deadlines at school or at work, and to meet other requirements. They are often unable to prioritize which can lead to confusion and missed opportunities. This can cause problems with friends or family members.
Anxiety can be crippling and is a major source of stress. It can trigger a range of physical reactions, including a rapid pulse, sweating and a general sense of discomfort. It can also cause difficulty concentrating and even depression.
Anxiety is a common co-occurring condition associated with ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely than people without ADHD to be suffering from anxiety disorders or a mood disorder. They are also more likely to suffer from 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 and beliefs as well as ways of thinking in order to change your behaviors. Your doctor might also suggest other types therapy such as marriage or family counseling to help manage anxiety and improve relationships with loved ones. You can also keep a diary or meditate to help ease your anxiety.