Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in your relationships and at work. Being diagnosed and treated may help you cope with these issues.
Your doctor must determine if you suffer from issues that affect two or more areas of your life. This could include having trouble being on time at work or school as well as relationship conflicts and financial issues caused by impulse purchases.
1. Problems with Focusing
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to stay on task or follow corporate rules or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty balancing their personal and professional lives, resulting in financial issues or impulsive purchases. Even if they're smart and talented, they often feel like their lives are not satisfying.
Dr. Lifshitz explains that people with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused due to being not able to stick to their commitments and goals. They also tend to get bored easily and are drawn to stimulating activities such as socializing or working at a fast pace, or playing games. In breaks, they tend to fumble around or perform chores around the house, causing frustration for their families who might end up shouldering an excessive amount of household responsibilities.
Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD are unable to control their emotions, which can cause problems with their focus and cause them to be easily distracted by other thoughts and desires. They aren't able to focus on the small details and frequently forget important things like birthdays or appointments. They may get so engrossed in their work or project that they fail to notice other people around them. This is called hyperfocus and it can lead to confusion in relationships.
The majority of the symptoms associated with adult ADHD stem from a breakdown in the frontal lobe which is responsible for attention and impulse control according to recent studies. This is why people with ADHD struggle to perform in school or at work and find it difficult to relax in the evenings. They can't sit through the movie, become agitated when they get a massage, or have a hard time following the rules of board games.
People with ADHD may have different subtypes of the condition, including predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation and combined presentation. The person may switch between these presentations as they grow up, and each has a different set of symptoms. A professional assessment of your behavior is the most reliable way to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and show you how to improve your focus, memory and planning. Psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy, is a different option.
2. Ignoring people
These little lapses when you fail to take your keys at home or a meeting with a client that is important, could create problems in your day-to-day life. Forgetfulness is a typical manifestation of ADHD in adults. People with inattention ADHD may also have trouble staying organized and may underestimate the time it will take to complete their tasks. These issues can cause stress and anxiety that can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms are less obvious than the symptoms of children and can be more difficult to recognize. If you're always late to meetings or other occasions, have difficulties completing work projects, or are leaving a trail of "incompletions" to your name -- such as unpaid bills, missed appointments and unremembered anniversaries might be an appropriate time to speak with your doctor about ADHD.
Some people with ADHD have only inattentive symptoms, while others have both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. If you have only inattentive ADHD symptoms, your doctor may prescribe stimulants like Ritalin or Concerta to help control your symptoms. These medications can improve your focus and memory at work and school. Stimulants can have side effects. It is important to discuss these issues with your doctor prior to beginning treatment.
If you have only hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, your doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine or guanfacine to help control your symptoms. These medications have less negative side effects and do not work as quickly as stimulants. These medications can also cause negative side effects like headaches or stomachaches.
It's possible that your ADHD symptoms may go away by themselves over time, especially if you're older and are more responsible at work or at home. If you continue to have problems, think about speaking to an experienced counselor. They can teach you methods of time management and organizational skills that could assist, and they could also discuss ways to reduce stress. Stress can cause ADHD symptoms worse It's a good idea to find healthy ways to manage your stress. Exercise, meditation and deep breathing techniques are all good alternatives.
3. Forgetting Details
If you are constantly losing your keys or have difficulty completing tasks at work it's time to get an ADHD diagnosis. While there's no cure for this disorder, current treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The treatments are psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.
ADHD is a disorder of development, and usually manifests in the teen years or early childhood. However, signs of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity may persist throughout adulthood. They may also occur along with other mental health issues like anxiety, depression or addictions. For adults, symptoms are more subtle than in teenagers or children.
Most people who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have both symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. However, there are some who have inattentive ADHD symptoms without the symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity. People with inattentive ADHD could be diagnosed as having ADD (formerly known as attention deficit disorder) rather than ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric examination could include an interview with the patient, their family members, and significant others, evaluation of rating scales, questionnaires, and a medical exam to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, for instance seizures or thyroid problems. It is helpful to have a family member interview the patient. A lot of ADHD sufferers are unable to express their symptoms or reduce them.
It is crucial that the person being assessed describes how their symptoms impact them at home, school, work and in social situations. The clinician may also ask about a previous history of impairment due to the ADHD symptoms, for example, being dismissed from work because of inefficiency or being unable to pay bills on time.
Some adults with ADHD take stimulant medications to balance brain chemicals that control behavior, mood and attention. These medications can enhance functioning and improve relationships, but they can also cause negative side effects, like headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia and heart rhythm disturbances. The doctor should discuss the potential risks and benefits of these drugs with the patient. It is also essential to inform the doctor of any other medications or supplements the patient is taking. Some commonly used medications, like blood pressure and antidepressants can interact with stimulants.
4. Fidgeting
You tend to fidget during meetings or when else is talking. You can fidget by tapping your feet or gnashing your nails. This restlessness is another common symptom of ADHD in adults. It can be difficult to focus, and it can make people appear irritable or anxious. The desire to move constantly and do things can also lead to depression and shifts in mood.
Some adults with ADHD were diagnosed as children. Others may not have been diagnosed until later in their lives. It is normal for symptoms like hyperactivity to diminish as you age however, they can have a significant impact on daily life and relationships.
In what are ADHD symptoms in adults , it may be difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms as they are more subtle than in kids. Michael Manos, a behavioral health specialist, advises you to think back to the last time you struggled with managing your time and organizing at work or home. If you notice an increase in incompletions, like missed appointments, unfinished projects or forgotten anniversaries You may be suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
Ask your primary care provider for a referral to a psychiatrist if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. They can do a physical examination and examine your medical history to rule out any condition that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. The American Psychiatric Association offers a manual that outlines the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Your doctor will make use of these ratings to talk with you about your symptoms and how they affect your life.
While everyone has lapses in attention from time to time it is important for those who think they have ADHD to get assistance from a medical professional. They can create an appropriate treatment plan and manage their symptoms to lead an active and healthy life. The sooner they begin treatment, the better their level of living.