Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Untreated ADHD can cause problems at work and in relationships. Once diagnosed and treated, you will be able to manage these issues.
To determine if you have ADHD, your doctor needs to determine if your symptoms cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. These could include difficulties staying on task at work or school, relationship conflicts and financial difficulties caused by impulsive purchases.
1. Problems with Focusing
For those with ADHD, staying on task at work, adhering to the corporate rules and deadlines can be difficult. They may have difficulty balancing their professional and personal lives, resulting in financial problems or impulse purchases. Even if they are intelligent and gifted, they may feel like their life is not fulfilling.
Focusing can be a challenge for people with ADHD because they have a difficult time keep track of their goals and commitments according to Dr. Lifshitz states. It is also common for them to get bored quickly and to seek more stimulating activities, like engaging with their friends and working at a quick pace or playing games. During breaks, they are likely to fumble around or perform chores around the house, which can cause anger for their spouses who might end up shouldering the majority of household responsibilities.
People suffering from ADHD also have difficulty regulating their emotions. This can cause them to lose focus and become distracted by other thoughts or desires. They struggle to pay attention to the minute details and may lose track of things like birthdays or appointments. They can get so caught up in a particular task or activity that other people are not noticed. This is called hyperfocus and it can lead to misunderstandings in relationships.
Recent studies have shown that many of the signs of adult ADHD are due to a malfunction in the frontal cortex, which is responsible for impulse control and attention. This is the reason why people with ADHD struggle to perform in the workplace or at school and find it hard to relax during downtime. They can't stay focused during an evening movie or massage. They also have trouble 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. As they grow, they can change between these types of presentations. Each has its own set of symptoms. A professional assessment of your behavior is the most reliable way to identify ADHD. They can help you understand the causes of your symptoms and teach you how to improve your memory, focus and planning. Psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavior therapy, is a different option.
2. Ignoring people
When you forget to grab your keys at home or an important meeting with a client, these tiny slip-ups can add up and cause problems in your life. Forgetfulness is a common manifestation of ADHD in adults. People who aren't attentive to ADHD are also prone to having trouble keeping their schedules in order and may underestimate the amount of time it takes to complete their tasks. The daily struggles can lead to anxiety and stress, which in turn can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adult ADHD symptoms are less obvious than those of children and can be harder to spot. If you are always late for work or events or have trouble working on your work or leave an arc of "incompletions," such as unpaid bills or anniversaries that you have forgotten about, it may be time to speak to 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, your doctor may prescribe stimulants, like Ritalin and Concerta, to help control your symptoms. These medications can improve your concentration and memory at work and school. The stimulants can cause side effects, so it's important to speak with your doctor before 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 drugs are less likely to cause side effects and do not work as quickly as stimulants. These medications can also trigger side effects such as stomachaches or headaches.
It is possible that your ADHD symptoms will fade over time. This is especially true if are older and have more responsibilities at work or home. If you're still struggling with these issues, speak to an expert counselor. They can teach you techniques for managing time and organizational skills that can aid, and they can 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. Meditation, exercise and deep breathing techniques are all great alternatives.
3. Forgetting Details
If you're losing keys frequently or have trouble finishing tasks at work It's worth looking into getting a diagnosis in the event that ADHD is a factor. There is no cure for ADHD, however the current treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. The treatments are medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
ADHD is an illness of the development, and it usually manifests in the teen or childhood years. However, the signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity can also persist into adulthood. They can also manifest along with other mental health issues like anxiety, depression or addictions. For adults, symptoms are more subtle than they are in adolescents or children.
Most people who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have both symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people have only inattentive ADHD without hyperactivity or impulse. People with only inattentive ADHD might be categorized as having ADD (formerly known as attention deficit disorder) instead of ADHD.
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation can include an interview with the patient, their family members and significant others, scoring scales or questionnaires, and a medical exam to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid problems and seizures. Many people with ADHD are unable to report their own symptoms, or even downplaying their symptoms, and it may be helpful for a family member to conduct the interview.
It is important that the person who is being evaluated describes how their symptoms impact their lives at home, school, work and social situations. The clinician will also ask whether the ADHD symptoms have led to any impairments in the past, such as being fired for not performing well at work or not being able to pay the bills on time.
Certain people suffering from ADHD take stimulant drugs to regulate the brain chemicals that control the mood, attention and behaviour. These medications can enhance relationships and functioning but they can also trigger side effects such as insomnia, headaches and heart rhythm issues. The doctor and patient should discuss the potential risks of these medications. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications that you are taking. Certain common medications, such as blood pressure medication and antidepressants could interact with stimulants.
4. additional hints tend to fidget in meetings or when people are talking. You could fidget by tapping your feet or biting your nails. This type of restlessness is a common ADHD symptom in adults. It can make it hard to remain focused and could cause people to appear irritable or anxious. The urge to move and do things constantly can cause depression and mood shifts.
Certain adults with ADHD were diagnosed as children. Others may have not been diagnosed until later in their lives. Hyperactivity symptoms are common to diminish as you age. However, they may be a problem in your life and relationships.
As an adult, it can be more difficult to spot ADHD symptoms since they are less obvious than in kids. The Behavioral Health Specialist Michael Manos says to think about the last time you experienced difficulty managing your time and organizing your tasks at work or home. If you observe a pattern of incompletions such as missed appointments, unfinished projects or anniversaries you've forgotten You may be suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
Contact your primary care doctor for a referral or consult a psychiatrist if you suspect you may have ADHD. They can conduct an examination of your body and examine your medical history to rule out any condition that may be causing your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. The American Psychiatric Association has a manual that contains diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Your doctor will use the scores to interview you about how your symptoms affect your life.
While everyone has lapses in attention at times, it's important for adults who suspect they suffer from ADHD to get help from a healthcare professional. They can devise a treatment plan that will help them manage their symptoms and live a healthy lifestyle. The earlier they begin treatment, the better their quality of life.