ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Do you have trouble staying organized, often forget important tasks, or often lose your wallet or keys? You may have ADHD.
Your health care provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to make an assessment. The symptoms have been present for more than six months, and are appropriate for your developmental stage.
1. Attention
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on task, whether at work or in school. This may result in incomplete classwork, work projects or chores that are left unfinished or forgotten appointments, as well as an overall feeling of disorganization. These challenges may also result in problems with family and friends.
Adults with ADHD who are inattentive often have trouble 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 who suffer from inattention ADHD have difficulty concentrating during lectures or conversations and reading long documents. They may miss important details and frequently make careless mistakes at work. Inattention-deficient ADHD patients may not be able to remain in a seated position and may have to walk around, tap their feet or chew gum during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD is often disguised by other issues such as anxiety, depression or physical health issues, such as stress or a physical illness. This could mean that people fail to get referred for an ADHD assessment or have their challenges confused with another issue, which could mean they're not treated.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These can include trouble staying still, being restless and interrupting others, and engaging in impulsive behavior without thinking about the consequences. This can create problems in the family at work, as well as with friends. It can also lead to inappropriate behaviors such as impulsive spending or unprotected sexual activity. This type of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school environments where teachers are able to provide supervision and support.
2. Hyperactivity
ADHD can affect adults in a variety of ways. The term "restlessness" or hyperactivity" is one of them. It could be feeling as if you're always "on the go" or having difficulty playing or participating in leisure activities quietly. This could also mean you are unable to be patient in games or conversations. Certain people with ADHD struggle to determine how long tasks will take. It may be difficult to determine how much time to devote on homework, or preparing for a crucial meeting at work.
Adults with hyperactivity tend to be more likely to pace or fidget, talk excessively and have difficulty sitting still. They may also have difficulty taking directions and making decisions. Adults may struggle to get out of bed or getting up and may be late for school or work, and may frequently lose their keys. This can lead to tension in relationships and poor performance in school or at work.
While we don't know what causes ADHD research suggests that genetics are a factor. Additionally the environment and problems with the brain's central nervous system at crucial times in development can increase the risk of having the disorder.
It's important that you or someone you care about seek assistance from your physician when they suffer from ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to mental health professionals who specialize in treating adults ADHD. NIMH provides tips on how to talk to your doctor about ADHD when you're not in a position to know where to start. You can also learn more about the disorder by reading the American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). This is free online.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is not as prevalent than hyperactivity and inattention it is still a possibility among some adults with ADHD. People who behave without considering the consequences could have issues with their relationships, their work and in school. They may not be able to sit still and talk too much or interrupt others regularly. They may also be unable to prevent themselves from making decisions that they later regret. They could spend money or time on things that they don't require, leave at the last minute or go out without thinking about 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 noticeable in more than one setting such as work, home or school; with friends and family; or in other activities. These symptoms must be an issue that is significant and impact the quality of school, social or work performance.
Many adults who never received an ADHD diagnosis as children find that their symptoms continue to persist into adulthood, creating problems at work or in relationships. In these cases, a health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person's symptoms. This could include looking through old reports and speaking with relatives about childhood problems.
People suffering from ADHD generally respond well to treatment through psychotherapy, changes in lifestyle and medications known as stimulants. ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults boost the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which enhance focus and concentration. While these drugs may cause adverse effects, they are safe when administered under the supervision of a medical professional. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may also be beneficial. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from participation in a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
People suffering from ADHD are often disruptive when they have trouble managing their emotions and paying attention to the smallest details. This can hinder their work performance, making 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 completed their questions, causing disruption to other people or acting on impulse without thinking about the consequences are signs of adult ADHD. These behaviors can also affect their home life and damage their relationships with their family and friends. They may forget important dates, such as birthdays and anniversary celebrations, or struggle to complete household tasks or budget.
Additionally, people with ADHD tend to be easily bored and have difficulty getting bored or waiting for others. They may be agitated or fidgety, a symptom that is difficult to distinguish from depression and anxiety. People suffering from ADHD may also be angry and unruly, particularly when they're exhausted or upset.
Talk to your GP if you suspect you may have a disorder like ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health for an assessment. They will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily functioning. They will also ask you about any other health concerns that you might have. Certain medications, such as those for depression, high blood pressure and high blood sugar can interact negatively with stimulants.
Sometimes, it can take a long time to diagnose an illness like ADHD. There are waiting lists. The procedure is based on NICE guidelines. Your GP will discuss your concerns and, if it is possible you can ask for a discussion with your family members/whanau or your employer. If they agree you have ADHD symptoms they will refer you to the best service to assess you.
5. Anxiety
If you suffer from ADHD, you may be afflicted by anxiety. It is possible to manage your symptoms with the proper treatment. Anxiety is an normal reaction to emotions. Anxiety that is chronic can turn into a serious issue. The first step is to identify the triggers that cause anxiety. It could be a particular environment, tasks, or relationships. You could also use your self-awareness in order to determine how your ADHD symptoms may be contributing to, or exacerbating anxiety.
People with ADHD typically have trouble staying focused on a task or an activity. This makes it difficult to complete deadlines at school or work and also to meet other expectations. They often struggle with prioritizing which can lead to confusion and missed opportunities. This can also cause problems with family members or friends.
Anxiety can be debilitating, in addition to being an important source of stress. It can trigger a variety of physical reactions, including sweating, a rapid heartbeat and a general sense of unease. It can also cause difficulties in concentration and depression.
Anxiety is often a co-occurring disorder with ADHD. People with ADHD are more likely than people without ADHD to suffer from anxiety disorders or a mood disorder. They also have higher levels of smoking, addiction, impulsivity and eating disorders as well as problems with their families.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change unhealthy habits beliefs, attitudes, and ways of thinking to change your behaviors. Your doctor may also suggest other types of therapy like family or marriage counseling, to manage anxiety and improve relationships with your loved one. You can also keep your own journal or meditate to help relieve your worries.