Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many people suffering from ADHD live their lives without ever being diagnosed. They may even be misdiagnosed as having other conditions.
They might feel relieved to know that they're not 'lazy or unwilling'. They may also feel frustrated that their problems were not identified and treated earlier.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to focus is a typical sign of ADHD. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime but it can trigger more problems in adulthood when people are faced with more responsibilities. It can affect relationships, work and other aspects of your life. It can also lead people to feel like they've failed, particularly if they are constantly late or not meeting their deadlines.
Inattention can be a problem in a variety of areas that include work, school, and social activities. It can result in missing opportunities as well as poor job performance and financial difficulties. It can also make it difficult to keep up with routine medical and health care.
In some instances, a person's difficulty in focusing could be caused by an underlying physical or mental health issue that must be addressed first. For instance, anxiety and depression can cause a person to lose focus, become distracted, and forget important details. The treatment of these issues can help the person to focus better.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can make it difficult for people to be successful at school, at work or on other tasks. They may struggle to maintain good relationships with family members, co-workers or classmates. They may be considered stupid, lazy, or irresponsible by their peers.
Medications are often prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine can aid in keeping some people focused by increasing or balancing the levels of brain chemicals that affect attention. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants are appropriate when stimulants aren't suitable for the health of a person or have severe side negative effects. Cognitive and behavioral therapies can be beneficial for people with ADHD. These therapies can improve self-esteem, teach strategies to remain organized at home as well as at work, and offer support in managing daily responsibilities.
2. Poor Memory
For a lot of people with ADHD, memory problems are a major reason for their challenges. They may lose track of important tasks, deadlines or other commitments. They may struggle to keep their routine or chores. They could also be susceptible to losing things like glasses, keys or even phones. These problems can impact work, school and social life, however it's sometimes difficult to seek help, particularly for adults whose parents could dismiss their issues as "being lazy or not a good student."
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that a person experiences several inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that are present before age 12. To be considered to have ADHD in adults, symptoms must be affecting daily life at work, school or at home. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will evaluate the person's symptoms and history using ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scores. The person may also ask about childhood behaviors and talk to relatives.
People suffering from ADHD are at a higher risk of developing depression and other mood disorders. They often have trouble understanding and managing their emotions, and frustrations can spiral into arguments or feelings of hopelessness.
Treatment for adults with ADHD could include group and family therapy as well as self-help groups, vocational counseling, education assistance and medication. Behavioral coaching, dietary changes and exercise can aid in reducing symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD often take stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs appear to balance brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters by increasing their levels. Adult ADHD can be treated using nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine or some antidepressants. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants, however they are suitable for people who cannot take stimulants due to health issues or serious adverse effects.
3. Impulsivity
The biggest challenge for adults with adhd is that they don't manage their impulses. They may be enticed by their impulses to agree to everything and then struggle to complete the tasks they've begun. This could lead to issues with relationships, work and finances. They may also forget important medical documents or instructions, putting their health at risk.
For most people with adhd, the challenges begin in childhood and continue throughout the teen years and into adulthood. They can become worse at certain times in life, such as when they leave the home or when new obligations like parenthood or a change in job come along. They could also improve as they age.
Most people with ADHD have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, although some have more of one than the other. They could also be suffering from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety which make it difficult for them to identify that underlying ADHD is the cause of their issues.
Talk to your doctor if you suspect adult adhd. They will be able to refer you to the appropriate service to assess your condition. It is usually a community mental or neurodevelopmental service.
You can participate in a study to determine whether medication is beneficial for adults suffering from adhd. It's essential to speak to your GP about the pros and cons of participating. They can discuss the risks involved and determine if it's right for you.
4. Restlessness
People suffering from ADHD struggle to focus on tasks that don't interest them. They also lose their focus easily and make mistakes because they're bored and eager to try new things. This is more prevalent in children and teenagers with the condition than in adults, but it can cause problems at the workplace, at school, and at home.
While anyone can experience restlessness but people who suffer from ADHD tend to feel it more strongly than other people. This can affect their ability to concentrate on work or school and can result in them missing appointments or be late for work or social engagements. It can also cause feelings of disappointment, frustration and despair. People who are afflicted by restlessness may be depressed, anxious, or angry and may attempt to take self-medicating measures with alcohol or other drugs.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have symptoms of inattentiveness than hyperactivity-impulsivity, but many adults with the condition have both. Women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive symptoms, while men are more likely to have hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms.
Some adults with undiagnosed ADHD are not aware of the challenges they face. For those who are not aware diagnosed, it can bring relief and hope. It can help them realize that their problems result from ADHD rather than a character flaw or personal weakness.
If you know an adult who has ADHD and you want to help them, try to support them as much as possible. Encourage them to develop healthy sleeping habits, avoid the consumption of sugary and caffeine drinks prior to bedtime, exercise regularly, implement a routine for the day to prepare for the coming day and go to bed at the same time each night. You could enroll them in an adult ADHD peer support group, which could be a great way to meet others with similar conditions.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety can be a symptom for people suffering from adhd. It may manifest as restlessness, difficulty concentrating or irrational fear. The symptoms can also impact a person's everyday life and their relationships with others. It can be difficult for mental health professionals distinguish between anxiety and ADHD symptoms since they may overlap. This could lead to misdiagnosis which could cause both conditions to be neglected or untreated.
Anxiety and ADHD do not mean the identical thing. However, it is not uncommon for people with ADHD to experience anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by ADHD or the experience of the disorder. If someone with ADHD forgets to study or fails to meet a deadline at work they may feel anxious.
symptoms of adult add found that people who have an underlying condition like ADHD with anxiety have lower accuracy in their working memory tests compared to those who have ADHD only (Jarrett, and others. 2014). It is crucial to disclose any other health issues or medications you are taking when discussing possible treatment options with a mental health professional. This is because some medicines, specifically those that treat common adult health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure are able to interact with certain kinds of stimulants used to treat ADHD.
Psychiatrists treat ADHD by prescribing drugs that act as stimulants, for example Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). These medications quickly increase the availability of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps reduce the amount of hyperactivity, improve focus and relieve ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist might also suggest therapy to pinpoint the root causes of anxiety, and to teach stress management techniques and coping mechanisms.