What is ADHD Symptoms in Adults?
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of emotions. They might feel a sense of relief finally being diagnosed, anger at being called unprofessional or insensitive, or regret over the impact ADHD has caused on their lives.
Many strategies can be used to help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Getting enough sleep and exercising regularly, for example can help reduce anxiety.
1. You Can't Focus
ADHD can make it difficult to prioritize tasks requiring concentration and focus. It can be difficult to start classes or work assignments, or staying on task at home. You can also have difficulty remembering your daily responsibilities and meeting deadlines. This can cause stress, particularly in your relationships.
Adults with ADHD might be agitated or appear to be distracted. However this is not the case with the hyperactivity observed in children. Instead of jumping up and down or running about, adults with ADHD might be distracted -- such as tapping their feet or biting their nails -- even when they should be listening to a lecture or taking part in a business conference.
People who have both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms can have what's called Combined Type ADHD. They usually have at least six inattentive symptoms and at least six hyperactive/impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with this subtype of ADHD. Some experts believe certain brain structures and chemical can cause Combined Type ADHD.
A health care provider will conduct a thorough examination to determine if someone has ADD/ADHD, and determine the correct diagnosis. This includes a person's childhood and present behavior, and if adult, their experiences at school. A health care professional will also ask for permission to talk to family members, partners and close friends about their experiences with the person.
A doctor can provide a variety treatment options for ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, prescription medications and other methods of treatment. Your doctor will also be able to inform you about accommodations and tools that can assist you in managing your condition, like an organizer or using apps for reminders.
2. You're always fidgeting
A common stereotype of ADHD is that of a child running around the classroom or dreaming in class, but ADHD can affect people at any age. For adults an inability to focus can show up as problems at work or school. For example, an adult might be rushing through a test and forget questions they know the answers to, or misread important information in an email. These kinds of errors can be blamed on insufficient organization skills. Having difficulty keeping the track of tasks, schedules and paperwork is a further sign of inattentive ADHD.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the first step to finding the most effective treatment. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in diagnosing ADHD will assess a person's symptoms and consider aspects like mood health, medical history, family history and physical health to determine the best treatment.
People suffering from ADHD benefit from having strengths such as a strong ability to "hyper-focus" on tasks that are enjoyable or interesting. A person who is passionate about music might be able to learn chords quickly, and be focused on playing the guitar. Students, on the other hand might be able to memorize facts and words fast due to their passion for the subject. These positive aspects of ADHD may result in success in your the workplace, in relationships and other aspects of your life.
However, many adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because they don't believe it's a problem. It's not common for people to be misdiagnosed when they were children. This can have grave consequences for their future happiness and health. A thorough assessment by an expert in mental health is important to diagnose ADHD and determine the most effective treatment options. Additionally, it's essential for adults to discuss their symptoms with friends family members, friends, or other reliable sources.
3. You're Easily Distracted
It's not always the fault of people with ADHD. They can get distracted by the events that are going on around them, or by their own thoughts or worries. They may not be able to prioritize their tasks or get distracted, which could lead to missing deadlines at work. They often underestimate how long they will need to complete tasks and end up putting off projects until the last minute. Undiagnosed ADHD people may cause their family and friends to believe that their inability to keep commitments is a sign of their lack of interest or concern.
This symptom could be different if you suffer from hyperactive ADHD or inattention ADHD. It's okay to be distracted from time to time but if you feel that your attention is constantly focused on one thing or another you should consult your doctor. Kara Naylon PhD, a neuropsychologist working at LifeStance Health, Boston, says that certain adults are more susceptible to internal distractions, while others are more prone external ones. Naylon says it's more enjoyable to concentrate on fun tasks however it can be difficult to regain control if you are distracted by something more interesting or thrilling.
Stress, mental health conditions and some physical ailments can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. It is essential to have a thorough assessment by a mental health professional or health care provider who is experienced in assessing and treating ADHD. They'll look at your mood, medical history, and other factors to determine if you be suffering from this disorder and recommend the most effective treatment options. If severe ADHD symptoms adults require more information about your childhood and your school they'll ask your permission to speak to your family, friends, and teachers.
4. You have trouble remembering details
If you are constantly losing keys and forget appointments or fail to meet deadlines at school or at work, it's worth talking to your doctor about ADHD. It's common for people to experience symptoms as they age however, the disorder may be passed down through families. To confirm a diagnosis, your health care provider will review your previous behaviors and experiences like old reports or chatting with relatives. They'll also do an examination of your body and look at your medical background.
Experts don't know the cause of ADHD but genetics and issues with development in childhood could play a part. Some environmental factors, such as exposure to lead can be associated with the disorder. People with an ancestral history of the disorder tend to develop it in early childhood.
The two subtypes of ADHD are inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. Inattentional ADHD symptoms include a lack of attention, careless mistakes, and losing track of the time during discussions or lectures. This type of ADHD can make it difficult for people to remain focused or achieve long-term goals. They also have trouble reading social boundaries, and often intruding or interrupting others often and without permission.
In hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, a person shows symptoms of fidgeting and trouble waiting for their turn. They are unable to remain still and wait for their turn or finish the task. People with this type of ADHD are more likely to get into trouble at school, at the workplace, or in their relationships.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it is likely that you will need to change the way you conduct your daily activities, and undergo medication, therapy or counseling. Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from support groups and mentors who help them learn better coping strategies.
5. You're Always Late
ADHD can cause people to struggle in keeping track of their schedules, making sure they're on time for appointments and meetings or getting to school or work on time. These difficulties can make it difficult to maintain relationships with friends and coworkers or meet their financial obligations, especially if they are not aware of the root cause.
People who suffer from ADHD often find it harder to seek treatment than those who are not affected. They may be worried about the "disorder" label or fear that medication could have harmful side effects. Lack of access to healthcare or concerns about health insurance can also play an impact on whether or not adults suffering from ADHD seek treatment.
Children who suffer from ADHD have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed than adults. However, symptoms can remain unnoticed until adulthood. Adults who suffered from ADHD as children may not receive a diagnosis because their symptoms were mild, they were misdiagnosed, or they developed other problems that led to a misguided diagnosis.
While hyperactivity and restlessness are more difficult to spot in adults than in children, people who suffer from ADHD still show these symptoms. They may squirm or fidget while sitting, or attempt to do multiple things at the same time. They may also find it difficult to bear frustration or stress or experience mood swings.
It is essential to visit an expert in health care who can conduct an evaluation, diagnose ADHD and suggest treatments. It's been proven scientifically that medications and psychotherapy can reduce ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD is best treated with stimulant medications. These medications can cause severe adverse consequences. A medical professional must prescribe and monitor these medications. Before taking a stimulant, people who are taking other medications must tell their doctor.