ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you prone to forgetting important tasks, losing your keys or wallet, or are you having difficulty staying organized? You could have ADHD.
Your doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) to establish a diagnosis. The symptoms have been present for a minimum of 6 months and are not appropriate for your developmental level.
1. Attention
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused and staying on task typically at school or work. This can lead to unfinished homework, work projects or chores that are left unfinished, forgotten appointments and general disorganization. These issues can also cause problems in relationships with family and friends.
Adults with ADHD who are inattentive often struggle to concentrate during conversations or lectures, and reading long documents. Adults who are inattentive ADHD often have trouble to concentrate during conversations or lectures, and reading long documents, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They might miss crucial information and frequently make careless mistakes at work. Inattention ADHD sufferers may not be able to remain still for long periods of time and may need to chew gum, tap their feet or pace during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD is often disguised by other issues, such as anxiety, depression or physical health issues, such as physical or mental stress. This could mean that people aren't referred for an ADHD assessment or are misinformed about their symptoms with a different issue. This could mean they're not treated.
In ADHD in adults symptoms quiz to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These symptoms could include trouble being seated, feeling anxious, interrupting others and engaging in impulsive behavior without considering the consequences. It can cause issues in the home at work, at home, and with friends, and lead to inappropriate behavior such as reckless spending or sexual activities. This kind of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school settings where teachers can monitor and provide assistance.
2. Hyperactivity
Restlessness, also known as hyperactivity is one of the ADHD symptoms that adults frequently suffer from. You may feel "on the move" or have difficulty playing or participating in leisure activities without interruption. It also can mean being unable to wait for your turn in games or conversations. Some people who suffer from ADHD struggle to estimate how long certain tasks will take. It may be difficult to determine the amount of time you will need doing homework, or preparing for a crucial meeting at work.
Adults with hyperactivity tend to fidget, or pacing their feet or talk too much. They also struggle to sit still. They may also have trouble following directions and making a decision. Some adults have difficulty getting up or out of their bed in the morning. They are late to work and school, and often lose their keys. This can cause uneasy relationships and poor performance at school or at work.
Although we aren't sure what causes ADHD in children, research studies have shown that genetics may be a factor. The environment and problems with the central nervous system of the brain at key moments during development can also increase the likelihood of having ADHD.
It's important that you or someone you love seeks assistance from your physician if they have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to mental health professionals who specialize in treating adults ADHD. If you're not sure what to do, NIMH offers tips for talking with your doctor about ADHD. You can also learn more about the condition by reading The American Association for Psychiatric Research's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). The manual is available online for download for free.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less prevalent than hyperactivity and inattention, it is still a possibility in some adults suffering from ADHD. People who act on impulse without considering the consequences often have trouble with relationships, work and school. They might not be able to be patient or talk in a loud manner, or interrupt others frequently. They might also find it difficult to stop themselves from making decisions that later prove to be regrettable. They could spend money on things they don't really require, leave their job on a whim, or engage in sexual activities 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 or with family members and friends; or in other activities. These symptoms must indicate an issue that is significant and impact the quality of social, school or work-related functioning.
Many adults who did not receive an ADHD diagnosis as children discover that their symptoms persist into adulthood, causing problems at work or with relationships. In these instances the health care professional will evaluate symptoms. This could include looking over old reports and talking to family members about childhood problems.
People with ADHD respond well to therapy, lifestyle changes and stimulant medication. Stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which can improve focus and attention. These medications may cause negative effects, but they are generally considered safe when taken with medical supervision. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also be effective. A few adults suffering from ADHD get benefit from participating in a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
If people with ADHD struggle with managing their emotions or paying attention to the specifics of a situation, they can become extremely disruptive. This can sabotage their work performance, making them difficult to get along with in their personal relationships, and can lead to separation or divorce.
Talking too much, blurting out answers before others have finished their questions, interrupting other people or acting out on impulse without thinking about the consequences are signs of adult ADHD. These behaviors can also affect their daily life at home, as well as their relationships with family and friends. They may forget social commitments, birthdays or anniversaries and struggle to finish household chores or stick to a budget.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to easily becoming bored and experiencing difficulty in waiting or being still. They often feel restless and fidget, a symptom that can be hard to differentiate from anxiety or depression. People suffering from ADHD may also be frustrated or short-tempered. This is particularly true when they are tired or frustrated.
If you think you are suffering from a disorder, such as ADHD consult your GP or a registered psychologist. They can refer you to an expert in mental health for an assessment. They will inquire about your symptoms and what impacts they have on your daily life. They will also ask you about any other health concerns you may be suffering from. Some medications, including those for depression, high blood pressure and high blood sugar, can interact negatively with stimulants.
Sometimes, it can take an extended time to diagnose a condition such as ADHD. There are also waiting lists. The procedure is based on NICE guidelines. Your GP can discuss your issues with you and ask to speak with your family members/whanau as well as employers (if they are able). If they are of the opinion that you exhibit ADHD symptoms, they will refer to the most appropriate service to assess you.
5. Anxiety
There is also the possibility of experiencing anxiety if you suffer from ADHD. The good news is that with right treatment, you can manage your symptoms. Anxiety is an normal reaction to emotions. Chronic anxiety can become an issue that is serious. The first step is to determine the triggers that cause anxiety. It could be a particular environment or tasks, or even relationships. Self-awareness can also be used to determine what your ADHD symptoms could be contributing to or exacerbating your anxiety.
People suffering from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on a particular task or activity. This makes it difficult to keep deadlines at work or school as well as to meet other demands. They often struggle with prioritizing which can lead to confusion and missed opportunities. This can cause problems with family members or friends.
Anxiety can be a debilitating condition and is an important source of stress. It can cause a number of physical reactions, such as sweating, rapid pulse and a general feeling of discomfort. It can also cause problems in concentration, or even depression.
Anxiety is usually a co-occurring disorder with ADHD. People with ADHD are more likely than those with ADHD to suffer from a mood disorder or anxiety 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 the combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you recognize and change unhelpful attitudes, beliefs and patterns of thinking can help you change your behavior. Your doctor may also suggest other types of therapy such as marriage or family counseling to manage anxiety and improve relationships with loved one. You can also keep a journal or meditate to help ease your worries.