ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you struggling to stay well-organized, forgetting important tasks, or often lose your keys or wallet? You may have ADHD.
Your health care provider will apply the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to establish an assessment. The symptoms have been present for more than six months and are not suitable for your stage of development.
1. Attention!
Many people with ADHD struggle to stay on track whether at work or in school. This may result in incomplete classwork, work projects or chores left hanging, forgotten appointments and general disorganization. These challenges can also cause difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
Adults with inattentive ADHD often struggle to concentrate during conversations or lectures, and also reading lengthy documents. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to concentrate during conversations or lectures, and also reading lengthy documents. They might miss crucial information and frequently make careless mistakes at work. Inattentive ADHD sufferers may be unable to remain still for long periods of time. They might need to chew gum or tap their feet to move around during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed as other health issues like anxiety, depression or physical ailments like stress. This could result in people not being referred for an ADHD evaluation or having their issues misinterpreted as a different issue.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These can include trouble being unable to sit still, experiencing a sense of restlessness and interrupting others, as well as doing things on impulse without thinking about the consequences. It can lead to problems with work, family as well as social life. It could result in inappropriate behaviours like spending impulsively and sexual activity that is not protected, or breaking promises. The signs of this kind of ADHD tend to be more evident in schools where teachers are able to monitor them and provide appropriate support.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity, or restlessness is among the ADHD symptoms adults often suffer from. This can include feeling like you're constantly "on the move" or having trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace. It could also mean that you are not able to wait for your turn in games or conversations. Some people with ADHD have difficulty to determine how long tasks will take. For example, it may be difficult to figure out the time needed to complete homework or preparing for a work meeting.
Adults with hyperactivity tend to fidget or move their feet, talk too much and are unable to sit still. They also may have trouble following instructions and making decisions. Adults may have trouble getting out of bed or getting up and may be late for school or work, and may lose their keys frequently. This can lead to troubled relationships and poor performance at school or at work.
Although we don't yet know what causes ADHD in children, research studies have proven that genetics can be a factor. The environment and issues with the central nervous system of the brain at key moments during development can also increase a person's chances of developing ADHD.
It is crucial that you or someone you love seeks help from your doctor if they have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to mental health professionals that specialize in treating adults with ADHD. If you're unsure where to start, NIMH offers tips for talking with your doctor about ADHD. You can also find out more about the disorder by reading the American Association for Psychiatric Research's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). This is available for free online.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is not as prevalent than hyperactivity and inattention, it may still be present in some adults suffering from ADHD. People who make decisions on impulse without considering the consequences often struggle with relationships, work or school. They may not be able to sit still, talk excessively or interrupt others regularly. They might also be unable to prevent themselves from making quick decisions that they regret later. They might spend money or time on things that they don't need, quit a job on a whim or even have sex that isn't protected without considering 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 should be present in at least two different settings, such as school, at home, work, with friends and family members, as well as during other activities. These symptoms must cause significant problems and hinder, or reduce the quality of, social, school or work-related functioning.
Many adults who did not receive an ADHD diagnosis as children find that their symptoms persist into adulthood, creating problems at work or with relationships. In these instances, a health medical professional or mental health professional will evaluate the individual's symptoms, which may include reviewing old reports and talking to family members about childhood issues.
People suffering from ADHD respond well to psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and stimulant medications. The stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine that help improve focus and attention. These drugs can cause adverse effects, but are generally regarded as safe when used under medical supervision. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may also be beneficial. Certain adults suffering from ADHD get benefit from participating in a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
People with ADHD can be disruptive when they have trouble managing their emotions and paying attention to small details. This can affect their work performance, make them difficult to work with in their personal relationships, and even cause divorce or separation.
Talking too much, blurting out answers before others have finished their questions, causing disruption to other people or acting out of a whim without thinking about the consequences are indicators of adult ADHD. These behaviors can also impact their daily life at home, as well as their relationships with their family and friends. They may not remember important dates, like birthdays and anniversary celebrations or have difficulty completing household chores or stick to a 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, which is an indication that is difficult to differentiate from depression and anxiety. People with ADHD are also prone to being angry and unruly, particularly when they are overly tired or frustrated.
Talk to your GP in the event that you think you may have a disorder like ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health for an assessment. They will ask about your symptoms and what effects they have on your daily life. They will also ask you about any other health issues that you may have. This is because certain medications, like those used to treat depression and high blood pressure can interact with stimulants.
Sometimes, it can take an extended time to diagnose a condition like ADHD. There are also waiting lists. The procedure is based on NICE guidelines. Your GP will discuss your challenges and, if it is possible you can ask for a discussion with your family/whanau, or employer. If they agree that you are suffering from ADHD they will recommend you to the appropriate service for an assessment.
5. Anxiety
You may also experience anxiety if you have ADHD. It is possible to manage your symptoms by utilizing the appropriate treatment. Anxiety is an normal reaction to emotion. Anxiety that is chronic can turn into an issue of serious concern. The first step is to determine the factors that trigger anxiety. This could be a specific situation or tasks, or even relationships. You can also use self-awareness to determine what your ADHD symptoms may be contributing to or exacerbating your anxiety.
People with ADHD have trouble engaging in a task or activity, which makes it difficult to keep deadlines and other obligations at school and at work. They often struggle with prioritizing, leading to miscommunication and missed opportunities. This can cause problems with family members or friends.
In addition to being a major source of anxiety, it can also be debilitating. ADHD adult female symptoms can trigger a range of physical reactions, like sweating, a rapid pulse and a general sense of unease. It can also cause difficulty in concentration, or even depression.
Anxiety is a common co-occurring condition with ADHD. In fact, people with the disorder are more likely to have an anxiety or mood disorder than those who do not suffer from ADHD. They also have higher rates of addiction, smoking or consuming alcohol and eating disorders as well as problems with their families.
The best treatment for anxiety disorders and ADHD is a combination therapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method that helps you identify and reframe unhelpful attitudes, beliefs and patterns of thinking can help you change your behavior. Your doctor may also suggest different types of therapy like marriage or family counseling for managing anxiety and improving relationships with your loved ones. You can also keep a diary or meditate to ease your anxiety.