What is ADHD Symptoms in Adults?
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often experience a range of emotions. These include relief at finally getting their issues under control and anger at being branded as irresponsible or lazy and sadness at the impact that ADHD has had on their lives.
Many strategies can be employed to help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. A good night's sleep and exercising regularly, for instance, can reduce anxiety.
1. You Can't Focus
When you have ADHD it can be difficult to prioritize tasks that require focus and concentration. You might have trouble starting classes or work assignments, or staying on task at home. You may also have trouble keeping track of your daily obligations and meeting deadlines. This can cause stress, particularly in your relationships.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be restless or appear to be distracted. However this is not the case with the hyperactivity seen in children. Instead of running around and jumping up and down, or bouncing around, adults with ADHD might be distracted -- such as tapping their feet or chewing their nails -- when they are listening to a lecture or participating 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. Certain experts believe that certain brain structures and chemicals can cause Combined Type ADHD.
A health care provider will conduct a thorough examination to determine if a person has ADD/ADHD and make the correct diagnosis. This involves reviewing a person's present and, if an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. A health care provider may also request permission to speak with family members, partners, and close family members about their experiences with the person.
A health care specialist can provide a variety of treatments for ADHD such as cognitive behavior therapy and prescription medication. Your doctor will also discuss the tools and accommodations that can assist you in managing your condition. For example using a planner or apps that remind you of important dates.
2. You're always fumbling
ADHD can affect anyone of any age. For adults the lack of focus can be a sign of problems at school or at work. Adults may rush through a quiz and forget questions they know the answer to, or misread important information from an email. Often, these types of errors are caused by poor organizational skills. Another indication of ADHD is the difficulty in keeping on top of tasks, schedules, and paperwork.
The first step in determining an effective treatment is to get an accurate diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in diagnosing ADHD will assess a person's symptoms and consider aspects such as mood, medical history, family history and physical health in order to determine the best treatment.
People who suffer from ADHD are also benefited by having strengths, such as an ability to "hyper-focus" on tasks that are enjoyable or interesting. For instance, a person who is very interested in music might be able learn chords quickly and concentrate completely on playing the guitar, while students might be able to learn facts and vocabulary quickly because they are passionate about the subject. These positive aspects of ADHD can lead to success in relationships, career and other aspects of your life.
Many adults do not get diagnosed with ADHD as they don't believe it's a serious problem. It's not uncommon for people to not get a proper diagnosis as young children, and this can result in serious negative consequences for their future health and happiness. It is important to seek out a mental health professional perform an exhaustive evaluation to diagnose ADHD and decide on the best treatment options. It is also important for adults to talk about their symptoms with their friends family members or other reliable sources.
3. You're Easily Distracted
People with ADHD tend to lose focus quickly and it's not always their fault. They might be distracted by events around them or their own thoughts or concerns. They may not prioritize tasks or become indecisive. This can lead to late deadlines at work. They also tend to underestimate how long it will take them to complete their tasks and end up putting off projects until the last minute. In turn, partners and relatives of those who suffer from undiagnosed ADHD might feel that their inability to meet commitments is a reflection of their lack of concern or interest.
This symptom may appear different depending on whether you suffer from hyperactive or inattentive ADHD. It's normal to get distracted at times however, if you find yourself getting drawn from one task to another or losing focus while doing something important, it's worth talking to your doctor about. Some adults experience mainly internal distractions, whereas others are more prone to external ones, says Kara Naylon, PhD, a neuropsychologist at LifeStance Health in Boston. She says it's easier to concentrate on tasks that are enjoyable, but if you're distracted by something more exciting or interesting it can be a challenge to get back in control.
Stress, mental health issues, and certain physical illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to have an accurate assessment from an expert in mental health or health care professional who is experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD. They'll examine your mood as well as your medical history and other factors to determine if you suffer from this condition. They will also identify the most effective treatment options. If they require more details about your school and childhood they'll request your permission to speak to your family, friends and teachers.
4. It is difficult 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. The disorder can run in families, and it's not uncommon for symptoms to manifest in adulthood. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will look at past behaviors and experiences such as old report cards or conversations with family members. They'll also do an examination of your body and look at your medical history.
Experts aren't certain of what causes ADHD. However genetics and developmental issues in childhood may play a role. Certain environmental factors, like lead exposure, may also be a factor in the development of the disorder. People with a family history are more likely to develop the disorder in their early years of childhood.
The two subtypes of ADHD are inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty paying attention, making careless mistakes and losing the track of time during discussions or lectures. This kind of ADHD makes it difficult for people with this disorder to remain focused or achieve long-term goals. They also struggle to comprehend social boundaries, often intruding or interrupting others frequently and without permission.
In hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, a person shows symptoms of fidgeting and trouble waiting for their turn. They are unable to sit still or wait for their turn in a conversation or game and have difficulty finishing tasks or taking turns in work or relationships. This kind of ADHD can lead to issues at school, in the workplace, or in relationships.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and are in treatment, your plan is likely to include medication or therapy, and adjustments to the way you handle your day-to-day activities. Many people who suffer from ADHD benefit from support groups and mentors that help them develop better strategies to cope.
5. You're always late
ADHD can cause people to have trouble with keeping track of their schedules, making sure they're on time for appointments and meetings or getting to school or work on time. These issues can make keeping relationships with friends and colleagues or completing financial obligations difficult, especially if the cause is not known.
People who struggle with ADHD typically find it difficult to seek treatment than those who are not affected. They might be concerned about the "disorder" label or fear that medications could have negative side effects. Adults with ADHD might not seek treatment if they lack access to healthcare. They might also be concerned about their health insurance or the potential side effects of medications.
Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed than adults, however, symptoms may not be recognized until adulthood. Adults who suffered from ADHD as children might not receive a diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms were not severe or they were misdiagnosed or they experienced other issues which led to a faulty diagnosis.
ADHD patients are still prone to restlessness and hyperactivity, even although it is much harder to detect in adults. They may fidget, squirm in their seat, or try to do too many things at the same time. They may also be prone to a low tolerance to frustration and stress or experience mood swings.
It is important to see a health care provider who can conduct an evaluation, diagnose ADHD and suggest treatments. It's been scientifically proven that psychotherapy and medications can improve ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD is best treated using stimulant medication. These medications can cause severe side effects, therefore they must be monitored and prescribed by a doctor. Before beginning inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms who are taking other medications must tell their doctor.