ADHD and Adults Symptoms
If you think you have ADHD, start by speaking with your health care provider. They will evaluate your behavior, and the issues it causes in your work and in relationships.
You may be referred an expert in mental health to conduct a more thorough assessment. Your counselor can help you learn about your symptoms, get helpful habits in place and strengthen your relationships.
1. Inattentiveness
When you have inattentive ADHD and adults, it may be difficult to follow directions or tasks be attentive to details, or remain focused on a current project. You could make mistakes or forget important things like birthdays, work deadlines or appointments. You might also have trouble organizing or filing papers, or leaving items out or putting them in the wrong place. In addition, you might be easily distracted and lose your place when you are reading or listening.
It is possible that you have difficulty recalling the details of a conversation or the details of the form of a report which could cause difficulties at school or at work. Adults who aren't attentive ADHD often struggle to make and keep a job and may have problems keeping and maintaining healthy relationships.
People who have inattention ADHD might be subject to snide remarks about being lazy or sloppy. They may be embarrassed to admit they have a mental illness. Because of this, they may not seek an evaluation for ADHD until they experience significant challenges in their lives.
As you age, your inattentive ADHD symptoms can become more prominent as you confront new challenges such as managing your job or household. Stress or depression, or physical ailments can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to talk to your doctor about how you're doing. Your GP might recommend you to an expert in neurodevelopment or mental health service to help you better identify your problems and provide effective treatment.
The most common way to treat ADHD is through psychotherapy (the technical term for mental health therapy) and medications. Accommodations are a set of lifestyle and tools that can help manage your symptoms. These tools are similar to accommodations used by people who have disabilities, such as step stools that are used for those who are smaller than average.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty keeping up at work, school or other responsibilities. They may also struggle to stay on task and to remember to complete tasks or follow directions. Some people with ADHD have trouble getting along with others, and may be self-conscious.
While the signs of ADHD are different in adults, they tend to be identified by a combination of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They twitch, fidget or tap their fingers. They talk a lot and are unable to remain still. They may also have a difficult time deciding what to do, and are more likely to make snap decisions without thinking about the consequences first.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may feel that they are doing something wrong. They may believe that their problems are their fault and believe they will never be able to organize or maintain a job or manage their responsibilities in the home or at work. The good news is most adults suffering from ADHD will improve once they start treatment. Counseling for ADHD can help them learn how to manage their struggles.
A doctor will typically diagnose adult ADHD by looking at their past as well as their family health and medical records. They will inquire about any issues at school and work and ensure that another condition isn't causing the symptoms. They usually recommend medication and counseling. Counselors can offer strategies and methods to reduce stress, as well as support and guidance on how to cope with ADHD symptoms. Examples include identifying triggers and establishing routines that can be beneficial. They could suggest lifestyle changes that could aid, including exercising, eating better and cutting down on the amount of processed food in your diet.
3. Impulsivity
While a certain amount of impulse-driven behavior is normal particularly for teenagers and children individuals with ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity more than other people. This means they are more likely to make quick decisions, buy things on impulse, and take risks that could lead to negative consequences, such as getting in trouble at school or at work or having a negative impact on relationships.
Some of the behaviors that are impulsive include:
Making rash decisions that have negative consequences, like walking down the street without looking, spending money on extravagant items instead of saving for important requirements, or resigning from jobs or groups of friends at the whim. You may find it difficult to stay focused or on track. You may skip over steps or stop or begin projects often.
Being prone to emotional outbursts like crying or shouting during a fight. The practice of lying, typically in relation to frivolous matters. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and food can lead to long-lasting health issues.
Self-control problems that lead to actions with a high risk for injury to yourself or others. For example throwing windows out and driving at an excessive speed.
Many impulsive behaviors are difficult to spot because they aren't evident. Some people with impulsivity may seem fine with their family and friends or may even be successful in their professions. However, behind closed doors, their impulsivity is likely creating havoc with their relationships with family and finances, and could be threatening their physical health. It is essential to seek help from a professional in the event that you suspect you have an impulsivity problem. You can start by speaking with your doctor. They may refer you to a specialist if needed. They can also recommend strategies for dealing with impulse control in the meantime.
4. Restlessness
A constant desire to be active, fidgeting or having an inclination to seek out an escape on a whim could appear to be a normal part of your personality. However, if you notice these behaviors disrupting your personal or professional life or causing feelings of depression or anxiety or stress, they could be ADHD symptoms.
Adults who suffer from symptoms of ADHD may find it difficult to control their emotions, as they can interfere in relationships, work and self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also make it difficult to organize tasks, leading to missed deadlines and problems completing projects.
The first step towards treatment is an extensive evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional. Most often, these professionals employ standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if someone is a candidate for diagnosis of the condition. They can also conduct psychological tests to test executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If someone is prescribed stimulants to treat ADHD, they will be closely monitored by a physician to ensure that the medication is being used safely and efficiently. Stimulants affect the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain, and they increase alertness and concentration. They can also cause adverse reactions, and can interact with certain medical conditions or medications.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are able to manage their symptoms effectively even though they might not be cured. In some instances, a long-term treatment may help with the challenges at home and work and help patients connect with their families and goals for their careers. Taking steps to improve daily living habits can also help reduce ADHD symptoms, for example, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet.
5. Anxiety
Many people feel anxious at some point in their lives. It's a normal feeling that occurs when we are faced with something that makes us be concerned. But if your feelings of worry and anxiety are constant and intense, or out of proportion to the circumstances it could be an indication of anxiety disorder.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders and they can affect anyone. Stressors like financial issues or work issues, or relationships that break down can cause anxiety disorders. A history of trauma can also trigger anxiety or an illness or chronic pain. Other factors that can trigger anxiety include personality traits, genetics and alcohol or drug use or withdrawal.
Ask your doctor or mental healthcare specialist to evaluate you if you suspect that you might have an anxiety disorder. This will involve a description and questionnaires about your symptoms along with medical and psychiatric histories, and a family history, and an examination to rule out other causes out.
You may notice that you have a glazed-over look during conversations or you tend to fumble or wander around often. inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms might be easily distracted by events going on in the room, or you might lose track of time when working.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a change in lifestyle and psychotherapy for example, using a planner for organizing their tasks or apps on their smartphones. There are also medications, such as stimulants, that can help reduce the symptoms of restlessness that are associated with ADHD. It is important to speak with your doctor about any other medications you're taking, because some of them can interact with certain ADHD medicines.