Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from issues that were first present in childhood. However, the symptoms have to be severe and persistent to warrant a diagnosis in adulthood.
Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing mood disorders. They can be affected by depression or bipolar disorder. They may also have anxiety disorders, like panic attacks.
1. Difficulty concentrating
For adults suffering from ADHD issues with attention can cause problems staying on task and sustaining focus. They also have a difficult time staying organized and managing their time. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Everyone's experience will vary. People who aren't paying attention ADHD may seem forgetful or easily distracted, whereas hyperactive people may be prone to fidgeting or talk too much.
If you are experiencing problems with your concentration and you think you may have ADHD, talk to an expert in mental health or GP. A GP can refer you to a specialist if your symptoms are moderate or severe and interfere with your daily functioning.
Stimulant medications are often the first choice of treatment for adults with ADHD. However, not all drugs are effective for everyone. Some result in side effects that make them ineffective or even harmful. Your GP will recommend a drug or combination that is best for you. They will also take into account other factors that can influence your symptoms, such as physical or mental disorders, for example.
The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are typically fast-acting and last for about four hours. After that, they may cause a crash or rebound effect, resulting in a dramatic decrease in energy levels and hungry cravings. They can also cause a slight increase in your heart rate and blood pressure, so it is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
If you're having a difficult in staying still or focused, try a exercise, meditation, or taking a walk in nature. You could also benefit from a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program that will teach you strategies for improving your ability to focus and manage your emotions. CBT can also help improve your relationships by addressing issues such as forgetfulness, poor time management and impulsive behavior.
2. Attention
Inattention ADHD people are unable to focus on their work and can make mistakes. They are more likely to make mistakes, not following instructions, missing appointments, or forgetting to complete their schoolwork and work assignments. They may also have trouble listening or daydream a lot. This kind of ADHD is usually seen in childhood, but it may persist throughout adulthood and cause issues at work or in school.
While everyone loses their keys and phones occasionally However, a pattern of loosing important items regularly can indicate that someone is having trouble paying attention. People with inattention ADHD may also be unorganized or sloppy and have trouble keeping track of their possessions. They might make frequent mistakes at work or in school, such as not proofreading a report or missing crucial information on a task.
Most people with inattention ADHD are prone to blame themselves when they do not succeed. This can trigger a cycle of guilt and self-esteem issues, as well as depression. They may find it easier to conceal their problems by blaming others or by staying away from social activities. They may have a hard to achieve their goals at home or at work and are more likely to be judged by family members or coworkers for being flaky, lazy, or inattentive.
The health professional will ask the patient about their symptoms and the times they occur. They will also use an assessment scale to determine the extent to which ADHD impacts daily life. They can also speak to people who knew the child and ask questions about their growth. They can also inquire for details about any other health conditions or emotional problems.
3. Impulsivity
Adults who have adhd may exhibit different symptoms than children. A child with ADHD may be agitated and loud in the classroom, whereas adults may interrupt other students or start playing games or engage in other activities without permission. They may forget to keep appointments, miss deadlines or make impulsive decisions that cause tension with coworkers or friends.
Adults who are impulsive may also struggle with their work or schoolwork and be at risk for accidents or legal issues. They are also more likely to experience depression and other mood disorders. A psychiatrist or a GP can help people with impulsivity to stop before they do something, and to consider the consequences. They may prescribe medication like guanfacine and clonidine. Antidepressants known as selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also help.
To be diagnosed with a condition that impacts their ability to manage their impulses, they need to be suffering from chronic problems in multiple areas of their lives. Adults aren't usually thought to have a serious medical condition unless they have symptoms that have been present from childhood or cause clinically significant impairments across a range of areas in their life.
If the person's behavior is impulsive and are affecting their lives and their family, they should speak to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They might suggest psychotherapy or accommodations, which are tools and changes to the environment that help manage a disorder. For example using a planner, establishing regular routines, tracking schedules using smartphone apps or obtaining assistance from teachers or colleagues can all be beneficial. They could also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change the way a person thinks about a situation, which could possibly alter their behavior.
4. Hyperactivity
Many adults with ADHD don't experience restlessness or fidgeting. However, they may have difficulty being still for long periods, waiting their turn, or observing instructions in school and work. They are also more likely to have frequent mood swings as well as a low tolerance to anger, which can lead to conflicts in relationships.
To diagnose ADHD in adults, symptoms must have been present since before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms should be evident in at least two distinct situations and have an impact on their performance. The diagnosis must be made by a mental health provider or a primary care physician with training in ADHD. A thorough assessment must also be done. www.iampsychiatry.com includes a description of the symptoms by the individual and their caregivers, a discussion with the person regarding their behavior and experience at school, home and at work, and analyzing medical and psychiatric histories. Physical examinations are crucial, as certain medical conditions can trigger ADHD-like symptoms such as vision and hearing issues, sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders.
A comorbid disorder, such as anxiety or depression, may often be present alongside ADHD which makes it more difficult to manage the symptoms. If a comorbid condition is found, it should also be treated in order to treat ADHD.
A few people who have mild ADHD symptoms find that medication or other interventions may be enough to improve their life. People with moderate symptoms are more likely to have problems with work or their social life, and those with severe symptoms might struggle to maintain jobs and relationships. In these cases therapy that teaches the skills to cope, classes that help people develop better communication and also couples therapy can be helpful.
5. Disruptive behavior
ADHD symptoms can cause disruptive behavior. This includes forgetting important events or appointments as well as ignoring others and interrupting frequently, making irrational decisions or not observing rules and other problems that can strain relationships. Therapy that teaches the skills to improve organization and reduce the thinking distortions that cause negative moods may be helpful. Mood stabilizers (antidepressants) can also help with these issues.
A doctor may use a behavior rating scale or checklist to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough evaluation usually includes looking at the person's history of childhood behaviors and experiences. A mental health professional may also request permission to speak with friends and family members about the person's life. A health care professional can also conduct psychological and medical tests to identify other conditions that may cause or coexist with ADHD like sleep problems, anxiety or depression, low blood pressure, high blood sugar levels or low blood sugar levels, and the use of drugs.
Adults with ADHD typically have at least six symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be evident across a range of settings and result in clinically significant impairments for at minimum six months to be given an ADHD diagnose. (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
Signs and symptoms of ADHD are likely to change as individuals get older, and can also vary depending on the circumstances or environment. Certain people may need to take medication to manage their ADHD. Certain people can benefit from behavioral therapy, like counseling or parent education. Certain adults with ADHD might need to work closely together with their teachers and staff to receive the help they need at school.