ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you susceptible to forgetting important tasks such as losing your keys or wallet or having trouble staying organized? You may have ADHD.
Your health care provider will employ the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to determine a diagnosis. The symptoms have been present for more than six months and are suitable for your stage of development.
1. Attention
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on task, whether at school or at work. This can lead to unfinished work, incomplete projects at work or chores, unscheduled appointments and a general sense of disorganisation. These challenges can also cause issues with relationships with friends and family.
ADHD symptoms adult female of inattention are generally less obvious in adults, however they can be painful. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, adults with inattention ADHD have difficulty concentrating during lectures or conversations and reading lengthy documents. They might miss important information and make careless errors when working. Inattentive ADHD patients may not be able to stay still and may need to pace or tap their feet to chew gum during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD can be misdiagnosed as other health problems such as depression, anxiety, or physical illnesses like stress. This can mean that people aren't referred for an ADHD assessment or have their challenges confused with another issue, which could mean that they are not treated.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These symptoms can include difficulty sitting still, feeling restless, interrupting others and engaging in impulsive behavior without thinking about the consequences. This can create problems in the home, at work, and with friends, and lead to inappropriate behavior such as impulsive spending or unprotected sexual activities. The signs of this kind of ADHD tend to be more evident in school settings where teachers are able to monitor them and provide appropriate support.
2. Hyperactivity
ADHD can affect adults in a variety of ways. The term "restlessness" or hyperactivity" is one of the symptoms. It can be a feeling that you are constantly "on the go" or having difficulty playing or taking part in leisure activities quietly. It could also mean that you are unable to wait for your turn during games or conversations. Some people with ADHD struggle to determine how long tasks will take. For instance, it might be difficult to know how long to spend on homework or making preparations for a meeting at work.
Adults who are hyperactive tend to fidget or move their feet, talk too much and are unable to sit still. They may also have difficulties following instructions and making decision. Some adults may have trouble getting up or out of bed in the morning, are late for work or school and frequently lose their keys. This could lead to strained relationships and poor performance at the workplace or at school.
Although we aren't sure what causes ADHD in children, studies have shown that genetics may play a role. The environment and issues with the central nervous system of the brain at critical moments during development can also increase a person's chances of developing ADHD.
It is essential that you or someone you love seek help from your doctor when they suffer from ADHD. Your doctor can refer to mental health professionals that specialize in treating adults with ADHD. If you're not sure what to do, NIMH offers tips for talking with your health care provider about ADHD. You can also find out more about ADHD by reading the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5TR). This is free online.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is not as common than inattention and hyperactivity This trait could be present in some adults suffering from ADHD. People who make decisions without thinking about the consequences may have issues with their relationships, their work, and at school. They may not be able to be patient, talk excessively or interrupt others frequently. They might be unable to manage their impulses and make decisions they regret later. They may spend money or time on things aren't needed, quit a job on a whim or even have sex that isn't protected 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 apparent in more than one setting, including home, work or school as well as with family and friends or in other activities. These symptoms should cause serious issues and affect or diminish the quality of school, social or work functioning.
Adults who weren't diagnosed with ADHD as children might discover that their symptoms persist into adulthood and cause issues at work or relationships. In these instances the health care professional will examine the symptoms. This could involve reviewing reports from the past and speaking to family members about childhood issues.
People with ADHD usually respond well to treatment using psychotherapy, changes in lifestyle and medications known as stimulants. The stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine which enhance attention and focus. These medications may cause side effects but are generally considered safe when taken under medical supervision. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may also prove effective. Certain adults with ADHD benefit from joining a peer support group.
4. Disruptiveness
When 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 performance at work, make them difficult to get along with in relationships at home and even lead to separation or divorce.
Talking too much, blurting out answers before others have finished their questions, interrupting other people or acting on impulse without considering the consequences are signs of adult ADHD. These behaviors can also impact their personal life as well as their relationships with family and friends. They might forget important dates, like birthdays and anniversary dates or have difficulty completing household chores or stick to a budget.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also prone to easily becoming bored and experiencing difficulty in waiting or sitting still. They are often agitated and fidget, a symptom that can be hard to distinguish from depression or anxiety. People suffering from ADHD are also prone to being angry and unruly, particularly when they are overly tired or frustrated.
If you suspect that you might have a disorder such as ADHD consult your GP or a licensed psychologist. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health for an assessment. They will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will also inquire about any other health concerns that you might have. This is because some medications, such as those for high blood pressure and depression are able to interact with stimulants.
Sometimes, it takes a long time to diagnose a condition like ADHD. There are waiting lists. The procedure is based on NICE guidelines. Your GP will discuss your challenges and, if possible you can ask for a discussion with your family/whanau or employer. If they believe you have ADHD symptoms, they will refer to the most appropriate service to assess your needs.
5. Anxiety
If you suffer from ADHD you might be afflicted by anxiety. The good news is that with appropriate treatment, you will be able to manage your symptoms. Anxiety is an emotional reaction. Chronic anxiety can be an issue of serious concern. The first step is to identify what triggers anxiety. This could be certain situations, tasks, or even relationships. Self-awareness can also be used to discover what your ADHD symptoms may be contributing to or exacerbating your anxiety.
People with ADHD have a hard time staying engaged in a task or activity, which makes it difficult to meet deadlines and other requirements at school and work. They often struggle with prioritizing and causing miscommunication and missed opportunities. This can also lead to problems with family members or friends.
In addition to being a major cause of anxiety, it can also be an affliction that can be debilitating. It can cause a number of physical reactions, including sweating, a rapid pulse and a general feeling of discomfort. It can also cause difficulties in concentration and depression.
Anxiety is usually a co-occurring disorder that is associated with ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely than those with ADHD to be suffering from anxiety disorders or a mood disorder. They also have higher rates of addiction, smoking, 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 to identify and reframe harmful mindsets, beliefs and ways of thinking, can help you change your behavior. Your doctor may also recommend different types of therapy such as marriage or family counseling, for managing anxiety and improving relationships with your loved ones. You can also keep a journal or meditate to help ease your anxiety.