What is ADHD Symptoms in Adults?
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of emotions. They may feel relief at understanding their difficulties, anger at being labeled as lazy or irresponsible, and sadness over the effect that ADHD has had on their lives.
There are many strategies that can help people who suffer from ADHD manage their symptoms. For example, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly can reduce anxiety.
1. You Can't Focus
ADHD can make it difficult to prioritize tasks that require concentration and focus. It can be difficult to start your school or work assignments or staying focused at home. You may also find it difficult to remember your daily responsibilities or meet deadlines. This can lead to stress, particularly in your relationships.
Adults with ADHD are often agitated and appear to be distracted however, it's not like the hyperactivity seen in children. Adults with ADHD may fidget instead of jumping or running around, like tapping their toes or gnawing their nails. They might do this when they should be in a meeting or listening to a lecture.
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. Some experts believe that certain brain structures and chemicals can cause Combined Type ADHD.
A medical professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if someone is suffering from ADD/ADHD and to identify the right diagnosis. This will include reviewing a person's present and, if an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. A health care provider will also ask for permission to talk with family members, partners, and close friends about their experiences with the individual.
A health specialist can provide a variety of treatments for ADHD such as cognitive behavior therapy and prescription medications. Your doctor may also talk with you about ways to assist you in managing your condition. For example, a planner or apps that remind you of important dates.
2. You're Always fidgeting
A common stereotype of ADHD is a child bouncing around the classroom or dreaming in class, but ADHD can affect people at any age. Adults who aren't able to focus may have problems at work or school. For instance, a person may rush through a test only to miss questions they have the answers to or misread important information in an email. Most of the time, these kinds of errors are caused by poor organization skills. Another indication of ADHD is difficulty keeping on top of tasks, schedules, and paperwork.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step in finding a suitable treatment. A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will assess the symptoms of an individual, taking into account factors like mood and medical history. They may also consider the history of the family and physical health.
People with ADHD are also benefited by having strengths like a strong ability to "hyper-focus" on tasks that are exciting or enjoyable. A person who is enthusiastic about music may be able learn chords quickly and concentrate on playing the guitar. A student, for instance, might be able memorize facts and words with ease due to their passion for the subject. These positive aspects of ADHD can help you succeed in relationships, careers, and other aspects of life.
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because they don't think it's a serious problem. It's not unusual for people to not receive an accurate diagnosis when they were young children, and this can have serious consequences for their health and happiness in the future. A thorough assessment by a mental health professional is important to diagnose ADHD and find the best treatment options. Adults should also speak to trusted family members, friends or other sources about their symptoms.
3. You're easily distracted
It's not always the fault of those with ADHD. They may get distracted by things going on around them, or by their own thoughts or concerns. They may not be able to prioritize their tasks or get distracted, which could lead to missed deadlines at work. They often underestimate how long they will need to complete their tasks and end up delaying projects until the last minute. In turn, partners and relatives of those who suffer from undiagnosed ADHD may feel that their inability to keep obligations is a sign of their lack of interest or care.
This symptom could be different if you suffer from hyperactive ADHD or inattentive ADHD. It's okay to be distracted from time to time but if you feel that your attention is constantly attracted to something or other, you should talk to your doctor. Some adults experience mainly internal distractions, whereas others are more susceptible to external ones, says Kara Naylon, PhD, neuropsychologist at LifeStance Health in Boston. She explains that it's easier to stay focused on tasks that you enjoy, but when you're distracted by something that's more exciting or interesting it can be difficult to regain control.
Stress, other mental health conditions, as well as certain physical ailments can trigger symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. This is why it's essential to undergo a thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional with experience assessing and treating ADHD. They'll examine your mood and medical history, as well as other factors to determine if you might have this condition and identify effective treatments. If they need more information about your childhood and your school they'll request your permission to speak to your family, friends and teachers.
4. You have a difficult time recalling the 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 the later years of adulthood. Your health care professional will look at your past behavior and experiences, such as older reports or talking to family members, to confirm the diagnosis. They'll also do physical examinations and review your medical history.
Experts do not know what causes ADHD. However genetics and developmental issues in childhood may play a part. Certain environmental factors, like exposure to lead can be linked to the disorder. People who have a family history of the disorder tend to develop it during early childhood.
The two subtypes of ADHD are inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. Inattentive ADHD symptoms include a lack of focus to details, a tendency to make mistakes, and losing track of the time during lectures or conversations. This kind of ADHD makes it difficult for people to remain focused or achieve long-term goals. They also have difficulty understanding social boundaries, and often intruding or interrupting others often and without permission.
In hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, a person shows symptoms of fidgeting and trouble waiting for their turn. They can't sit still or wait for their turn in a game or conversation, and they have trouble getting through their work or taking turns in work or relationships. People who suffer from this kind of ADHD are more likely to be in trouble at school, in the workplace, or in their relationships.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, your treatment strategy will likely include medication, therapy or counseling, and adjustments to the way you manage your daily activities. Many people who suffer from ADHD benefit from support groups and mentors who help them develop better strategies to cope.
5. You're always late
ADHD can make it difficult for people with ADHD to manage their time, be on time for appointments and meetings, or make it to work or school on time. These difficulties can make keeping relationships with friends and colleagues or meeting financial obligations difficult, particularly when the root of the problem is not recognized.
People who struggle with ADHD typically find it difficult to seek treatment than those who are not affected. They might be worried about the "disorder" label or the possibility that medication could have harmful side effects. Adults suffering from ADHD may not seek treatment if they do not have access to healthcare. They could 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 can be overlooked until adulthood. Many adults who experienced ADHD as children might not be diagnosed because their symptoms were not severe, they were misdiagnosed, or they had other issues that led to a missed diagnosis.
While restlessness and hyperactivity are harder to catch in adults than they are in children, those with ADHD are still exhibiting these symptoms. They might fidget or squirm their seats or attempt to do too many things at once. They may also be prone to a low tolerance to frustration and stress or have mood swings.
It's important to see an expert in health care who can perform an evaluation, diagnose ADHD and suggest treatment. Psychotherapy and medication have been scientifically shown to improve ADHD symptoms. symptoms for ADHD in adults is best treated with stimulant medications. These drugs may have severe side effects. A medical professional must prescribe and keep track of these medications. People who are taking other medications should tell their provider before they start taking a stimulant.