Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many people suffering from ADHD live their lives without ever being diagnosed. They may even be mistakenly diagnosed with other conditions.
They might feel relief at receiving an explanation for their difficulties and knowing they're not 'lazy' or unwilling. They may also feel frustrated that their issues weren't recognized and treated earlier.
1. Lack of Focus
Finding it difficult to stay focused is a typical symptom of ADHD. This is a lifelong condition however, it can lead to more issues in adulthood, when people have more responsibilities to manage. It can impact work, relationships and other aspects of life. It can also lead to poor performance and a sense of failure, especially when people fail to adhere to deadlines or are regularly late for appointments.
Lack of focus is an issue in many areas of life such as school, work and social activities. It can result in missed opportunities and poor performance at work and financial problems. It can also make routine medical care and treatments more difficult to keep up.
In certain situations, a person’s difficulty focus could be due to unrelated health or mental issues that require treatment first. For example, anxiety and depression can cause people to lose focus, become distracted, and forget important details. The treatment of these issues can help the person to concentrate better.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD frequently have difficulties to succeed in school, work or other tasks. They may have trouble maintaining healthy relationships with family members, classmates, or coworkers. They might be labeled as stupid, lazy, or irresponsible by others.
Medicines are frequently prescribed to treat ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine may help some people stay focused by increasing or balancing the levels of brain chemicals that affect attention. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants may be used when stimulants are not suitable for the health of a person or cause severe adverse effects. Cognitive and behavioral therapies are beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. These therapies can increase self-esteem and teach strategies to keep organized at home and at work, and offer support in juggling daily obligations.
2. Poor Memory
Memory problems are a significant problem for many people with ADHD. They may forget important deadlines, commitments, or tasks. They might be unable to keep the track of their daily routines or chores. They could also be susceptible to lose things like keys, eyeglasses or cellphones. These problems can affect your school, work, and social life. But it's hard to seek help for adults who may have been dismissed by their parents as "lazy or bad students."
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that a person experiences several inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that are present before age 12. To be considered to have ADHD in adults, symptoms have to interfere with the daily activities at work, school or at home. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will assess the person's symptoms and history using ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scores. He or she might be able to inquire about childhood behaviors and may also talk to family members.
People who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk of developing depression and other mood disorders. They are unable to manage their emotions and can be frustrated.
Treatment for adult ADHD may involve group and family therapy and self-help groups, as well as vocational counseling, education assistance, and medications. Exercise, diet modifications, and behavioral counseling can ease symptoms. The most commonly prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD are stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate that are believed to increase and regulate brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Adult ADHD can be treated with non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, or other antidepressants. These medications work slower than stimulants, but they are good for adults who are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or serious side-effects.
3. Impulsivity
Adults who suffer from adhd often struggle to manage their impulses. They may be enticed by their urges to say yes to everything, only to struggle to complete the tasks they have started. This can lead to difficulties at work, in relationships, and with finances. They might also miss important medical or legal documents and put their health at risk.
For the majority of people with adhd, the problems start in childhood and last throughout the teen years and into adulthood. They can become worse at certain times of life, like when they move out of home or when new demands such as parenthood or a change in work are awaited. They might also get better as they get older.
Most people with ADHD have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, although some have more of one than the other. Some people suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety which makes it difficult to determine if ADHD is the cause of their problems.
If you think you might have adult adhd, speak to your GP. They will refer you to the best service for an evaluation. It is usually an in-person mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental service that is specialized.
You can participate in a trial to test whether medications are beneficial for adults suffering from adhd. It's crucial to discuss the benefits and cons with your GP before you decide to take part. They can help you identify the risks and decide whether it's the right choice for you.
4. Restlessness
People suffering from ADHD struggle to concentrate on tasks that don't interest them. They also tend to be bored easily and want exciting and new experiences which can cause them to lose their focus and make mistakes. This is more prevalent in children and teenagers with the condition than in adults, but can still cause problems in school, at work as well as at home.
ADHD patients are often irritable more than other people. This can cause them to be unable to concentrate at work or in school, and they may delay appointments or show up late to social or work events. It can also trigger feelings of despair, frustration and despair. People who experience restlessness can become depressed, anxious or irritable and might try to take self-medicating measures with alcohol or other narcotics.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have symptoms of inattentiveness than hyperactivity-impulsivity, but many adults with the condition have both. Women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive symptoms, while men are more likely to have hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware of the challenges they face. For these individuals diagnosed, it can bring relief and a sense of hope. It can help them understand that their issues aren't due to a character flaw, or personal weakness or a lack of motivation, but rather ADHD.
If you know someone in your family who suffers from ADHD help them as often and as frequently as you can. Encourage them to develop healthy sleeping habits, avoid the consumption of sugary and caffeine drinks prior to the time they go to bed, exercise regularly, follow a daily routine to prepare for the next day and to go to bed at the same time each night. You can also join an adult ADHD peer-support group. This is an excellent way to connect with others who suffer from the same condition.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the symptoms of adhd in adulthood that can manifest as restlessness, trouble sleeping or fear that is not rational. The symptoms can also affect the person's everyday life and affect their relationships with other people. The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can overlap and it can be difficult for mental health professionals to distinguish between the two. This can lead to misdiagnosis, which can cause both conditions to be neglected or not treated.
Anxiety and ADHD are not the same thing. It is uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to experience anxiety. The anxiety can be caused by ADHD or the effects of the disorder. For instance, if someone with ADHD is late at work or forgets to study for an exam, they may be worried about their performance.
Researchers have found that people with comorbid ADHD and anxiety are less accurate on working memory tasks than those who have ADHD only (Jarrett et al. 2014). When discussing treatment options with a mental health professional it is essential to mention any other medical issues or medications you might be taking. Some medications, particularly those used to treat adult health issues like high blood pressure, or diabetes, can interact with certain stimulants used to treat ADHD.
Psychiatrists treat ADHD by prescribing medications that act as stimulants, like Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). These medications increase the supply in the brain of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and. This helps reduce hyperactivity, improve focus and ease ADHD symptoms. add symptoms in adults could also recommend therapy to determine the root causes of anxiety, and to teach stress management techniques and coping mechanisms.
