Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you consistently late for social events, work and meetings? Are you often prone to forgetting or ignoring chores at home? If yes, you could have undiagnosed ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. Inattentive ADHD is characterized by disorganization and forgetfulness.
1. Disorganization
A person suffering from ADD may have trouble managing time, completing tasks or keeping deadlines. They also may lose or misplace things needed for daily tasks (e.g. keys, tools, books, wallets, eyeglasses or cell phones). If a patient experiences these symptoms regularly and their doctor is able to evaluate the patient for ADD. The clinician might request detailed details from the patient as well as other family members to help make a diagnosis.
2. Hyperactivity
In a lot of cases, people with ADD have trouble staying seated and paying attention at school or work and keeping track of their schedule and appointments. Sometimes they forget things or misplace their wallets, keys and eyeglasses. They also lose paperwork or mobile telephones. They may have messy homes or workspaces and are unable to complete tasks that require a sustained mental effort. They also have a weak working memory and are easily distracted by external stimuli. These are characteristics of what was formerly called ADD or Predominantly Attentive Type ADHD (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I).
Children with hyperactive ADHD appear to be constantly in motion as if "driven by motors." They are unable to sit still, particularly in classrooms based on neurotypical expectations. They frequently run around or climb over things, even if it's not appropriate. They rush to answer questions before they are done. They also have trouble waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or interfere. These signs may decrease in adolescence or adulthood however they will be present.
Adults may have a harder to recognize ADD symptoms, as they are less obvious than those in children. Family physicians are in a unique position to identify ADD and begin treatment. They may also refer their patients to mental health professionals in the event of need. In many instances family physicians are the first to notice that a patient has difficulty getting their work done or attending business meetings and can't seem to organize. By employing routine interviewing techniques and obtaining detailed information from the patient and their family members, family physicians can help confirm the ADD diagnosis and create an effective management plan. The following are some of the most frequent symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Attention
Inattention ADHD is characterized by difficulty concentrating and focusing and can cause problems at school or work. They can manifest as incomplete homework or work messy homes, disorganized desks or failure to pay bills or return phone calls in time. People with inattentive ADHD may also lose items that are essential for daily tasks such as wallets and keys. They may struggle to listen to others and frequently miss the point of conversations, or easily get bored of meetings and presentations. They may drift off and daydream about their hobbies, or replay social media content.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. Many family physicians do not recognize ADHD in their patients due to the fact that they don't know about the disorder in adults or because comorbid problems mask its presence. However, a trained doctor can diagnose the condition by asking specific questions regarding symptoms and the history.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD include having a range of inattentive symptoms and five or more persistent symptoms that interfere in, or decrease the quality of, one's social, academic or work performance. Symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months and are not suitable for the patient's developmental level.
In addition to behavioural therapy, the most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. There are symptoms of adult add of drugs available and it's crucial to find the right one for you. It's best to start with a single drug and observe its effectiveness carefully as symptoms can improve as time passes. It is recommended that you visit your doctor at least once per year. Sometimes, a dose adjustment will be required to keep your meds working at their most effective.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a key symptom of ADHD, meaning that people who suffer from this condition tend to make decisions without having thought. They may utter answers before questions have been asked, interrupt others or engage in reckless activities which can result in serious consequences. Impulsive behavior can also interfere with interpersonal relationships and exacerbate symptoms of other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders or mood swings. Research suggests that impulsive behavior in adults with ADHD result from a decrease in activity in the prefrontal cortex which plays a significant role in decision-making and control of impulses. It could also be linked to atypical dopamine regulation, which affects reward processing and impulse control.
The urge to buy something new can cause financial problems. The dopamine rush that results from buying something new can outweigh the cost, practicality or logic of the purchase. Impulsive decisions can also have a negative impact on self-care. They can result in poor lifestyle choices or unhealthy eating habits. It isn't easy to break this pattern, however there are ways to reduce the tendency to be impulsive. Make a list of the circumstances in which you're likely to act impulsively. If you're tempted to do something or say something in a hurry, put your finger on your mouth for a few seconds and pretend to lock yourself in. This will allow you to think about whether it is a wise decision.
Breathing techniques can also assist you in feeling more grounded and focused. A few studies have demonstrated that it can help regulate the autonomic nerve system and reduce negative emotions that exacerbate impulsive behaviors. Practicing mindfulness and making lists of things to be done can also be helpful. Being able to predict times and circumstances that you might act impulsively can help you take action to curb the risk of this behavior, like bringing fidget toys to meetings, or putting reminders in your wallet that count to 10 before responding.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a repetitive movement that can calm the nervous system and to improve focus. It is often associated with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention. People suffering from ADD tend to fidget in order to stay focused on the course or task, but it can also interfere with social interactions and trigger other health issues.
Fidgeting is typically thought of as a negative behaviour which should be avoided, but researchers have discovered that it actually helps increase concentration. The type of fidgeting you do involves movements using your body rather than an object. Examples include clicking a pen or tapping your feet.
In a study, students who fidget during class found that their attention span and concentration improved after they began using stress balls in their lessons and self-work activities. They found that manipulating the balls helped them focus and also allowed interaction with their teachers and classmates.
It's important for parents to know that fidgeting is an everyday part of the human experience, and it isn't an indication of mental illness. If your child's fidgeting causes disruption in the classroom or at home, it's a good idea to discuss with their physician to determine if they have a condition that is treatable, such as restless legs syndrome (RLS).
There are a variety of ways to improve your concentration and decrease ADHD symptoms as well as taking medications. For instance, you can using a stopwatch to break up long tasks into smaller chunks that you can manage, or even designate the space where you'll work in the event you get distracted by other things. You can also use mindfulness techniques to relax your mind and increase your focus, or learn a new activity that will keep your hand busy. Knitting, for example, can help you improve your focus and experience the satisfaction when you finish an item like a cap or blanket.