ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Are you prone to forgetting important tasks and losing your keys, wallet, or are you having difficulty staying organized? If so, you could have ADHD.
Your doctor will use the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to make an assessment. The symptoms have been present for more than six months, and are suitable for your developmental stage.
1. Inattention
Many people with ADHD struggle to stay on track whether at school or at work. This can result in unfinished work, incomplete projects at work or with chores, unscheduled appointments and a general feeling of disorganization. These issues can also create issues with relationships with friends and family.
The signs of inattention are generally less evident in adults, however they can be painful. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, adults with inattentive ADHD have difficulty concentrating during lectures or conversations and reading lengthy documents. They might miss important information and make careless errors in their work. Inattention ADHD sufferers might be unable to remain in a seated position for long periods of time. They might need to chew gum and tap their feet, or pace during meetings.
Inattentive ADHD can be disguised by other disorders like anxiety, depression or physical health issues like stress or physical illness. This could mean that people fail to get referred for an ADHD assessment or are misinformed about their symptoms with a different issue. This could mean they're not treated.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These can include trouble sitting still, feeling restless and interrupting others, as well as engaging in impulsive behavior without considering the consequences. It can cause problems in the home at work, at home, and with friends. It can also lead to inappropriate behaviors such as impulsive spending or unprotected sexual activity. This kind of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school environments where teachers can monitor and provide support.
2. Hyperactivity
Restlessness, also known as hyperactivity is among the ADHD symptoms that adults commonly experience. It could be feeling as if you're constantly "on the move" or having trouble playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption. It also can mean being in a hurry to get your turn in conversations or games. Some people who suffer from ADHD struggle to estimate how long certain tasks will take. For instance, it could be difficult to know the time needed to complete homework or getting ready for a work meeting.
Adults with hyperactivity tend to fidget, or pacing their feet, talk too much and have trouble sitting still. They may also have difficulty following directions and making a decision. Adults may have trouble getting out of bed or getting up or being late to school or work and lose their keys frequently. This can lead to a rocky relationship and poor performance at work or school.
Although we don't yet know what causes ADHD in children, research studies have shown that genetics may be a factor. Additionally the environment and problems with the brain's central nerve system at critical times in development may increase a person's risk of having the disorder.
If you or a loved one is suffering from ADHD it's crucial to seek help from your health care provider. Your doctor can refer you to mental health specialists who specialize in treating adults ADHD. If you're unsure what to do, NIMH offers tips for talking with your health professional about ADHD. You can also find out more about ADHD by studying the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5TR). The manual is accessible online for free.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less prevalent than hyperactivity and inattention it can still be a factor in some adults suffering from ADHD. People who make decisions without thinking about the consequences can have problems with their relationships, their work and in school. They might not be able to sit still or talk in a loud manner, or interrupt others often. They may be unable to manage their impulses and make decisions that they regret later. They could spend money on things they don't require, quit their job on the spur of the moment, or engage in sexual activities 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 should be present in at least two environments such as at home, school, or working, with friends or family members, as well as during other activities. These symptoms must cause significant problems and hinder or hinder the quality of, school, social or work-related functioning.
Many adults who have never received an ADHD diagnosis as children discover that their symptoms persist into adulthood, creating problems at work or in relationships. In these cases, the health care provider will assess the symptoms. This may include reviewing reports from the past and speaking to family members about childhood issues.
People with ADHD typically respond well to treatment using psychotherapy, changes in lifestyle and medications called stimulants. Stimulants boost the levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which can improve focus and concentration. These drugs can cause side effects but are generally considered safe if used under medical supervision. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also be beneficial. Certain adults with ADHD benefit from joining a support group.
4. Disruptiveness
People with ADHD can be very disruptive when they have difficulty managing their emotions and paying attention to small details. This can affect their performance at work and cause them to be difficult to deal with in relationships with others. It can even cause separation or divorce.
Talking too much, uttering answers before others have completed their questions, interrupting other people or acting out on impulse without considering the consequences can be signs of adult ADHD. These actions can disrupt their lives at home and harm their relationships with family and friends. They might forget social obligations, birthdays or anniversaries and struggle to complete household chores or meet their budget.
Additionally, people with ADHD tend to be easily bored and have difficulty sitting still or waiting for others to arrive. They can feel restless or fidgety, which is an indication that is difficult to differentiate from anxiety and depression. People suffering from ADHD may also be angry and unruly, particularly when they're exhausted or upset.
Talk to your GP if you suspect you may have a disorder such as ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health for an evaluation. They will inquire about your symptoms and the impacts they have on your daily functioning. They will also ask about any other health issues you may have. Certain medications, like those for high blood pressure, depression and high blood sugar may interact negatively with stimulants.
It can take a long time to assess someone for a disorder such as ADHD and sometimes there are waiting lists. However, the process is based on NICE guidelines. Your GP can discuss your issues with you, and ask to talk to your family members/whanau as well as employers (if feasible). If they agree you have ADHD symptoms they will refer you to the best service to assess you.
5. Anxiety
If you have ADHD you may experience anxiety. It is possible to manage your symptoms with the proper treatment. Anxiety is an expected reaction to emotion. Chronic anxiety can become a serious issue. The first step is to determine the triggers that cause anxiety. This could be certain environments or tasks, or even relationships. ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults could also use your self-awareness in order to determine if your ADHD symptoms could be contributing to, or exacerbating, your anxiety.
People suffering from ADHD typically have trouble staying focused on a particular task or activity. This makes it difficult to meet deadlines at work or school and also to meet other expectations. They are unable to prioritize tasks, which can lead to mistakes in communication and missed opportunities. This can also result in conflicts with family members or friends.
Anxiety can be a debilitating condition and is a significant source of stress. It triggers a range of physical reactions, including rapid heartbeat, sweating and a general sense of unease. It can also cause anxiety and depression.
Anxiety is often a co-occurring disorder that is associated with ADHD. In reality, those with the disorder are more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder than people who do not have ADHD. They are also more likely to be suffering from addictions, smoking, impulsivity and eating disorders.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is the combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method that helps you identify and reframe unhelpful attitudes, beliefs and patterns of thinking will help you change your behavior. Your doctor may also suggest other types of therapy, such as family or marriage counseling, to reduce anxiety and improve relationships with loved one. You can also try keeping a journal or meditating to alleviate your stress.