Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults with ADHD have issues that first appeared in childhood. However, evidence based treatment for adhd in adults have to be persistent and severe to be considered a diagnosis in the later years of life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are at risk of developing mood disorders. They could suffer from bipolar disorder or depression. They might also suffer from anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks.
1. Trouble concentrating
For adults suffering from ADHD, problems with attention cause trouble staying on task and sustaining focus. They also have trouble organizing their time and staying on task. These symptoms may be severe or mild and everyone's experience will be different. For instance, people who are inattention with ADHD might appear to be unfocused or easily distracted by a passing thought, while hyperactive individuals tend to talk or fidget a lot.
If you're having trouble with your concentration and suspect you may be suffering from ADHD, talk to a mental health professional or GP. A GP can refer you to a specialist in the event that your symptoms are moderate or severe and interfere with your daily functioning.
The first treatment for adult ADHD is usually stimulant medications. However, not all stimulants are effective for everyone. Some result in side effects that make them ineffective or even harmful. Your GP will recommend a medicine or combination that works best for you. They will also consider other factors that may influence your symptoms, such as physical or mental health issues.
The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are usually quick-acting, lasting about four hours. After that, they may cause a rebound or crash effect, resulting in a dramatic decrease in energy levels and an appetite coma. Stimulants can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure slightly, so you should inform your GP about any other medications you are taking.
If you are struggling to stay still or focused, try meditation or exercise or taking a walk in nature. You might also benefit from a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program which teaches methods to improve your ability to concentrate and manage your emotions. CBT can help you improve your relationships by addressing issues like inattention, poor timing, and impulsive behaviour.
2. Inattention
People with inattention ADHD struggle to stay focused on their tasks and committing blunders. They often don't follow directions, miss appointments, and fail to complete their schoolwork or assignments. They may also have difficulty being attentive or be prone to daydream. This type of ADHD typically manifests in childhood, but can last into adulthood, causing problems at work or school.
While everyone loses their keys or phones every now and then A habit of frequently missing essential items could indicate that someone is suffering from inattention. People who are inattentional ADHD might also be sloppy or disorganized and have difficulty keeping the track of their belongings. They can make mistakes often at work or school, such as failing to proofread reports or forgetting important details in a project.
People with inattentive ADHD often blame themselves for their shortcomings. This can lead to a cycle of guilt, low self-esteem, and depression. It may be easier to hide their symptoms by blaming other people or avoid social activities. They may find it difficult to reach their goals at work or at home, and are more likely to be criticised for being inattentional, lazy or unprofessional by coworkers.
To determine if a person has inattentive ADHD, the health professional will inquire about the person's symptoms as well as when they manifest. They will also use a rating scale to assess the extent to which ADHD impacts daily life. They can also inquire with those who know the child's development. They can also request information about any other medical or emotional issues.
3. Impulsivity
Adults with adhd may show different symptoms than children. For instance the child with ADHD may be agitated or talkative in class, but an adult might impulsively interrupt others or start playing games or other activities without permission. They might forget to keep appointments, or fail to meet deadlines, or make impulsive choices that strain relationships with their coworkers or friends.
Adults who exhibit impulsive behavior may be troubled with schoolwork or job performance and may be at risk of having accidents or legal issues. They are more likely to suffer from depression and other mood disorders. A mental health professional or a doctor can instruct people who are impulsive how to rethink their actions before they occur and think about the consequences. They may prescribe medications such as clonidine and guanfacine. Antidepressants, also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also able to be beneficial.
To be diagnosed as having an illness that affects the ability to control impulses there must be ongoing problems in various areas of their lives. Adults aren't usually thought to be suffering from a medical condition unless they exhibit symptoms that have been present from childhood or cause clinically significant impairments in multiple areas of their life.
If the person's impulsive behaviors interfere with their lives, they should talk to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They may recommend psychotherapy, or accommodations, which are methods and adjustments to the environment that can aid in managing the disorder. For instance planning a schedule can be beneficial, as can setting up regular routines, using smartphone apps to keep track of timetables or seeking assistance from teachers or colleagues. They could also suggest cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to change the way people view an event. This could change their behavior.
4. Hyperactivity
Many people with ADHD don't experience tension or fidgeting. However, they may have issues sitting still for long periods of time, waiting for their turn, or following directions at work or in school. They are also more likely to experience frequent mood swings and poor tolerance for anger which can cause conflict in relationships.
To be able to recognize ADHD in adulthood, the symptoms must have been present since before age 12. The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings and have a significant impact on their performance. A mental health specialist or primary healthcare provider who is certified in ADHD must be able to make the diagnosis. Additionally, a thorough assessment of the patient must be completed. This includes the descriptions of symptoms provided by the person as well as their caregivers. It also includes an interview with the person about their behavior, how they feel at school, work and at home, as well an examination of their mental health history. A physical examination is crucial, as certain medical conditions can cause ADHD-like symptoms such as vision and hearing issues, sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders.
A comorbid disorder such as depression or anxiety, can often co-exist with ADHD and make it more difficult to manage the symptoms. If a comorbidity is discovered, it needs to be treated to help manage the ADHD.
People who have mild ADHD symptoms may find that their medication and other interventions can help improve their lives. People with moderate symptoms are more likely to experience issues with their work or social life, while those with severe symptoms may struggle to maintain their jobs and relationships. In these cases, couples therapy, classes in communication and therapy that helps teach people how to cope can be helpful.
5. Disruptive behavior
In some cases, symptoms of ADHD can lead to disruptive behaviors. These include missing important dates or appointments, disrupting others, making irrational decisions or not observing rules and other issues. Therapy that teaches the skills to improve organization and reduce mental distortions that cause negative moods could be beneficial. Mood stabilizers (antidepressants) may also assist with these issues.
A doctor can utilize a checklist or behavior rating scale to determine if an adult meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough assessment usually involves taking a look at the person's record of childhood behavior and the experiences. A mental health professional can also ask permission to speak with friends and family members about the person's personal life. A health professional can also conduct medical and psychology tests to check for other issues like ADHD or co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, sleep disorders depression, low blood glucose, high blood pressure or low blood sugar, as well as drug abuse.
Adults with ADHD typically have at least six symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in multiple settings and result in significant clinically significant impairment for at least six months before receiving an ADHD diagnosis. (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
It is possible that the symptoms and signs of ADHD will look different as you age, and they may vary according to the environment or the specific circumstance. Certain people may have to take medication for ADHD. Some people may benefit from behavioral therapy such as counseling or parent education. Some adults who suffer from ADHD might require working closely with their teachers and staff to receive the help they need at school.