Adult Symptoms of ADHD
For those who aren't diagnosed with ADHD daily tasks such as getting dressed and paying bills can seem impossible. Adults may also be struggling with relationships and career issues.
Certain adults experience symptoms that fade with age, but for others, they continue to linger. If you think you might have ADHD discuss it with your health care provider.
Inattentiveness
It's not difficult to see why teachers might consider ADHD when children are distracted in class or cannot follow instructions. Hyperactivity is not a typical characteristic of adults suffering from this form of ADHD. Instead, adult symptoms often manifest as difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or work meetings and a cluttered house or office. Inattentive ADHD can also manifest as missing social cues and forgetting to record important meetings.
Inattentive ADHD has been a part of the person for most of their life. The health professional will evaluate the person's behavior now as well as their previous experiences to make a diagnosis. The doctor may request to speak to relatives, teachers, coworkers, and friends to understand the full picture.
If a person is prone to getting distracted at work or other situations, then the doctor might ask about previous problems like being bored easily and seeking out stimulating activities. The doctor will also inquire about any family history of mental illness as well as medical history, such as past ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Fidgeting is often a indication of inattention ADHD which can be seen in tapping arms or feet, squirming or biting nails. A person with inattentive ADHD might have trouble sitting still during class or at a meeting. They may have to leave their seat to go to the bathroom or lose track of items needed for activities and tasks. Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently lose items they need to complete their daily tasks, such as keys, wallets, and papers. They are more likely to forget their appointments, and usually fail to make them or arrive late.
Hyperactivity
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms like restlessness and impulsivity. They might not be able to stop fidgeting, or feel uneasy even when they are working or sleeping. They may have a hard time waiting for others or they may not be able to wait to achieve what they desire. They might be bored and want excitement or new experiences on a whim. These symptoms can cause difficulties in relationships, at work and at school. They can also cause mood swings and depression. These people are often less tolerant of stress and stress and rely more on coping mechanisms which can cause more harm than benefit.
Adults with ADHD are often misunderstood. Certain people with ADHD have been branded lazy, irresponsible or even stupid due to their inability to keep up with tasks and deal with challenges at home and at work. Some have also experienced financial difficulties because of their inability to keep track of things and lack of organization or have had health issues due to not attending medical checkups, taking medications, or not keeping the important documents and bills.
Many people who suffer from ADHD who receive treatment for the disorder experience better functioning, both at home as well as at work. If you or someone you know has ADHD consider whether any clinical trials in which you can participate would be of benefit to you. You can find out more about these studies from your health care provider or visit NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage. Researchers from NIMH and around the world are looking for new ways to diagnose, treat or prevent disorders like ADHD. These studies will aid future generations.
Impulsivity
ADHD can make it difficult to manage impulses. They may often make quick decisions without considering the consequences of their actions, for example, buying something spontaneously without thinking about how it will affect their finances. These actions can cause addictions impulsive such as gambling or substance abuse.
If you're an adult suffering from an impulsive personality, it's essential to seek out treatment. You can manage your symptoms by getting a correct diagnosis and a successful treatment.
Adults may have less severe symptoms of ADHD than children, however these symptoms can still affect your daily functioning. For a diagnosis, a psychiatric assessment will typically include interviews with you and your family members, completion of questionnaires and scales a review of your medical and psychiatric histories, and a complete physical exam.
You must display a number of these signs of impulsivity to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you're an adult with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it is essential to seek treatment for this disorder. With the help of a knowledgeable professional you can be taught to control your impulsive behaviors, organize your life and boost your productivity at school or at work. You can also tackle any mental health conditions which could be contributing to your symptoms. Behavioral coaching, individual or group therapy, and medication are all possible treatments for adults with ADHD. It is important to find the right combination of strategies that works for you and your specific situation. Some of these strategies include:
Unrest
Some adults suffering from ADHD struggle to keep working, adhere to corporate rules and maintain a stable schedule. They may have trouble navigating relationships and could face financial issues due to their impulse spending or a failure to pay bills on time. This can cause feelings of depression, low-self-esteem and chronic anxiety.
Adult ADHD is less hyperactive however, those with the disorder often have restless or agitated emotions. Some people may flitter in their chairs during meetings, for instance by tapping their feet or chewing on their nails. Some people have difficulty sitting still while reading a book or doing their homework. They might interrupt conversations or mutter answers before the question is asked.
Adults with these symptoms should get an accurate diagnosis since they can lead to significant impairment of their lives. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, which is published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains clinical guidelines for ADHD diagnosis. During an examination, the doctor will look at specific symptoms in different settings and evaluate their impact on daily life. It is also crucial to evaluate whether the symptoms are related to any other condition like stress or a different mental health condition.
Symptoms of ADHD can be treated with medication, therapy or a combination of both. It is also helpful for adults to maintain a healthy diet, which can boost concentration. A diet that is rich in complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein could help with ADHD symptoms. Experts advise against eating sugary foods because they can trigger anxiety and mood swings. Exercise can help those with ADHD to be less agitated and improve their mood.
Anxiety
If you are suffering from anxiety, you may be overwhelmed by thoughts of worry, fear or anxiety. Anxiety can also impact your ability to concentrate and make good decisions.
Some people have both ADHD and an anxiety disorder. People with comorbid ADHD/anxiety tend to be more violent and suicidal, which could be a risk. They also face more challenges at work and at home like not taking their medication or not showing up for appointments.
Comorbid ADHD and anxiety can create physical and financial problems. It's common for adults with ADHD to have a tough working, following corporate policies or meeting deadlines. It can also be difficult to manage finances, often because you're impulsive and don't manage your spending.
You could be suffering from ADHD if you are easily distracted, forget details or fidget often. But if you also experience anxiety and worry then it's possible you have anxiety, which is distinct from ADHD.
Anxiety disorders are very common among ADHD adults. They're as prevalent as mood disorders, substance abuse and disorders of impulse control. In fact, they are more common than bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression.
The study utilized a representative sample of patients referred to an anxiety clinic. The prevalence of comorbid ADHD in this sample was higher than the rates in two other studies that included the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). It's likely that a bigger sample will reveal more comorbidity rates. This study suggests that anxiety and ADHD are closely related, and that screening adults with ADHD for anxiety is an important step to help them receive the help they require.