Adult Symptoms of ADHD
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have trouble to complete simple tasks like dressing or paying bills. Some adults may also struggle with career challenges and relationships.
Some adults find that symptoms fade with age, but for others, they remain. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you may have ADHD.
Inattentiveness
When a child gets distracted in class or fails to follow instructions, it's easy to see why a teacher might suspect ADHD. Hyperactivity is not a common characteristic of adults suffering from this type of ADHD. Adult symptoms typically manifest as trouble with schoolwork or work meetings, and a clutter-filled home or office. Inattentional ADHD may also include not being able to recognize social cues or to record notes during important meetings.
Attention-deficit ADHD has been a part of the person for most of their life. To make a diagnosis the health professional will look at the person's present behavior and previous experiences. They will typically seek out family members or friends, teachers and coworkers as well as other people who know the patient well to get a full picture.
If a person has a tendency to get distracted at work or other settings, then the provider may inquire about past issues, such as getting bored easily and seeking stimulating activities. The doctor will also inquire about any family history of mental illness, and medical history, such as past ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Fidgeting is a typical sign of inattentive ADHD, including tapping arms or feet and squirming or biting nails. One may also experience difficulties sitting in class or during an event, leaving the seat to go to the bathroom, or having trouble keeping the track of items needed to complete tasks and activities. Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently lose items that are essential for everyday tasks like keys, wallets or even eyeglasses, papers and documents. They often not remember appointments and sometimes fail to remember them or arrive late for them.
Hyperactivity
Many adults who have ADHD suffer from symptoms of restlessness and impulsivity. They may be unable to stop fidgeting, or feel uneasy even when they should be working or sleeping. They may have a difficult time waiting for others to arrive or appear to be unable to sit and wait for what they would like. They might also be easily bored and may seek out excitement or new experiences on the spur of the moment. female adhd symptoms can lead to issues in relationships, at work, and at school. They can also trigger depression and mood shifts. People who suffer from these issues typically have a low tolerance to frustration and stress and are more likely to use a variety of coping strategies, which can backfire and cause more harm than good.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood. They might have been told they are lazy, unreliable or stupid due to their difficulty in completing routine tasks and tackling challenges at home and at work. Some have also had financial problems due to their inability to keep track of things and lack of organization or have had health issues as a result of skipping medical checkups, not taking medication, or losing important documents and bills.
Many people who suffer from ADHD who receive treatment for the disorder report improved functioning at home as well as at work. If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, discuss whether clinical trials in which you could take part would be beneficial to you. You can find out more about these studies by speaking with your doctor or by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage. NIMH and other researchers across the globe are studying different ways to identify, treat or prevent disorders like ADHD. The results of these studies may help others in the near future.
Impulsivity
Many people with ADHD have difficulty controlling their impulses. They may often make quick decisions without considering the consequences of their actions, for example, buying something spontaneously without considering the impact it has on their financial situation. These actions can result in impulsive behaviors, such as gambling and drug abuse.
If you are an adult struggling with controlling your impulses, it's important to seek treatment for ADHD. With a proper diagnosis and effective treatment, you will be able to manage your symptoms and live a better life.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults could be less severe than children, but they can be a hindrance to your daily functioning. For a diagnosis an evaluation for psychiatric disorders will typically include interviews with you and your family members, completion of scales and questionnaires, a review of your medical and psychiatric history, and an exhaustive physical exam.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must show several of the following symptoms:
If you're an adult suffering from symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it's important to seek treatment for this disorder. You can manage your impulse-driven behavior, improve your organization, and increase your productivity at school or work with the help of an expert. You can also address any mental health issues that may contribute to your symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated by medication, group or individual therapy and behavior coaching. The key is to find the appropriate combination of strategies that works for you and your unique situation. Some of these strategies include:
Unrest
Some adults suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain their job, adhere to corporate guidelines and maintain a stable schedule. They may have trouble navigating relationships, and may run into financial difficulties because of impulsive purchases or a failure to pay their bills on time. This can trigger feelings of depression, low-self-esteem and chronic anxiety.
While hyperactivity is not as common in adult ADHD, people affected by the condition typically have unstable or anxious moods. Some people may flitter in their chairs during meetings, for example tapping their feet or chewing on their nails. Some people have difficulty sitting still while reading a book, or working on their homework. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers before the question is asked.
Adults suffering from these symptoms must receive an accurate diagnosis since they can cause significant impairment to their lives. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, released by the American Psychiatric Association, contains clinical guidelines for ADHD diagnosis. During an assessment, a doctor will look at particular symptoms in various settings and evaluate the impact they have on everyday life. It is crucial to determine if symptoms are caused by other issues, like stress or mental disorders.
ADHD symptoms can be managed by medication, therapy, or a combination. It is also beneficial for adults to have healthy eating habits, which can help improve concentration. A diet rich in protein and healthy fats, as well as complex carbohydrates could help in managing the symptoms of ADHD. Many experts advise against eating foods high in sugar, as they can cause hyperactivity and mood swings. Exercise can help people who suffer from ADHD to be less agitated and improve their mood.
Anxiety
When you're anxious, you may feel overwhelmed by feelings of fear, worry or fear. Anxiety can also impact your ability to focus and make wise decisions.
Certain people suffer from both ADHD as well as an anxiety disorder. People with a comorbid disorder of anxiety and ADHD tend to be more violent and suicidal, which can be a risk. They also have more issues working and at home like being late for appointments or forgetting to take their medication.
In addition to causing emotional and behavioral issues in addition, co-occurring ADHD and anxiety can cause financial and physical problems. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping a job or following corporate guidelines. You might also be experiencing financial issues, mostly because you're impulsive and can't control your spending.
If you're unfocused when someone is talking to you, have difficulties remembering specifics or are always fidgeting, it's possible you have ADHD. If you're also experiencing anxiety and worry, it's likely that you have anxiety.
Anxiety disorders among adults with ADHD are extremely common. They are almost as common as mood disorders, substance abuse and disorders of impulse control. In fact they are more prevalent than schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression.
The study used a representative sample of patients who were referred to a clinic for anxiety disorders. This group had a higher rate of comorbid ADHD than two other studies including the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. It's possible that a larger population could reveal higher comorbidity. This study suggests that anxiety and ADHD are closely linked, and that screening adults with ADHD for anxiety is an important step in helping them get the help they require.