What is ADHD Symptoms in Adults? Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often experience a range of emotions. They may feel relief at finally being diagnosed or resentment over being called unprofessional or insensitive, or sadness over the effect ADHD has caused on their lives. There are a myriad of strategies that can help people who suffer from ADHD manage their symptoms. Sleeping enough and exercising regularly, for instance, can reduce anxiety. 1. You Can't Focus If you suffer from ADHD, it isn't easy to prioritize tasks that require focus and concentration. It can be difficult to start classes or work assignments, or staying focused at home. It can be difficult keeping track of your daily obligations and meeting deadlines. This can lead to stress, especially in your relationships. Adults with ADHD may be restless or appear disengaged. However this is not the case with the hyperactivity that children experience. Instead of running around and jumping up and down, or bouncing around, adults with ADHD may fidget -- such as tapping their feet or biting their nails -- when they are listening to a lecture or taking part in a business conference. People who have both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms can have what's called Combined Type ADHD. They usually have at least six inattentive symptoms and at least six hyperactive/impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with this subtype of ADHD. Some experts believe that certain brain structures and chemicals may be responsible for Combined Type ADHD. A medical professional will do a thorough evaluation to determine if the patient has ADD/ADHD, and to determine the appropriate diagnosis. This involves reviewing a person's present and, if they are an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. A health care provider may also ask permission to speak with family members, partners, and close friends regarding their experiences with a person. A health care professional can provide a range of treatments for ADHD that include cognitive behavioral therapy and prescription medications. Your doctor may also discuss with you the tools and accommodations that can assist you in managing your condition. For example, a planner or apps that remind you of important dates. 2. You're Always fidgeting A common stereotype of ADHD is that of a child running around the classroom or daydreaming in class, but ADHD can affect people at any age. Adults who aren't focused can have problems at work or in school. For instance, a person may rush through a test only to miss questions they have the answers to or not understand important information in an email. The majority of these mistakes are due to poor ability to organize. Another sign of ADHD is the difficulty in keeping track of tasks, schedules and paperwork. The first step in determining an effective treatment is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience diagnosing ADHD will assess a person's symptoms and take into consideration factors like mood and medical history. They may also take into consideration family history and physical health. People who suffer from ADHD are also benefited by having strengths, such as an ability to hyper-focus on tasks that are enjoyable or interesting. For instance, a person who is a great fan of music might be able learn chords quickly and focus all of their attention on playing guitar, while students may be able to memorize vocabulary and facts quickly because they're passionate about the subject. These positive aspects of ADHD can lead to success in the workplace, in relationships and other aspects of your life. Many adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD as they don't think it's an issue that is serious. It is not uncommon for people to be misdiagnosed when they were children. This can have serious implications for their future happiness and health. A thorough assessment by a mental health professional is important to diagnose ADHD and find the best treatment options. Adults should also talk to trusted family members, friends or other sources about their symptoms. 3. You're easily distracted People with ADHD often lose focus easily and it's not always their fault. They may be distracted by things that are going on around them, or their own thoughts or worries. They may not prioritize their tasks or be impulsive. This could lead to missed work deadlines. They are also prone to underestimate how long it will take them to complete tasks, and end up putting off projects until the last minute. In turn, partners and relatives of those who suffer from undiagnosed ADHD can feel like their inability to meet obligations is a sign of their lack of interest or care. This symptom may appear different depending on whether you have hyperactive or inattentive ADHD. It's fine to be distracted from time to time however if your attention is always attracted to one thing or an other it is advisable to talk to your doctor. Kara Naylon PhD, a neuropsychologist with LifeStance Health, Boston, says that certain people are more vulnerable to internal distractions while others are more prone to external ones. She claims that it's easier to focus on enjoyable tasks but it isn't easy to get back in control if you are distracted by something more interesting or exciting. Stress, mental health issues and some physical ailments can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. It's important to get a thorough assessment by an expert in mental health or health care provider who is skilled in assessing and treating ADHD. They'll examine your mood, your medical history, and other factors to determine if you suffer from this condition. They'll also suggest effective treatments. They'll ask for your permission to speak with your family, friends, and teachers if they want to know more about your childhood and school experiences. 4. You have a hard time remembering details If you're constantly missing appointments, keys, or deadlines, talk to your doctor about ADHD. It's common for people to show signs at the age of adulthood, but the disorder can also run in families. To confirm the diagnosis, your health care provider will look at past behaviors and experiences such as old report cards or conversations with family members. They'll also conduct an examination of your body and look at your medical background. Experts aren't certain of what causes ADHD. However, genetics and developmental problems in childhood could be a factor. Certain environmental factors, like exposure to lead, could be linked to the disorder. People with an ancestral history of the disorder are more likely to develop it during early childhood. The two subtypes of ADHD are inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty focusing, making careless mistakes and losing the time during lectures or conversations. People with this type ADHD struggle to stay focused and develop long-term plans. They have difficulty reading social boundaries and frequently interfere with others or interrupt them without permission. In hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, a person shows symptoms of fidgeting and trouble waiting for their turn. They can't sit still, sit and wait for their turn or finish an assignment. This type of ADHD can cause issues at school, in the workplace, or in relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and are in treatment, your strategy will likely include medication, therapy or counseling, and adjustments to the way you handle your day-to-day activities. Many people who suffer from ADHD will benefit from support groups or mentors who can teach the best techniques for coping. 5. You're always late ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty with keeping track of their schedules, making sure they are on time for appointments and meetings or getting to school or work on time. These difficulties can make it difficult to maintain relationships with coworkers and friends or meet their financial obligations, especially when they aren't aware of the root cause. ADHD sufferers often are more difficult to seek treatment than those who do not suffer from the condition. They may be worried about the disorder label or the possibility that treatment could cause harmful side effects. Lack of access to healthcare or worries about health insurance can also play a role in whether adults with ADHD seek care. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed than adults, however, symptoms can go unrecognized into adulthood. Some adults with ADHD may never be diagnosed due to the fact that their symptoms are not severe, they have been misdiagnosed or they have other issues. While restlessness and hyperactivity are more difficult to detect in adults than in children, those with ADHD have these signs. They might flitter or squirm their seats or try to do too many things at once. They may also be prone to an inability to handle stress and anger or have mood swings. It is crucial to talk to a health care professional who can determine ADHD, perform an evaluation and recommend treatment. It has been proven scientifically that medications and psychotherapy can improve ADHD symptoms. Stimulant medications are the most effective for treating ADHD in adults. These medications can cause dangerous adverse negative effects. A doctor must prescribe and keep track of them. Before starting a stimulant, people who are taking other medications must tell their doctor.
