Symptoms of Adult ADHD The signs of adult ADHD can affect work and personal relationships. You may feel that you are always falling behind others if you can't keep track of your appointments or remember daily tasks. In the course of an evaluation your doctor will follow clinical guidelines as laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. They will review your symptoms and medical history. 1. Inattention Everybody struggles with paying attention sometimes. But in adults these issues are more severe and affect work, family and friendships. You could be late for meetings, forget of your deadlines or struggle to keep the track of important paperwork. You may also have trouble remembering the names and dates of conversations. This symptom is called inattentive ADHD and is the most frequent form of the disorder. Often, inattentive ADHD symptoms go unrecognized throughout childhood, when parents and teachers often don't recognize the symptoms as being related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When you're young, it's easier to avoid the consequences of not completing tasks on time or being easily distracted. However, as you grow older, the responsibilities of daily life place more demands on your ability to concentrate and manage your time. Inattentive ADHD can be subtle and difficult to detect. You may forget details in conversations with family members or colleagues, or you might misplace items in your home. Your memory could be impaired due to a poor diet, over fatigue, or the effects of medication. Inattentive ADHD can cause issues in your professional or personal relationships, as you are often confused by miscommunications and fail to follow through on commitments. Some people's inattentive ADHD might look like a personality trait they've always had. Who doesn't forget things from time to time? If these issues are causing problems at work or with your relationships, it's worth talking to your doctor about being diagnosed with adult ADHD. They'll be able to provide the best treatment which is typically cognitive behavior therapy combined with prescription medication. Ask your doctor for someone in your area who can provide an evaluation. You can also contact your insurance company and request a list of specialists. 2. Hyperactivity If you're hyperactive, your body and mind are moving too fast to concentrate on your thoughts, and it's hard to control your actions. You might enter a room without knocking at the door or interrupt people during conversations, or even get into disagreements over the smallest things. These impulsive behavior patterns can cause problems with your relationships as well as work. They also can cause depression, mood swings and anxiety. Your doctor or mental health professional can assist you in learning to manage these symptoms. Often, people with ADHD have success in their creative fields due to the differences in their brain functions that enable them to think differently and come up with unique solutions. You can manage your symptoms by using strategies such as making a list, using a notepad or planner to track tasks and appointments, and medications. Mild symptoms might not cause significant impairment to daily life. ADHD can cause issues at school, work, and in relationships for those with moderate to severe symptoms. The impairment can lead to losing your job, having difficulty paying insurance and bills and being late to class or work meetings or racking up debt because of impulsive purchases. A health professional can identify ADHD through a thorough examination that includes a review of your medical history and any current or previous illnesses or injuries. Your doctor will also speak with you along with your parents and other caregivers to look for patterns in your behavior and experience over time. They can then recommend a treatment based upon the symptoms you have. Most medications contain stimulants which increase norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improve focus and decrease the impulsiveness. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine are used in situations where stimulants don't work or have adverse side effects. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you change your negative thought patterns. 3. Impulsivity The tendency to be indecisive can be a problem for people who have difficulty controlling their behavior. They frequently utter a statement without considering the consequences, and spend money they don't have or take unnecessary risks. They are more likely than other people to get into fights, get into arguments or engage in risky activities such as driving recklessly, taking drugs or playing dangerous sports. Some people also have trouble organizing their bills, work schedules and other responsibilities. They may have difficulty to plan and keep track of their appointments and can result in them missing social events and forget about meetings. They can also have difficulty waiting their turn in conversations or interrupting others cutting into games or other activities. This is more apparent as they grow older, and the structure set up by parents and school is less obvious. While some impulsive behavior is normal for teenagers and children, it becomes more problematic for adults with ADHD symptoms. It can undermine relationships and careers, create issues at home and increase the risk of injury or illness. Many people suffering from ADHD think they don't have any control over their impulsive behaviour however there are methods to learn to manage it. Making a list of what you're planning to say or do, or purchase can help. The use of prescribed medicines can help to control impulses but they must be taken as prescribed. There isn't a single test for ADHD however, the symptoms should have been present since childhood (before the age of 12). Your GP or certified psychologist may refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment or you can self-refer. A full diagnostic evaluation is required, which includes a medical exam and questionnaires regarding your family history, whanau's school experiences and current challenges. 4. Unrest If you notice that you're always on the go or unable to unwind even when it's time to go to bed, these symptoms may be a sign of ADHD. You might be distracted, interrupt others constantly or speak too loudly and even hijack conversations or games. This unrest could also manifest as a constant procrastination pattern or a frequent inability to fulfill commitments. People with ADHD tend to be absorbed in activities that they find satisfying, like working on a hobby or playing their favorite video game. This is a huge strength, but it can create problems when these activities distract from tasks that they are expected to complete at work or in their relationships. For example, forgetting important details at work or in your private life can cause serious harm and be viewed as negligence by others. For instance, ignoring an anniversary or birthday could cause disappointing opportunities or disappointments in those relationships. ADHD in adult men symptoms can be a sign of bipolar disorder, in which it's part of a manic phase characterized by an increase in energy levels and unpredictable behavior. Other mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, may be associated with symptoms of restlessness. Talk to your doctor if you have a family history or you suspect that you may have ADHD. Many insurance plans offer doctors who offer ADHD assessments for adults. Joining an ADHD support group can be beneficial. You can speak with other people who have the same condition and gain knowledge from their experiences. Counseling and other therapies can also be helpful in managing ADHD. 5. Anxiety Many people with ADHD find it difficult to balance work, family, and social obligations. These challenges can cause stress which can make symptoms worse. Make sure you are taking care of your health by eating healthy, doing your exercise regularly, and getting enough sleep. The best treatment can ease your ADHD symptoms, and improve your quality of life. Three things can make a big difference with regards to counselling, medication, and lifestyle changes. Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed to balance brain chemical. Non-stimulants (such as atomoxetine) can also be beneficial. Both types of medications can cause adverse reactions which is why you should talk with your doctor about which one is right for you. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms, it's worth consulting your GP or a mental health professional to determine the cause and treatment you need. The first step to determine if you have ADHD is a physical examination. Some medical conditions such as seizures or thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A psychiatrist in a clinical setting can test the person for ADHD and recommend treatment. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and lifestyle and the background of your family or whanau. They'll also test for other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Adults may be unable to diagnose ADHD because experts believed that children did not develop the disorder. Many adults suffering from ADHD live all their lives without receiving a proper diagnosis. Some are misdiagnosed, or their symptoms are obscured by other health issues, like depression or anxiety. They don't receive the attention they need to lead an active and fulfilling life. If left untreated, ADHD can lead to legal and financial problems, and make it difficult for people to maintain healthy relationships.
