Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you consistently late to work, social events and meetings? Are you easily distracted or do not complete tasks at home? If yes, you might have undiagnosed ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you suffer from inattentive ADHD, your symptoms center on being disorganized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
A person suffering from ADD might have trouble keeping school and work materials in order, manage time, complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may also be unable to locate or lose items needed for daily activities (e.g., keys, tools, books, wallets, eyeglasses or cellphones). If a patient regularly experiences problems with these symptoms, their doctor can evaluate their condition for ADD. The doctor can ask the patient and family members for more details to determine if ADD is a problem.
2. Hyperactivity
In a lot of cases, people who suffer from ADD struggle to sit and paying attention at work or school and focusing on their schedule and appointments. Many times they lose things or misplace their wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, or mobile phones. Their workspaces and homes can be messy or disorganized, and they have a difficult time completing tasks requiring sustained mental effort. They also have a poor memory and are easily distracted. These are the symptoms of what was once known as ADD or Predominantly inattentive Type ADHD.
Children with hyperactive ADHD appear to be "driven by motor" and are always on the move. They are unable to sit still, especially in classrooms that are focused on neurotypical expectations. They tend to climb or run around even if it is not appropriate. They will answer questions before they've finished. They also have a difficult time waiting for their turn and are often quick to interrupt or interfere. In the adolescent and adult years these signs may lessen however they are present.
Adults may have a tougher in identifying ADD symptoms, since they tend to be less apparent than children. However family physicians are uniquely in a position to detect ADD in adults and can initiate and monitor treatment, referring their patients to mental health services when they are needed. Moreover, in many cases family physicians are often the first to realize that a patient is having difficulty working on their schoolwork or attending business meetings and is unable to organize. By employing routine interviewing techniques and obtaining detailed information from the patients and their families family doctors can help determine an ADD diagnosis and create a comprehensive plan for managing. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Attention
Inattention ADHD is characterized by difficulty focus and concentration that can lead to difficulties at school or at work. They can manifest as incomplete homework or assignments messy homes, disorganized desks or failure to pay bills or return calls on time. Inattention ADHD sufferers may also lose important items for daily tasks such as keys or wallets. They may find it difficult to listen to others and often lose the meaning of conversations, or they can easily get bored of meetings and presentations. They may lose themselves in listening, daydreaming about their hobbies or replaying media content in their minds.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. Many family doctors do not recognize ADHD in their patients, either because they aren't familiar with the condition in adults or because comorbid issues obscure its presence. However, a trained doctor can diagnose the condition by asking specific questions regarding symptoms and the history.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD include having several symptoms of inattention, and five or more persistent symptoms that hinder in, or decrease the quality of a person's school, social or work performance. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and are not appropriate to the patient's developmental level.
The most effective method of treatment is medication. treatment for ADHD and behavioural therapy. There are many medications available and it is crucial to select the appropriate one. It's a good idea to start with one drug and then carefully examine its effectiveness, since symptoms can improve as time passes. It is recommended that you visit your doctor at least once a year. It is usually necessary to adjust the dose of your medication to keep it working optimally.
4. Impulsivity
A key symptom of ADHD is impulsivity, which means that those suffering from the disorder tend to act without thinking before. They may answer questions before they're asked, interrupt others, or engage recklessly in actions that can have serious consequences. Impulsive behavior can also cause problems with interpersonal relationships and exacerbate symptoms of other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders or mood swings. Research suggests that impulsive behavior in people suffering from ADHD result from a decrease in activity in the prefrontal cortex which plays a crucial role in decision-making and control of impulses. It may also be linked to atypical dopamine regulation, which affects reward processing as well as impulsivity.
The urge to buy something new can cause financial issues, with the rush of dopamine that comes from purchasing something new outweighing the practicality, cost, or rationality of the purchase. Impulsive decisions can also negatively impact self-care. They may cause poor lifestyle choices or unhealthy eating habits. It isn't easy to break this pattern however, there are ways to lessen the tendency to be impulsive. One way is to make a list of situations where you are prone to acting in a impulsive manner. When you're at a point where you're tempted to do or say something in a hurry place your finger over your mouth and pretend to lock yourself in for a few seconds to give yourself time to consider whether the decision is a good idea.
Another way to fight impulsivity is to learn breathing techniques that help you feel more grounded and centered. Some studies have shown that it can even help to regulate the autonomic nervous system, and reduce negative emotions that can cause an impulsive behaviour. Practicing mindfulness and making lists of things to do can also be beneficial. Being able to predict times and situations where you may be impulsive can help you make a plan to mitigate this behavior, for example, bringing fidget toys to meetings or keeping reminders in your wallet that count to 10 before you respond.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a repetitive movement that can calm the nervous system and help improve focus. It is often associated with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention. People with ADD tend to be distracted and focused during the course or task however, it can hinder social interactions and trigger other health issues.
Fidgeting is typically thought of as a negative habit that should be avoided, however, experts have discovered that it actually helps improve concentration. This kind of fidgeting is known as intrinsic fidgeting and is comprised of movements that are made by your body, not an object. Examples include tapping your feet or clicking a pencil.
In signs of adhd adults , students who fidget during class found that their attention span and concentration improved after they started using stress balls in their lessons and self-work activities. They discovered that manipulating these balls helped them to concentrate and allowed them to interact with their teachers and classmates without disrupting others.
It's important for parents to be aware that fidgeting is normal and part of human experience, and shouldn't be considered as an indication of mental illness. If your child's fidgeting disrupts the classroom or at home, it's a good idea to work with their doctor to determine if they suffer from an illness that can be treated like restless legs syndrome (RLS).
There are a variety of methods to improve your focus and decrease ADHD symptoms as well as taking medication. For instance, you can utilize a timer to break down long tasks into smaller manageable chunks or set aside an area for work when you are distracted by the world around you. You can also practice mindfulness techniques to relax your mind and improve your attention, as well as try to learn a new hobby that keeps your hands active. Knitting, for instance, can help you improve your focus and enjoy the feeling of satisfaction that comes from making an item like a cap or blanket.