ADHD Adult Symptoms: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

· 6 min read
ADHD Adult Symptoms: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Undiagnosed ADHD Symptoms Can Be Treatable With the Right Treatment

People suffering from ADHD often continue to struggle with their symptoms into adulthood and some don't receive a diagnosis. Finding the right treatment however, can help them manage impulsive behaviors, stay organized and increase their performance on the job and in their relationships.

Treatment could include medication, like stimulants, and counseling.

Inattentiveness

You may have difficulty to concentrate and pay attention when you suffer from ADHD. It is common for you to lose your focus on what you are doing, or lose items such as your wallet or phone and fail to complete tasks at work or in school. You may also have trouble paying attention during conversations, leading to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.

Untreated, inattentive ADHD can cause stress, disrupt your work, social and emotional life and even lead to depression. As time passes, those who see you struggling to pay attention may start to label you as lazy, irresponsible or foolish. These negative self-images can be particularly detrimental if you have children with ADHD and your behavior impacts them negatively.

Inattention ADHD symptoms can be relieved through medication or a combination of therapy and medication. Psychostimulants are often prescribed for inattentive ADHD. They enhance the signals sent by the nervous system and make you more alert. Ampetamines and methylphenidate are two examples of these. Sometimes non-stimulants are prescribed that help you focus by slowing down the way certain chemicals in your brain are utilized. Common ones include bupropion and venlafaxine.

The most effective treatment methods for inattentive ADHD typically require regular sessions with a therapist to reduce negative behavior patterns and develop positive behavior. A therapist can help you learn to manage stress and establish realistic expectations. They can teach you strategies for managing stress and organization to increase your productivity in the workplace and relationships.

Adults must show at least six signs, that have been present for at least six months and are affecting their everyday functioning. A mental health specialist or health care professional will conduct an assessment to determine if there are any conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include depression, mood disorders and anxiety, as well as physical ailments.

Hyperactivity

People with ADHD tend to be irritable and energized. They have trouble staying in one spot or seated and may be easily distracted by sound or movement. They are impulsive and can act before thinking, and they struggle to wait for their turn in group activities. They can be forgetful, and make careless errors. They might also overestimate the time it takes to complete a task, or complete work, and often fail to meet deadlines. They may twitch or bite their nails during meetings or at work. Adults who are hyperactive have trouble sleeping, which can make relationships stressful. They may also be more susceptible to addictions, like nicotine or other drugs.

Symptoms of ADHD typically show up in the early years but they may be undiagnosed until adulthood. They are harder to recognize in adults who are accustomed to concealing their symptoms or relying on devices that allow them to cope with different situations. Women are better at hiding their symptoms and may feel self-conscious about trying to find a diagnosis.

Health professionals can diagnose ADHD in adults by asking questions about the individual's behavior and background, chatting with the person, their family members and close friends, using standardized behavioral rating scales, and making psychometric assessments or checklists. They can also inquire about the person's lifestyle and diet and look for other possible causes for the person's difficulty functioning, such as anxiety or depression.

Treatment for ADHD can involve psychotherapy, medication, or other behavioral therapies along with lifestyle changes, for example, a regular exercise. Find out more about medications for ADHD and approved brands, possible side effects warnings, and patient information on the Food and Drug Administration website. Psychotherapy can help adults to be more aware of problems with concentration and attention they confront, and teach them how to prioritize their work enhance communication and build confidence, as well as manage their the impulsive behavior.

Impulsivity

When people suffer from issues with impulsive control, they find it difficult to resist the urges to be strong. They may fidget in their seats, squirm a lot, interrupt other people, or make inappropriate comments or actions, without considering the consequences. They may get in trouble at school or at work or drive recklessly, or make poor financial decisions. People with impulsive problems can be unable to relax and getting their minds off of things, which can cause chronic stress.

They might neglect to bring their wallet or keys to an important appointment, lose time, miss the appointment, or leave things left in their car. They may have trouble following complex instructions or rules at work and frequently get in trouble with their bosses, coworkers or their friends. They might have trouble managing their finances, establishing budgets or paying bills on time. They might skip appointments with a dentist or doctor or disregard medical advice, or neglect to take their medication.

The problems caused by impulsive and inattentive symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt, frustration and despair. They might feel like they are they are a failure to their family and develop depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. Additionally, ADHD has a high comorbidity with mood disorders and other psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder.

A mental health professional must perform a complete assessment to determine the cause of ADHD.  ADHD adult female symptoms  is best to have an expert psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD perform this. Your doctor or psychologist could recommend one to you or self-refer. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and lifestyle and the history of your family and whanau to form an entire picture. They will also check your mental health conditions that can create similar problems like anxiety, depression and mood disorders, as well as physical health issues such as anxiety, sleep disorders and stress.

Disorganization

It's frustrating to be forgetful, absentminded and disorganized particularly if you're having difficulty staying on task at work or maintaining your home life in order. If you are finding it difficult to remember your social obligations complete chores and pay bills, you may have undiagnosed ADHD.

Symptoms of ADD/ADHD can start in childhood and last into adulthood. This can lead to problems at school, work and with relationships. They can also lead to issues with your physical health, including chronic fatigue and a greater chance of sustaining injuries. People with ADHD are at a higher risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and addiction disorders.

Disorganization is one of the most common ADHD symptoms. It can be seen as a messy desk, difficulty following instructions or maintaining a schedule. It can also cause problems with your relationships, since you may have difficulty keeping appointments or keep in touch with family and friends.



You can improve your organization skills by getting daily planners and establishing your routine and prioritizing tasks. You can also benefit from a talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy which can teach you strategies to manage your ADHD.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health the use of medications is often a part of a treatment program for ADHD. Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall can boost brain chemical levels that are important in thinking and paying close attention. Non-stimulant medicines can take longer to start working, but they can increase your ability to concentrate and reduce the amount of impulsivity. Consult  ADHD in adults symptoms quiz  about what options are right for you. Other treatments, such as skills training and organizational coaching can also help you manage ADHD symptoms.

Problem-Solving Skills

People who suffer from ADHD usually have a distinct way of thinking that can be an asset in solving problems. They may spot patterns that others miss and can aid them in finding creative solutions to challenges. They may also have a tendency to make quick decisions and act on impulse which makes them very flexible in solving problems and finding innovative ways to accomplish their goals.

People who were diagnosed as children with ADHD might continue to experience symptoms in adulthood. This can cause problems at work, in school as well as in relationships. The symptoms can also get worse when they are under stress or suffer from a cold. go through other health issues or changes in life.

Most of the time, people with ADHD don't realize they have the disorder, and are often confused when their goals seem to slip away. They may also have trouble explaining their condition to colleagues and teachers. NIMH recommends talking to your primary care physician to understand how ADHD affects you, and be recommended to a mental health professional should it be necessary.

Researchers have discovered that ADHD adults have a decline in social problem solving skills. This could be due to their lack of attention during conversations and impulsive behaviors. These issues can lead to conflict and miscommunication with friends and family members. In one study, people with ADHD were compared to healthy controls on a battery of tests designed to measure theory of mind and the ability to come up with optimal solutions to interpersonal conflicts. Patients with ADHD produced less optimal solutions, however they did better in a test measuring generation fluency of these solutions.

Planning and organisation problems can result in missing appointments, misplaced things and missed deadlines. Procrastination is a major issue for some people with ADHD who don't like tasks that require attention. This can negatively impact relationships as well as careers and self-esteem. Using a reminder or calendar to keep the track of important events and allowing yourself to do more than you believe is essential to complete the task can help to reduce impulsiveness.