Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you chronically late to work, social events and meetings? Are you easily distracted or skip tasks at home? If you answered"yes" to these questions, you might have undiagnosed adult ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD your symptoms are centered on being disorganized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
A person with ADD may struggle to keep school and work materials in order and on track, finish tasks or meet deadlines. They also may find or lose things necessary for daily tasks (e.g. books, tools, keys eyeglasses, wallets, wallets or cell phones). If a person experiences these symptoms frequently, their doctor can assess the patient for ADD. The clinician might request detailed information from the patient and other family members to identify the cause.
2. Hyperactivity
In a lot of cases, people with ADD have trouble staying seated, paying attention in school or work, and keeping track of their schedule and appointments. They often forget or misplace things, such as their wallets, papers or glasses. Their workspaces and homes can be messy or unorganized and they are unable to complete tasks that require continuous mental effort. They also have a poor memory and are easily distracted. These are the symptoms of what was previously known as ADD or Predominantly inattentive Type ADHD.
Children with hyperactive ADHD appear to be constantly moving like they are "driven by a motor." They have trouble sitting still, especially in classrooms based on neurotypical expectations. They frequently run around or climb on things, even when it's not appropriate. They blurt out answers before questions are finished, have trouble waiting for their turn, and often interrupt or intrude on other people. These signs may decrease in adolescence or adulthood, but they will still be present.
The signs of ADD can be difficult to detect in adults, as they are less overt than those seen in children. However family physicians are uniquely in a position to detect ADD in adults and initiate and monitor treatment, referring their patients to mental health services when they are needed. In a majority of cases, family doctors are the first to notice a patient's difficulty focusing on schoolwork, or in business meetings, and their inability to stay organized. By using routine interviewing techniques and gathering specific information from the patient and their families, family physicians can help determine the ADD diagnosis and formulate a comprehensive plan for managing. Here are a few of the most frequently reported symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Inattention
Inattention ADHD symptoms present as difficulty in concentration and focus which can lead to problems in school or at work. They may manifest as a pile of unfinished homework or work assignments, messy homes and disorganized desks or not being able to answer phone calls or pay bills in time. Inattentive ADHD sufferers can also lose important items for daily tasks such as keys or wallets. They might have trouble listening to others and lose the essence of conversations. They may also become bored by presentations and meetings. They may zone out and daydream about their hobbies, or replay social media content.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. A lot of family doctors are unable to recognize ADHD in adult patients. This could be because they aren't aware of the disorder or because co-existing conditions hide its presence. However, a trained physician can identify the condition by asking specific questions regarding symptoms and the history.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD include having a range of symptoms of inattention and five or more chronic symptoms that interfere in, or decrease the quality of a person's social, school or work performance. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and are not suitable for the patient's development level.
Medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD as is the behavioural therapy. There are a variety of medications available, and it's important to select the one that is right for you. It's recommended to start with one medication and closely examine its effectiveness, since symptoms can change as time passes. It's also important to visit your doctor at least once a year. Often an adjustment to your dose will be required to keep your medications working at their best.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to be impulsive is a major symptom of ADHD, meaning that people with this condition often make decisions without having thought. They might blurt out answers before questions have been asked, interrupt others or engage in reckless activities that could have grave consequences. Impulsive behavior can also impact relationships with others and increase the symptoms of other psychiatric conditions such as mood swings and anxiety disorders. Research suggests that the impulsive behavior of people with ADHD is due to decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex. This region plays a key role in the control of impulses and decision-making. It also has to do with an abnormal regulation of dopamine which influences reward processing and impulsivity.
Impulsivity can lead to financial difficulties. The dopamine rush that results from purchasing something new could override the practicality, cost or logic behind the purchase. These decisions can also negatively impact self-care. They can lead to poor decisions about lifestyle choices or unhealthy eating habits. It isn't easy to break the pattern, but there are ways to lessen the tendency to be impulsive. One thing is to make an inventory of the situations in which you tend to behave recklessly. If you're tempted to act or say something in a hurry, put your lips on the table for a short period of time and pretend to lock yourself inside. This will allow you to consider whether it is a good decision.
Another way to fight the urge to be impulsive is to learn breathing techniques that will help you feel more grounded and at peace. Some studies have shown that it can even help to regulate the autonomic nervous system, and reduce negative emotions, which exacerbate the impulsive behavior. Making lists and practicing mindfulness can be beneficial. Being able to predict times and circumstances that you are likely to act out of impulsivity can help you take action to mitigate this behavior, such as carrying fidget toys along to meetings, or putting reminders in your wallet to count to 10 before you respond.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a repetitive movement that can calm the nervous system and improve focus. It is often associated with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention. Fidgeting is a typical method used by people suffering from ADD to focus on a project or lecture. However it can hinder social interaction and lead to other health problems.
While most people view fidgeting as a negative symptom that must be halted However, experts have discovered it can be harnessed to assist in improving focus. This type of fidgeting can be known as intrinsic fidgeting, and it is comprised of movements that are made by your body, not an object. Examples include clicking a pen or tapping your feet.
In a study, schoolchildren who fidget during class found that their attention span and concentration improved after they started using stress balls in their lessons and self-work sessions. They discovered that manipulating the balls helped them concentrate and allowed interaction with classmates and teachers.
Parents must know that fidgeting is normal and part of human experience, and it shouldn't be considered as a sign of mental illness. However, if your child's fidgeting causes disruption to the classroom or their home, it is recommended that you work with their physician to determine whether they have an underlying condition that can be treated, such as restless leg syndrome (RLS).
In symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder to medication, there are several ways to reduce ADHD symptoms and increase your ability to concentrate. For instance, you can utilize a stopwatch in order to break down long tasks into smaller pieces you can manage or designate a room where you will work in the event you get distracted by other things. You can also apply mindfulness techniques to quiet your mind and increase your concentration, or even learn something new that will keep your hand active. Knitting, for instance, can help you increase your concentration and feel the satisfaction when you finish an item like a cap or blanket.