Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you chronically late for work, social events and meetings? Are you forgetful or frequently miss home chores? If you answered yes to these questions, you could have undiagnosed adult ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. Inattentive ADHD is characterized by disorganization and forgetfulness.
1. Disorganization
A person with ADD might have difficulty managing time, completing tasks, or meeting deadlines. They may also lose or misplace items needed for daily activities, such as tools, books or wallets. If a patient is regularly experiencing issues with these symptoms, their doctor can evaluate the patient for ADD. The doctor may request specific information from the patient and other family members to help identify the cause.
2. Hyperactivity
In a lot of cases, people who suffer from ADD are unable to sit for long periods of time and paying attention at the workplace or at school and focusing on their schedule and appointments. Often, they forget things or misplace their wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, or mobile telephones. Their workplaces and homes may be messy or disorganized, and they are unable to complete tasks requiring sustained mental effort. They also have a poor memory and are easily distracted. These are the characteristics of what was formerly called ADD or Predominantly Attentive Type ADHD (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I).
Children with hyperactive ADHD seem to be "driven by motor" and are always on the move. They are unable to sit still, especially in class settings that revolve around neurotypical expectations. They frequently run around or climb onto things, even when it is inappropriate. They blurt out answers before questions are finished They are often unable to wait for their turn, and often interrupt or intrude on others. In the adolescent and adult years the symptoms can diminish, but they are usually present.
Adults may have a difficult to recognize ADD symptoms because they tend to be less evident than children. Family physicians are in a unique position to identify ADD and begin treatment. They may also refer their patients to mental health professionals when needed. In many cases, family doctors are the first to spot a patient's difficulty focusing on schoolwork, or in business meetings, or their inability to stay organized. Family physicians can confirm ADD diagnosis and create a comprehensive treatment plan by using the routine interviewing methods. The following are the most frequent symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Attention
Inattention ADHD is characterized by difficulty concentrating and focusing that can lead to problems at school or work. They can manifest as incomplete homework or work messy homes, disorganized desks or failure to pay bills or return phone calls in time. People who aren't attentive ADHD are also prone to losing things needed for daily tasks like keys and wallets. They may find it difficult to listen to others and often miss the point of conversations, or easily get bored of meetings and presentations. They might zone out while watching, thinking about their interests or replaying social media content in their heads.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. A lot of family physicians don't recognize ADHD in their patients or because they don't know about the disorder in adults, or because comorbid issues obscure the presence of ADHD. A trained physician can identify ADHD by asking specific questions regarding symptoms and history.
Inattentive ADHD is diagnosed when a person has five or more chronic symptoms, including inattentive ones, that hinder or restrict one's ability to function in school, social or work environments. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be inappropriate to the patient's developmental level.
Medication is the most effective treatment of ADHD and behavioural therapy. There are add symptoms adults and it is important to choose the right one. It's best to start with a single medication and monitor its effectiveness carefully since symptoms can change over time. It's also important to visit your doctor every year. Sometimes an adjustment to your dose will be required to keep your medication working at its best.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to be impulsive is a major symptom of ADHD which means that those who suffer from this disorder often make decisions without having thought. They may answer questions before they're asked, interrupt other people or engage in reckless activities that could have serious consequences. The behavior of impulsiveness can affect relationships with others and increase the symptoms of other psychiatric disorders, such as mood swings and anxiety disorders. Research suggests that impulsive behaviors in people with ADHD result from a decrease in activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays an important role in deciding and impulse control. It is also related to an abnormal regulation of dopamine which affects reward-processing as well as impulsivity.
The urge to buy something new can cause financial issues as the rush of dopamine that comes from buying something new trumping the cost, practicality, or logic of buying. It can also affect self-care by causing impulsive choices that lead to unhealthy eating habits or poor lifestyle choices. This pattern can be hard to break however there are ways to decrease it. One thing is to make a list of instances in which you tend to behave recklessly. When you're tempted to say or do something unintentionally, put your finger over your mouth and pretend to be locked in for several seconds to allow yourself the chance to think about whether or not the action is a good idea.
Breathing techniques can help you to feel more grounded and focused. Certain studies have proven that it can aid in regulating the autonomic nervous system and decrease negative emotions that can trigger the impulsive behavior. Practicing mindfulness and making lists of things to be done can also be helpful. Making a plan for the times and situations where you might act impulsively can help you take steps to mitigate the risk of this behavior, like carrying fidget toys along 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 improve focus. It can be a sign of ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity or inattention. People suffering from ADD tend to fidget in order to stay engaged in a task or lecture but it could also hinder social interactions and cause other health problems.
Although most people think of fidgeting as a negative symptom that must be stopped, experts have discovered that it can assist in improving focus. This type of fidgeting can be called intrinsic fidgeting, and it is comprised of movements that are made using your own body, not a thing. Examples include tapping your feet or pressing the pencil.
In a study, schoolchildren who flittered during class discovered that their concentration and attention spans improved after they began using stress balls in lessons and self-work sessions. The study found that manipulating the balls helped them focus and also allowed interaction with their classmates and teachers.
Fidgeting shouldn't be considered as an indication that a child suffers from mental illness. It's a normal regular part of life and shouldn't be a cause for concern. If your child's fidgeting causes disruption to their classroom or at home, you should work with their physician to determine whether they have an underlying condition that could be treated, like restless leg syndrome (RLS).
In addition to medications, there are several methods to lessen ADHD symptoms and increase your ability to concentrate. You can, for example using a stopwatch to break up long tasks into smaller pieces you can manage, or even designate the space where you'll work in the event you get distracted by other things. You can also use mindfulness techniques to calm the mind and improve your attention and also try to find a new activity which will keep your hands active. For example, knitting can be an excellent method to improve your concentration, while also enjoying the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating a blanket or hat.