Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you always late to work or social events? Are you prone to forgetting or skipping chores at home? If yes, you may be suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD your symptoms are centered on your inability to stay organized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
A person with ADD might have difficulty managing time, completing tasks or meeting deadlines. They also may lose or misplace things needed for daily activities (e.g. keys, books, tools and wallets, eyeglasses, eyeglasses or cell phones). If a patient regularly experiences issues with these symptoms the doctor may test them for ADD. The doctor may request specific information from the patient and other family members to help make a diagnosis.
2. Hyperactivity
In many cases, those with ADD have trouble staying seated and paying attention at the workplace or at school, and keeping track of their schedule and appointments. They often forget or misplace items, like their wallets, papers or glasses. Their workspaces and homes can be messy or unorganized, and they struggle to complete tasks requiring sustained mental effort. They also have poor memory and are easily distracted. These are the characteristics of what was once called ADD or Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I).
Children with hyperactive ADHD appear to be "driven by motor" and are constantly on the move. They have difficulty sitting still, particularly in classroom settings centered around expectations of neurotypical children. They often run around or climb onto things, even when it is inappropriate. They will answer questions before they have finished. They also have trouble waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or interfere. These symptoms may lessen in adolescence or adulthood however, they will be present.
The signs of ADD are often difficult to spot in adults, as they are less overt than those seen in children. Family doctors are in a superior position to diagnose ADD and initiate treatment. They can also refer their patients to mental health professionals when needed. In many cases family physicians are the first to notice a patient's difficulty focusing on their schoolwork, or during business meetings, and their inability to stay organized. By using routine interviewing techniques and gathering precise information from the patients and their families, family physicians can help to confirm an ADD diagnosis and create an effective management plan. The following are some of the most frequently reported symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Inattention
Inattentive ADHD is characterized by difficulty concentrating and focusing, which can lead to problems at school or work. They may manifest as a pile of unfinished homework or work projects, untidy desks and homes that are not organized or failure to answer phone calls or pay bills on time. People who aren't attentive ADHD are also prone to losing things essential to their daily lives such as wallets and keys. They may struggle to listen to others and often fail to understand the purpose of conversations, or they can easily become bored with meetings and presentations. They may zone out and think about their interests or replay social media content.
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, either because they don't know about the disorder in adults, or because comorbid problems mask the presence of ADHD. A trained physician can diagnose ADHD by asking specific questions about symptoms and the history of the patient.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD includes having a variety of inattentive symptoms and five or more persistent symptoms that interfere in, or decrease the quality of one's school, social or work functioning. Symptoms must be present for at least six months and be unsuitable for the patient's developmental stage.
In addition to behavioural therapy The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. There are a variety of medications to choose from and it's essential to find the right one for you. It's a good idea to start with one drug and carefully examine its effectiveness, since symptoms can get worse over time. You should also visit your doctor at least once a year. Often an adjustment to your dose will be necessary to ensure that your medication working at its best.
4. Impulsivity
One of the main symptoms of ADHD is impulsivity, which means that those suffering from the disorder often act without thinking first. They might blurt out answers before they have been asked, interrupt others or engage in reckless behavior which can result in grave 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 behaviors in adults with ADHD result from decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex which plays a crucial role in decision-making and control of impulses. It's also linked to atypical regulation of dopamine, which affects reward-processing and impulsivity.
The urge to buy something new can cause financial difficulties. The dopamine rush that results from buying something new can override the practicality, cost or logic of the purchase. It can also affect self-care by causing impulsive choices that lead to unhealthy eating habits or poor lifestyle choices. It isn't easy to break this pattern however there are ways to decrease the impulsivity. Make a list of the situations in which you are inclined to act in impulsive ways. When you're inclined to say or do something unintentionally place your finger over your mouth and pretend to keep yourself in for a few seconds to give yourself the time to think about whether the decision is a good idea.
Breathing techniques can aid in feeling more grounded and focused. Certain studies have proven that it can aid in regulating the autonomic nervous system and reduce negative emotions that can trigger the impulsive behavior. Making lists and focusing on your mindfulness practice can be beneficial. You can reduce impulsive behavior by anticipating circumstances and times when you are likely to make impulsive decisions. For example, you could bring fidget toys with you to meetings or put reminders in your wallet that remind you that you must count up to 10 before you react.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a repetitive movement that can calm the nervous system and help to improve focus. It can be a sign of ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention. Fidgeting is a typical way for people with ADD to remain focused on a lecture or task. However, it can interfere with social interaction and lead to other health problems.
Fidgeting is usually viewed as a negative behavior which should be avoided, but researchers have found that it can actually help increase concentration. This kind of fidgeting is called intrinsic fidgeting, and is comprised of movements made using your own body, not a thing. Examples include tapping your feet or clicking on a pencil.
In a study, students who flittered during class discovered that their attention span and concentration improved after they started using stress balls in lessons and self-work sessions. symptoms of adhd discovered that manipulating the balls helped them focus and allowed them to interact with classmates and teachers without disrupting other students.
It is important for parents to know that fidgeting is normal and part of human experience and shouldn't be considered as a sign of mental illness. However, 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 illness that can be treated, like restless leg syndrome (RLS).
There are a variety of ways to improve your concentration and decrease ADHD symptoms in addition to taking medications. For instance, you can using a stopwatch to break down long tasks into smaller pieces that you can manage, or even designate an area where you can work in the event you get distracted by other things. You can also try mindfulness techniques to quiet the mind and improve your attention and also try to discover a new pastime that keeps your hands busy. Knitting, for instance can help you improve your focus and enjoy the satisfaction when you finish a blanket or cap.