Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you consistently late for social events, work and meetings? Are you often prone to forgetting or ignoring chores 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. Inattentive ADHD is characterised by a lack of organization and forgetfulness.
1. Disorganization
A person suffering from ADD may have trouble managing time, completing tasks or meeting deadlines. They also may find or lose things necessary to carry out daily activities (e.g., keys, tools, books, wallets, eyeglasses or cell phones). If a patient regularly experiences problems with these symptoms the doctor may test them for ADD. The clinician may ask the patient and family members for detailed information to aid in diagnosing ADD.
2. Hyperactivity
In many cases, those who suffer from ADD struggle to sit and paying attention at school or work, and keeping track of their schedules and appointments. Often they forget things or lose their keys, wallet, paperwork, eyeglasses, or mobile phones. Their workspaces and homes can be messy or disorganized, and they are unable to complete tasks that require continuous mental effort. They also have a poor memory and are easily distracted. These are symptoms of what was previously known as ADD, or Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I).
Children with hyperactive ADHD seem to be "driven by motor" and are always on the go. They have a difficult time sitting still, especially in classrooms that are focused on neurotypical expectations. They often climb or run around even when it's not appropriate. They are quick to answer questions before they are finished. They also have difficulty 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 still present.
The symptoms of ADD can be difficult to recognize in adults, as they are less overt than those that are seen in children. However family physicians are ideally positioned to spot ADD in adults and initiate and monitor treatment, as well as refer their patients for mental health services as needed. In many instances family physicians are the first to recognize that a patient is having difficulty getting their work done or attending business meetings, and they are unable to stay organized. By employing routine interviewing techniques and gathering precise information from the patient and their families family doctors can help determine the ADD diagnosis and develop a comprehensive management plan. The following are the most common symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Attention
Inattention ADHD is characterized by difficulties concentrating and focusing, which can lead to issues at work or school. They may manifest as unfinished homework or work messy homes, unorganized desks, or inability to pay bills or return calls on time. Inattentive ADHD people can also lose valuable items for daily tasks, such as keys or wallets. They may struggle to listen to others and often miss the point of conversations, or they can easily become bored with meetings and presentations. They might drift off and think about their interests or replay social media content.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. Many family physicians do not recognize ADHD in adult patients. This could be due to the fact that they aren't aware of the condition or because comorbid conditions hide the presence of the disorder. A trained physician can identify ADHD by asking specific questions about symptoms and past history.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD include having several inattentive symptoms and five or more persistent symptoms that hinder with, or diminish the quality of, one's school, social or work functioning. Symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months and are not suitable for the patient's developmental stage.
In addition to behavioral therapy The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. There are many medications to choose from and it's important to choose the right one. It's best to begin with one medication and monitor its effectiveness carefully as symptoms can improve with time. It is also essential to visit your doctor every year. It's often required to alter the dosage of your medication to ensure it is working properly.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a key symptom of ADHD, meaning that people who suffer from this disorder often do things without thinking. They might blurt out answers before they have been asked, interrupt others or engage in reckless behavior which can result in serious consequences. Impulsive behavior can also affect interpersonal relationships and exacerbate the symptoms of other psychiatric conditions like anxiety disorders and mood swings. Research suggests that impulsive behavior in people with ADHD stem from reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in decision-making and control of impulses. It can also be related to atypical dopamine regulation which affects reward processing and impulsivity.
The urge to buy something new can cause financial issues. The dopamine rush that results from purchasing something new could override the cost, practicality or logic of the purchase. This can also impact self-care, with impulsive decisions leading to unhealthy eating habits or poor lifestyle choices. This pattern is difficult to break however there are methods to lessen it. One thing is to make an inventory of the situations in which you are likely to act impulsively. Then, 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 be locked in for several seconds to allow yourself the time to think about whether or not the action is a good idea.
Another way to combat the urge to be impulsive is to learn breathing techniques that will help you feel more grounded and calm. A few studies have demonstrated that it can aid in regulating the autonomic nervous system, and reduce negative emotions, which exacerbate impulsive behavior. Practicing mindfulness and making lists of things to do can also be beneficial. Trying to predict the times and circumstances that you may be impulsive can help you take steps to mitigate this behavior, such as taking fidget toys to meetings or keeping reminders in your wallet to count to 10 before responding.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting involves repetitive movements to soothe the nervous system and improve focus. It often accompanies ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention. Fidgeting is a typical method used by people suffering from ADD to focus on a lecture or task. However it can hinder social interaction and lead to other health issues.
Fidgeting is often seen as a negative habit that should be avoided, but experts have discovered that it can actually help increase concentration. This kind of fidgeting is called intrinsic fidgeting, and it consists of movements performed by your body, not a thing. signs of adhd include tapping your feet or pressing on a pencil.
In an investigation of schoolchildren, those who used to fumble in class noticed increased concentration and attention spans when they started using stress balls during lessons and self-work sessions. The study found that manipulating the balls helped them concentrate 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 part of everyday life and shouldn't be a cause to be concerned. However, if your child's fidgeting causes disruption to the classroom or their home, you should work with their doctor to determine if they suffer from an underlying condition that can be treated, like restless leg syndrome (RLS).
In addition to taking medication There are many ways to decrease ADHD symptoms and improve your ability to concentrate. For instance, you could use a timer to break down long tasks into manageable pieces or set aside an area for work in case you become distracted by things in the vicinity. You can also practice mindfulness techniques to relax your mind and improve your attention, as well as try to learn a new hobby which will keep your hands active. Knitting, for example, can help you increase your concentration and feel the feeling of accomplishment when you finish the perfect cap or blanket.