Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you always late to social or work occasions? Are you forgetful or frequently miss home chores? If yes, you might be suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you have inattentive ADHD your symptoms are centered on being unorganized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
Someone with ADD may struggle to keep work and school materials organized, manage time, complete tasks or meet deadlines. They also may lose or misplace things needed for daily activities (e.g. books, tools, keys and wallets, eyeglasses, eyeglasses or cell phones). If a patient is regularly experiencing problems with these signs then their doctor will evaluate them for ADD. The clinician might request detailed information from the patient and other family members to help determine if they are suffering from ADD.
2. Hyperactivity
In many cases, people with ADD are unable to sit for long periods of time, 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 eyeglasses. Their workspaces and homes can be messy or unorganized and they struggle to complete tasks requiring sustained mental effort. They also have a poor working memory and are easily distracted by external stimuli. These are characteristics of what was formerly called 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 move. They have trouble sitting still, especially in classrooms that are centered on expectations of neurotypical children. They tend to climb or run around even when it's not appropriate. They are quick to answer questions before they have completed. They also have difficulty waiting for their turn and are often quick to interrupt or intrude. These signs can diminish in adolescence or adulthood, but they will still be present.
Adults may have a difficult in identifying ADD symptoms because they tend to be less obvious than those in children. Family doctors are in a superior position to recognize ADD and initiate treatment. They can also refer patients to mental health services if necessary. In a majority of cases family physicians are the first to notice a patient's inability to concentrate on schoolwork, or in business meetings, as well as their inability to get organized. Family physicians can confirm ADD diagnoses and develop an extensive treatment plan employing routine interviewing techniques. The following are some of the most frequently reported symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Attention
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms present as difficulty with focus and concentration which can lead to problems in school or at work. They may manifest as piles of unfinished assignments or work projects, messy homes and disorganized desks or not being able to return phone calls or pay bills on time. People who aren't attentive ADHD may also lose items needed for daily tasks, such as keys and wallets. They may have difficulty listening to other people, and miss the main point of conversations. Also, they may be bored by presentations and meetings. They might be distracted while listening, daydreaming about their interests or replaying social media content in their minds.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. attention deficit disorder symptoms adults of family doctors do not recognize ADHD in adult patients. This could be due to the fact that they don't know about the condition or because comorbid conditions mask its presence. A trained physician can identify ADHD by asking specific questions regarding symptoms and history.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD include having several symptoms of inattention, and five or more persistent symptoms that hinder with, or diminish the quality of a person's school, social or work performance. Symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be inappropriate for the patient's developmental level.
Medication is the most effective treatment of ADHD, along with the behavioural therapy. There are a myriad of medications to choose from and it's essential to choose the best one. It's best to start with a single drug and observe its effectiveness carefully, as symptoms may improve with time. It is also recommended to visit your doctor at least once a year. Often an adjustment to your dose will be necessary to ensure that your medications working at their most effective.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a key symptom of ADHD, meaning that people who suffer from this disorder often do things without thinking. attention deficit disorder symptoms adults may answer questions prior to being asked, interrupt other people, or engage recklessly in activities that could have serious consequences. Impulsive behavior can also cause problems with interpersonal relationships and exacerbate symptoms of other psychiatric disorders, like anxiety disorders or mood swings. Research suggests that impulsive behavior in people with ADHD is a result of decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex. This region is a major factor in the control of impulses and decision-making. It could also be linked to atypical dopamine control, which affects reward processing and impulsivity.
Impulsiveness can lead to financial difficulties. The rush of dopamine that comes from purchasing something new could override the practicality, cost or logic behind the purchase. These decisions can also affect self-care. They can cause poor lifestyle choices or unhealthy eating habits. It can be hard to break this pattern, however, there are ways to lessen impulsivity. One option is to create a list of instances in which you are likely to act recklessly. If you're inclined to say or do something impulsively, put 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 action is an appropriate choice.
Breathing techniques can also aid in feeling more grounded and focused. A few studies have demonstrated that it may aid in regulating the autonomic nervous system and decrease negative emotions that can cause impulsive behavior. Practicing mindfulness and making lists of tasks to complete can also be helpful. Making a plan for the times and circumstances that you are likely to act out of impulsivity can help you take action to mitigate this behavior, for example, carrying fidget toys along to meetings, or putting reminders in your wallet to count to 10 before you respond.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting involves repetitive movements to calm the nervous system and improve focus. It is often associated with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention. People suffering from ADD tend to be distracted and engaged in a task or lecture however, it can affect social interactions and cause other health issues.
While most people view fidgeting as a negative symptom that must be stopped, experts have discovered that it can be harnessed to aid in focusing. The type of fidgeting you do involves movements that are performed by your body, instead of an object. Examples include tapping your feet or pressing the pencil.
In an investigation of schoolchildren who used to fidget during class had increased attention spans and concentration after they started using stress balls during lessons and self-work sessions. They found that manipulating the balls helped them focus and allowed interaction with classmates and teachers.
Fidgeting shouldn't be seen as a sign that a child suffers from mental illness. It's part of everyday life and shouldn't be cause to be concerned. However, if your child's fidgeting behavior is disruptive to their class or their home, you should consult with their physician to determine if they suffer from an underlying condition that can be treated, such as restless leg syndrome (RLS).
In addition to medication there are a variety of methods to lessen ADHD symptoms and improve your ability to focus. For instance, you can utilize a timer to break down long tasks into smaller manageable pieces or set aside a specific room for working in case you become distracted by things around you. You can also try mindfulness techniques to relax your mind and improve your attention and also try to learn a new hobby that will keep your hands busy. Knitting, for instance can help you improve your focus and experience the feeling of accomplishment that comes from creating a blanket or cap.