Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you consistently late for social events, work and meetings? Are you prone to forgetting or skipping tasks at home? If you answered"yes" to these questions, you could be suffering from undiagnosed adult ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD the symptoms you experience are centered on being disorganized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
A person suffering from ADD might struggle to keep school and work materials organized and manage time, complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may also find or lose items essential for daily tasks like tools, books or wallets. If a patient is regularly experiencing issues with these symptoms, their doctor can evaluate the patient 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
People suffering from ADD often have difficulty staying seated or paying attention at work or school. adult adhd symptom may be unable to keep track of their appointments and schedule. They often forget or misplace things, such as their wallet, documents or eyeglasses. They might have messy homes or workspaces and have difficulty completing tasks that require constant mental effort. They also have a weak working memory and are easily distracted by external stimuli. These are characteristics of what was previously known as ADD or Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I).
Children with hyperactive ADHD seem to be in motion, as if "driven by a motor." They are unable to sit still, particularly in classroom settings that revolve around neurotypical expectations. They tend to climb or run around even if it's not appropriate. They will answer questions before they have finished. They also have difficulty waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or intrude. These signs may decrease in adolescence or adulthood however they will be present.
Adults may have a difficult in identifying ADD symptoms because they are less evident than children. However family physicians are uniquely in a position to spot ADD in adults and can initiate and monitor treatment, as well as refer their patients for mental health services as needed. Additionally, in many instances family physicians are the first to recognize that a patient is having difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or in business meetings and is unable to stay organized. Family physicians can confirm ADD diagnosis and create an extensive treatment plan employing routine interviewing techniques. Here are some of the most common signs of adult ADD.
3. Attention!
Inattentive ADHD symptoms manifest as difficulties in concentration and focus and can cause problems in school or at work. They can manifest as piles of unfinished assignments or work assignments, messy desks and homes that are not organized, or failing to answer phone calls or pay bills in time. People with inattention ADHD may also lose items that are essential for daily tasks such as wallets and keys. They may struggle to listen to others and frequently fail to understand the purpose of conversations, or they can quickly become bored by meetings and presentations. They might drift off and think about their hobbies or re-watch 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 their patients or because they aren't familiar with the disorder in adults, or because the presence of comorbid disorders obscures its presence. However, a trained physician can identify the condition by asking specific questions about symptoms and the history.
Inattentive ADHD is identified when a person displays five or more chronic symptoms that include inattention, which hinder or limit the ability of a person to function in school, social or work settings. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be unsuitable for the patient's development level.
The most effective method of treatment is medication. treatment for ADHD, along with treatment for behavioural issues. There are many medications to choose from and it's essential to choose the best one. It's a good idea to start with one drug and then carefully monitor its effectiveness, as symptoms can improve as time passes. You should also visit your doctor at least once a year. It is usually required to alter the dosage of your medication to keep it working optimally.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is one of the main symptoms of ADHD which means that people with this condition often act before they have thought. They might blurt out answers before questions have been asked, interrupt others or engage in reckless behavior that can 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 impulsive behavior in people with ADHD stem from reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a significant role in deciding and control of impulses. It also has to do with atypical regulation of dopamine, which affects reward-processing and impulsivity.
Impulsivity can lead to financial problems and the rush of dopamine that comes from buying something new trumping the practicality, cost, or logic behind the purchase. The impulse to make a purchase can negatively impact self-care. They could lead to poor choices in lifestyle or unhealthy eating habits. It can be hard to break this pattern, however, there are ways to lessen the impulsivity. One way is to make an inventory of the situations in which you are prone to acting in a impulsive manner. If you're tempted to do something or say something impulsively put your lips on the table for a short period of time and pretend to keep yourself locked in. This gives you time to think about whether it is a wise choice.
Another way to combat impulses is to master breathing techniques that help you feel more grounded and at peace. Some studies have shown it can aid in regulating the autonomic nervous system and reduce negative emotions that trigger the impulsive behavior. Making lists of things to do can also be helpful. Making a plan for the times and circumstances that you are likely to act out of impulsivity can help you make a plan 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 involves repetitive movements to relax the nervous system and increase focus. It often accompanies ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention. Fidgeting is a typical method used by people suffering from ADD to remain focused on a task or lecture. However it can cause problems with social interaction and lead to other health problems.
Fidgeting is usually viewed as a negative habit which should be avoided, but researchers have found that it actually helps increase concentration. Fidgeting that involves movements that are performed by your body, rather than an object. Examples include tapping your feet or clicking a pencil.
In an investigation of schoolchildren who were known to fumble in class noticed increased attention spans and concentration when they started using stress balls during classes and self-work exercises. They found that manipulating the balls helped them concentrate and also allowed interaction with their teachers and classmates.
It is important for parents to be aware that fidgeting can be a normal part of the human experience, and should not be viewed as a sign of mental illness. If your child's fidgeting causes disruption in the classroom or at home, it's a good idea to discuss with their doctor in order to determine if they suffer from a condition that is treatable like restless legs syndrome (RLS).
In addition to medications there are a variety of ways to reduce ADHD symptoms and increase your ability to concentrate. For instance, you can use a timer to break down long tasks into manageable pieces or set aside a specific room for working in case you become distracted by the world in the vicinity. You can also practice mindfulness techniques to quiet the mind and improve your attention and also try to learn a new hobby that will keep your hands active. For instance, knitting can be a great way to improve your concentration while enjoying the sense of accomplishment when you finish the perfect hat or blanket.