Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you chronically late for social events, work and meetings? Are you easily distracted or miss home chores? If you answered yes, you could have undiagnosed 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 difficulties managing time, completing tasks or keeping deadlines. They also may find or lose things necessary for daily activities (e.g. books, tools, keys and wallets, eyeglasses, eyeglasses or cell phones). If a patient experiences these symptoms regularly the doctor may test the patient for ADD. The doctor might ask for detailed information from the patient and other family members to determine if they are suffering from ADD.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADD often have difficulty staying focused or sitting at work or at school. They also may be unable to keep track of their schedules and appointments. Sometimes they forget things or misplace their keys, wallet and eyeglasses. They also lose paperwork or mobile phones. They might have messy workspaces or homes and have difficulty completing tasks that require sustained mental effort. They also have a poor memory and are easily distracted. These are symptoms of what was formerly called ADD or Predominantly Attentive 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 a difficult time sitting still, especially in classroom settings centered around normative expectations. They often run around or climb on things, even if it's not appropriate. They will answer questions before they are done. They also have a difficult time waiting for their turn and are often quick to interrupt or intrude. These signs can diminish as they grow older, but they will still be present.
Adults may have a difficult time detecting ADD symptoms, since they tend to be less evident than children. However family physicians are ideally equipped to recognize ADD in adults and start and monitor treatment, as well as refer their patients to mental health services when they are needed. Additionally, in many instances family physicians are often the first to notice that a patient is having trouble working on their schoolwork or attending business meetings and is unable to organize. Family physicians can confirm an ADD diagnosis and create a comprehensive treatment plan by employing routine interviewing techniques. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Inattention
Inattentive ADHD is characterized by difficulties in focusing and concentration that can lead to issues at work or school. They might manifest as piles of unfinished assignments or work assignments, messy homes and disorganized desks or failure to answer phone calls or pay bills in time. Inattention ADHD people can also lose important items for daily tasks such as wallets or keys. They may have difficulty listening to others and often miss the point of conversations, or easily get bored of meetings and presentations. They may zone out and daydream about their hobbies 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 because they aren't aware of the disorder or because comorbid conditions hide the presence of the disorder. A trained physician can diagnose ADHD by asking specific questions regarding symptoms and history.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD includes having a variety of symptoms of inattention and five or more persistent symptoms that interfere with, or reduce the quality of a person's social, academic or work functioning. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months and are not suitable for the patient's development level.
Medication is the most effective treatment of ADHD as is treatment for behavioural issues. There are a variety of drugs available and it's essential to find the right one for you. It's a good idea begin with one medication and then carefully check its effectiveness, as symptoms can change over time. It's also important to check in with your doctor every year. It is often required to alter the dosage of your medication to keep it working optimally.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is one of the main symptoms of ADHD, meaning that people who suffer from this disorder often act before they have thought. They may answer questions before they're asked, interrupt others, or engage recklessly in activities that can have serious implications. Impulsive behavior can also affect interpersonal relationships and can exacerbate symptoms of other psychiatric disorders like mood swings and anxiety disorders. Research suggests that the impulsive behavior of adults with ADHD is a result of decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex. This area is a major factor in impulse control and decision-making. It is also related to atypical regulation of dopamine, which influences reward processing and impulsivity.
The urge to buy something new can cause financial problems. The rush of dopamine that results from buying something new may override the practicality, cost or logic behind the purchase. It can also affect self-care by causing impulsive choices that lead to unhealthy eating habits or poor lifestyle choices. It can be difficult to break this pattern, however, there are ways to decrease the impulsivity. One thing is to make a list of situations where you are prone to acting recklessly. If you're tempted by the urge to do something or say something uncontrollably, place your finger on your mouth for a few moments and pretend to lock yourself inside. This will give you time to think about whether it's a good decision.
Another method to reduce impulsivity is to learn breathing techniques that can 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 impulse-driven behaviors. Making lists of things to do can also be beneficial. Being able to predict times and circumstances that you may be impulsive can help you take steps to reduce this behavior, such as taking fidget toys to meetings or putting reminders in your wallet that count to 10 before responding.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting involves repetitive movements to relax the nervous system and improve focus. It is frequently associated with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention. People who suffer from ADD tend to fidget in order to stay focused during the course or task, but it can also affect social interactions and trigger other health issues.
Fidgeting is typically thought of as a negative behaviour which should be avoided, however, experts have discovered that it actually helps improve concentration. The type of fidgeting you do involves movements that are performed with your body, instead of an object. Examples include tapping your pen or clicking your feet.
In a research study, students who fidget during class found that their concentration and attention spans improved after they started using stress balls in their lessons and self-work activities. They discovered that manipulating the balls helped them concentrate and allowed them to interact with their teachers and classmates without disrupting others.
Fidgeting shouldn't be seen as an indication that a child is suffering from mental illness. It's regular part of life and shouldn't be cause for concern. However, if your child's fidgeting is disruptive to their classroom or at home, you should work with their doctor to determine whether they have an underlying condition that could be treated, like restless leg syndrome (RLS).
There are add symptoms adults of ways to increase your concentration and decrease ADHD symptoms as well as taking medications. You can, for example using a stopwatch to break long tasks down into smaller pieces you can manage, or even designate the space where you'll work in the event you get distracted by something else. You can also use mindfulness techniques to relax your mind and increase your focus, as well as try to learn a new hobby which will keep your hands active. For instance, knitting is a great way to improve your concentration while feeling the satisfaction when you finish an hat or blanket.