ADHD Symptoms in Adults
If symptoms continue, consider seeking medical or mental health treatment. Certain physical health conditions and stress can trigger symptoms that look like ADHD.
Treatment options could include medication or lifestyle changes, as well as counseling. Your doctor can help find the best combination of medications to ease the symptoms. Certain medications are more effective in treating symptoms of ADHD than others.
Inattentiveness
People who aren't attentive ADHD are unable to concentrate. They often miss appointments, forget deadlines and make careless mistakes. Their inability to prioritize tasks leads to chaos at work and home. The symptoms include trouble in staying still or focused in a room, inability to listen and zoning out while being spoken to.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms begin in the early years and persist into adulthood. Adults can be misdiagnosed as having the disorder due to the fact that their symptoms are subtler than those of teenagers or children. However adults who experience resurgence of these symptoms may be able to benefit from seeking help. It is especially important to seek help if the symptoms affect their relationships or professional performance.
The most typical characteristic of inattention ADHD is trouble paying attention to what is going on around them. It can be hard to finish tasks like writing a report, reading a book or watching television due to constant interruptions. People with inattentive ADHD also have trouble completing simple tasks, like making beds or washing dishes. They may also lose track of things like keys or wallets.
While a lot of people, particularly children, can lose focus or make impulsive mistakes, it's important to see a health care professional if the symptoms have a negative effect on the daily activities. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are often omitted particularly if they are associated with other behavioral problems. However, these symptoms can be serious, and hinder your ability to achieve goals at home and work.
People with inattention ADHD may improve their lives by combining various strategies and long-term treatments. These strategies can lessen the effects of ADHD on their families and work. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help adults modify their "thought distortions" which can cause the inattentive ADHD symptoms. They may also benefit from lifestyle changes that may help them better manage their condition, such as reducing caffeine intake and eliminating sugary foods that are known to stimulate the brain. They should also be involved in clinical trials. These are research studies that examine new ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases.
Hyperactivity
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with concentration or staying organized. They tend to forget important dates, such as work deadlines and social commitments or appointments. They also have trouble managing their time. They may have trouble controlling their behavior and often think of things that are insensitive or inappropriate. They also may have problems with impulse control, which could cause them to act without thinking or make decisions based on immediate rewards.
In addition to medications, treatment for adults with hyperactivity may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy with an therapy. CBT is focused on changing harmful patterns of thinking. It also includes teaching techniques for relaxation and coping. Talk therapy can assist ADHD sufferers learn to manage symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to fall asleep at the end of the night. They toss and turn and wake up often, or are unable to sleep due to alarms. They get poor quality sleep and are exhausted all day. To reduce these problems make sure you establish a regular schedule for sleeping. A balanced diet can also help adults manage ADHD symptoms. Make sure to eat meals and snacks at the same time every day, and try not to skip meals or go too long between meals. Eat foods high in fiber and protein to help maintain your energy levels.
If your doctor suspects that you have ADHD, he or she will examine your symptoms and history. Your doctor may ask you about your struggles at school or work and then use a scale of symptoms to assess the severity of your symptoms. He or she might also refer you to a mental health specialist.
Your doctor might prescribe stimulants to help treat your hyperactivity. These drugs can be taken one or twice daily and are available in tablet, liquid, or capsule form. They can have an immediate effect that lasts up to four hours. Some people feel less energetic after using these drugs, whereas others feel the opposite.
In some instances, a doctor may suggest that you take part in a study. These studies are designed to find new methods to diagnose and treat ailments and diseases.
Impulsivity
Certain people with ADHD struggle to control their impulses. They might blurt out answers before they are asked, make purchases without thinking about it or engage in an activity without waiting their turn. They might also have trouble saying no or following through on the commitment they made. Impulsivity is not the same as being rude or displaying an uncontrollable attitude but it can affect work and social relationships.
Medication is usually the most effective method to manage impulses. Stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methlin, Ritalin) help improve concentration and focus. They are available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 3 to 4 times per day) or extended-release tablets which can be taken every day in the morning and last for up to 16 hours. Many adults suffering from ADHD take an immediate-release tablet in the late afternoon as a supplement to their long-acting stimulants. This can help reduce the time between when the medication is taking effect and the time it takes to wear off.
Psychotherapy can be a valuable tool in the treatment of impulse control. Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach strategies to help manage symptoms and transform negative thought patterns into more positive ones. It can also help you plan and manage your time more efficiently break down big tasks into smaller pieces and overcome issues with self-esteem. Other options include marital and family therapy as well as stress reduction techniques, relaxation techniques, and life coaching.
It is crucial to locate an expert in health care who specialises in treating ADHD. The doctor will examine your symptoms and create the treatment plan that is appropriate for you. You may be offered the chance to take part in a clinical study, which is an investigational study that tests new methods to identify, treat or prevent diseases and conditions. Talk with your health care provider about the potential risks and benefits of participating in an investigational trial.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not able to get rid of it and the majority of them will need medication for the duration of their lives. Many adults with ADHD can minimize the impact their symptoms can have on their work and personal lives by taking long-term medication.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a condition that can be overwhelming, is a normal human reaction to stressful situations. When it becomes chronic and debilitating, it could be identified as an anxiety disorder that requires treatment. This treatment usually includes medication and therapy.
In doctors that treat adhd in adults to impacting relationships and work performance as well as affecting relationships, comorbid anxiety among adults with ADHD can cause serious health problems. People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD for instance may have a difficult time keeping up with their medical schedules and may not attend appointments or take their medication. This can lead to a missed diagnosis and untreated illness, which is why it's crucial for people with co-occurring ADHD to be assessed by a doctor on a regular basis.
A doctor will evaluate the symptoms of someone who suffers from an underlying condition like ADHD and anxiety to determine which issue affects their quality of life more, and what type of treatment is required. For instance, a physician may recommend a non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine (sold under the brand name Strattera). It works by affecting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine that are involved in the process of focusing. It's also been found to decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorders. So some people find that taking it helps relieve both their ADHD and anxiety symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help with both conditions, by educating patients how to manage stress and offering strategies to do so. A therapist might teach an adult with ADHD how to manage their time using apps for smartphones or a planner. Stress-reduction techniques, such as regular meditation or deep breathing exercises and exercise, can be used as a coping mechanism.
It's also important to keep in mind that people who suffer from ADHD aren't necessarily prone to anxiety. Anxiety can affect anyone, even those who don't have ADHD. People suffering from anxiety should be examined to determine the cause of their co-occurring ADHD that could be due to genetics, environmental toxins or premature birth. They should also inform their doctors of any new signs, because they could be related to another disorder.