Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you always late for social events, work and meetings? Are you susceptible to omitting or ignoring chores at home? If yes, you could have undiagnosed ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you suffer from inattentive ADHD your symptoms are centered on your inability to stay organized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
A person with ADD might have difficulty managing time, completing tasks or meeting deadlines. They may also be unable to locate or find items necessary to carry out daily activities, such as books, tools or wallets. If a patient experiences these symptoms frequently and their doctor is able to evaluate the patient for ADD. The clinician may ask the patient and family members for specific information to help diagnose ADD.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADD typically have trouble staying seated or paying attention at school or work. They also may be unable to keep the track of their appointments and schedule. Often they forget things or misplace their wallets, keys and eyeglasses. They also lose paperwork or mobile phones. They might have messy workspaces or homes, and struggle to complete tasks that require constant mental effort. They also have a poor 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 appear to be "driven by motor" and are constantly on the move. They have trouble sitting still, particularly in classrooms based on neurotypical expectations. They often run around or climb onto things, even if it's not necessary. They will scream answers before the questions are completed and are unable to wait for their turn, and are often disruptive or interfere with others. In the adolescent and adult years the symptoms can diminish however they are still present.
Adults may have a harder time detecting ADD symptoms, as they tend to be less evident than children. Family doctors are in a superior position to recognize ADD and initiate treatment. They may also refer their patients to mental health professionals in the event of need. Additionally, in many instances family physicians are often the first to realize that a patient has difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or in business meetings and is unable to stay organized. Family physicians can confirm an ADD diagnoses and develop an effective treatment plan using routine interviewing techniques. The following are some of the most common symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Attention!
Inattention ADHD symptoms present as difficulty in concentration and focus which can lead to problems at school or at work. They can manifest as incomplete homework or assignments messy homes, disorganized desks or failure to pay bills or return phone calls on time. Inattention ADHD sufferers can also lose important items for daily tasks such as wallets or keys. They may struggle to listen to others and often lose the meaning of conversations, or quickly become bored by meetings and presentations. They might be distracted while listening, pondering their hobbies or replaying media content in their minds.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. A lot of family doctors fail to 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 the presence of ADHD. A trained physician can identify ADHD by asking specific questions regarding symptoms and past history.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD include having a range of inattentive symptoms and five or more chronic symptoms that interfere in, or decrease the quality of, one's social, academic or work functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and are not appropriate to the patient's developmental level.
In addition to behavioral therapy The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. There are a myriad of medications available and it is important to choose the right one. It's a good idea start with one medication and then carefully examine its effectiveness, since symptoms can improve as time passes. It is also recommended to visit your doctor at least every year. Often adhd symptoms in women is necessary to adjust your dose. be necessary to keep your medications working at their best.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is one of the main symptoms of ADHD which means that people who suffer from this disorder often make decisions without having thought. They may utter answers before the question has been asked, interrupt others, or engage in reckless behaviors that could have serious consequences. Impulsive behavior can also interfere with interpersonal relationships and can exacerbate symptoms of other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders or mood swings. 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 impulse control. It can also be related to atypical dopamine regulation which affects reward processing as well as the ability to control impulsivity.
Impulsiveness can lead to financial issues. The rush of dopamine that results from buying something new can override the cost, practicality or logic of the purchase. The impulse to make a purchase can affect self-care. They may result in poor lifestyle choices or unhealthy eating habits. It can be difficult to break this pattern, however there are ways to reduce the impulsivity. One way is to make a list of instances in which you are likely to act impulsively. When you're tempted to say or do something impulsively place your finger over your mouth and pretend to keep yourself in for some time to allow yourself time to consider whether the decision is a good idea.
Another way to combat impulsivity is to learn breathing techniques that will help you feel more grounded and centered. Some studies have shown it can help regulate the autonomic nerve system and decrease negative emotions that exacerbate impulse-driven behaviors. Making lists and focusing on mindfulness can be helpful. You can control your impulse-driven behavior by anticipating the occasions and times that you are likely to be impulsive. For example you could take fidget toys with you to meetings or keep a list of reminders in your wallet that remind you that you must count to 10 before you respond.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a habit that involves repetitive movements to relax the nervous system and increase focus. It is often associated with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention. People suffering from ADD tend to fidget in order to stay focused on a task or lecture, but it can also affect social interactions and lead to other health issues.
While many people see fidgeting as a negative sign that needs to be stopped Experts have discovered that it can assist in improving focus. This type of fidgeting can be known as intrinsic fidgeting and it is comprised of movements made using your own body, not an object. Examples include tapping your pen or clicking your feet.
In an examination of children in schools, those who used to fumble in class noticed increased attention spans and concentration after they started using stress balls during lessons and self-work sessions. They found that manipulating these balls helped them focus and also allowed them to communicate with classmates and teachers without disrupting other students.
Fidgeting shouldn't be considered as an indication that a child is suffering from mental illness. It's a normal part of everyday life and shouldn't be a cause for concern. If your child's fidgeting disrupts the classroom or at home, it's a good idea to discuss with their doctor in order to determine if they suffer from an illness that can be treated like restless legs syndrome (RLS).
There are a variety of ways to increase your concentration and reduce ADHD symptoms in addition to taking medications. For example, you can utilize a timer to break down long tasks into manageable chunks, or reserve an area for work to avoid being distracted by things in the vicinity. You can also apply mindfulness techniques to quiet your mind and improve your focus, or learn an activity that can keep your hands busy. Knitting, for instance can help you increase your focus and experience the feeling of satisfaction when you finish an item like a cap or blanket.