Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you always late for social events, work and meetings? Are you forgetful or frequently miss home chores? If you answered"yes" to these questions, you may be suffering from undiagnosed adult ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you have inattentive ADHD your symptoms are centered on being disorganized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
A person suffering from ADD might have difficulties managing time, completing tasks or meeting deadlines. They also may find or lose things necessary for daily activities (e.g. books, tools, keys, wallets, eyeglasses or mobile phones). If a person experiences these symptoms frequently and their doctor is able to evaluate them for ADD. The doctor can request the patient and family members for more details to determine if ADD is a problem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADD frequently have trouble staying focused or sitting at work or at school. They may also struggle to keep track of their appointments and schedule. They frequently lose or forget items, like their wallets, papers or eyeglasses. Their homes and workspaces may be messy or unorganized, and they have a difficult time completing tasks that require continuous mental effort. They also have a poor working memory and are easily distracted by external stimuli. These are the characteristics of what used to be known as ADD or Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD.
Children with hyperactive ADHD seem to be "driven by motor" and are always on the move. They are unable to sit still, especially in classrooms that are centered on neurotypical expectations. They tend to climb or run around even if it is not appropriate. They will scream answers before questions are finished and are unable to wait for their turn, and are often disruptive or intrude on other people. These signs can diminish in adulthood or adolescence however they will be present.
Adults may have a difficult to recognize ADD symptoms, as they tend to be less apparent than children. However family physicians are uniquely positioned to recognize ADD in adults and start and monitor treatment, referring their patients for mental health services when they are needed. In many cases family physicians are the first to recognize a patient's inability to concentrate on schoolwork, or in business meetings, or their inability to get organized. By employing adhd in men symptoms interviewing techniques and gathering precise information from the patients and their families Family physicians can determine an ADD diagnosis and formulate a comprehensive plan for managing. Here are a few common symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Attention!
Inattentive ADHD is characterized by difficulty concentrating and focusing, which can lead to problems at school or work. They may manifest as unfinished work or homework messy homes, disorganized desks or the inability to pay bills or return calls on time. People with inattentive ADHD may also lose items that are essential for daily tasks such as wallets and keys. They may have difficulty listening to other people, and miss the main point of conversations. Also, they may get bored during meetings and presentations. They may drift off and think about their interests or re-watch social media content.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. A lot of family physicians don't recognize ADHD in their patients, either because they're not familiar with the disorder in adults, or because comorbid problems mask the presence of ADHD. However, what are the symptoms of adhd in adults trained doctor can diagnose the condition by asking specific questions about 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 diminish the quality of, one's social, academic or work functioning. The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months and be unsuitable for the patient's developmental stage.
Medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD as is treatment for behavioural issues. There are many medications to choose from and it's essential to choose the best one. It's best to begin with one medication and then monitor its effectiveness closely as symptoms can improve 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 ensure that it's working properly.
4. Impulsivity
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is the tendency to be impulsive, which implies that people with the condition tend to act without thinking before. They might blurt out answers before questions have been asked, interrupt others, or engage in reckless activities that can have grave consequences. Impulsive behavior can also affect interpersonal relationships and can exacerbate symptoms of other mental illnesses like anxiety disorders and mood swings. Research suggests that impulsive behavior among people with ADHD is due to decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex. This region is a major factor in decision-making and impulse control. It's also linked to the dopamine-related regulation that is not typical, which influences reward processing and the ability to control impulsivity.
Impulsivity can lead to financial difficulties and the rush of dopamine that comes from buying something new trumping the cost, practicality or rationality of the purchase. The impulse to make a purchase can have a negative impact on self-care. They may lead to poor decisions about lifestyle choices or unhealthy eating habits. This pattern is difficult to break however there are ways to decrease it. One option is to create a list of instances in which you tend to behave in a impulsive manner. If you're tempted to act or say something in a hurry, put your lips on the table for a few moments and pretend to lock yourself inside. This will allow you to consider whether it's a good decision.
Breathing techniques can also aid in feeling more grounded and focused. Some studies have shown that it can aid in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, and reduce negative emotions that can cause the impulsive behavior. Practicing mindfulness and making lists of things to do can also be helpful. Making a plan for the times and circumstances that you may be impulsive can help you make a plan to reduce this behavior, for example, carrying fidget toys along to meetings or keeping reminders in your wallet that count to 10 before responding.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a repetitive movement that can calm the nervous system and improve focus. It often accompanies ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention. People who suffer from ADD tend to be distracted and focused on an activity or lecture however, it can hinder social interactions and lead to other health issues.
Fidgeting is typically thought of as a negative behaviour that should be avoided, however, experts have found that it actually helps improve concentration. This type of fidgeting can be known as intrinsic fidgeting and it consists of movements performed using your own body, not a thing. Examples include tapping your feet or clicking a pencil.
In an examination of children in schools, those who used to fidget in class experienced increased attention spans and concentration after they started using stress balls during lessons and self-work exercises. They found that manipulating these balls helped them concentrate and also allowed them to communicate with their teachers and classmates without disrupting other students.
It is important for parents to be aware that fidgeting can be a normal part of the human experience and shouldn't be considered as a sign of mental illness. However, if your child's fidgeting behavior is disruptive to the classroom or their home, you should consult with their physician to determine if they have an underlying illness that can be treated, like restless leg syndrome (RLS).
In addition to medications There are many methods to lessen ADHD symptoms and increase your ability to concentrate. You can, for example using a stopwatch to break up long tasks into smaller pieces that you can manage or designate an area where you can work in the event you get distracted by something else. You can also apply mindfulness techniques to relax your mind and improve your concentration, or even learn an activity that can keep your hands active. For instance, knitting is an excellent method to improve your concentration while enjoying the sense of accomplishment when you finish the perfect hat or blanket.