Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you chronically late for social events, work and meetings? Are you easily distracted or miss home chores? If yes, you may have undiagnosed ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you have inattentive ADHD, your symptoms center on your inability to stay organized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
A person with ADD might have difficulties managing time, completing tasks or keeping deadlines. They may also be unable to locate or lose items needed to carry out daily activities (e.g., books, tools, keys, wallets, eyeglasses or mobile phones). If a patient is experiencing these symptoms frequently, their doctor can assess their condition for ADD. The clinician might request detailed details from the patient as well as other family members to make a diagnosis.
2. Hyperactivity
In a lot of cases, people with ADD are unable to sit for long periods of time, paying attention in work or school and focusing on their schedules and appointments. Many times they lose things or misplace their wallets, keys or eyeglasses, papers, or mobile telephones. Their homes and workspaces may be messy or disorganized, and they are unable to complete tasks that require continuous mental effort. They also have poor working memory and are easily distracted by external stimuli. These are the characteristics of what was previously known as ADD or Predominantly Attentive Type ADHD (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I).
Children with hyperactive ADHD seem to be in motion as if "driven by motors." They are unable to sit still, particularly in classroom settings centered around neurotypical expectations. They tend to climb or run around, even when it's not appropriate. They blurt out answers before they have finished, have trouble waiting for their turn, and interrupt or intrude on others. These signs can diminish as they grow older however, they will be present.
Symptoms of ADD can be difficult to detect in adults since they are less overt than the symptoms seen in children. Family doctors are in a superior position to diagnose ADD and initiate treatment. They can also refer patients to mental health specialists in the event of need. 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 can't seem to get organized. By employing routine interviewing techniques, and getting detailed information from the patient and their family members, family physicians can help confirm an ADD diagnosis and develop a comprehensive management plan. Here are a few most common signs of adult ADD.
3. Inattention
Inattention ADHD is characterized by difficulty concentrating and focusing and can cause issues at work or school. They can manifest as incomplete work or homework messy homes, unorganized desks or failure to pay bills or return calls on time. People with inattentive ADHD may also lose items needed for daily tasks like wallets and keys. They may have difficulty listening to others and may miss the point of conversations. Or they can get bored during meetings and presentations. They may drift off and daydream about their hobbies or re-watch social media content.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. A lot of family doctors fail to detect ADHD in adult patients. This is either because they aren't aware of the disorder or because co-existing conditions mask its presence. However, visit their website trained physician can identify the condition by asking specific questions about symptoms and past history.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD include having a range of symptoms of inattention and five or more chronic symptoms that interfere with, or reduce the quality of one's social, academic or work performance. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and are not suitable for the patient's developmental level.
Medication is the most effective treatment of ADHD as is the behavioural therapy. There are a variety of drugs available and it's crucial to find the right one for you. It is recommended to start with one medication and observe its effectiveness carefully since symptoms can change as time passes. You should also visit your doctor at least once a year. In most cases an adjustment to your dose will be necessary to keep your meds working at their best.
4. Impulsivity
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is the tendency to be impulsive, which implies that those suffering from the disorder often act without thinking about the consequences. They might blurt out answers before they have been asked, interrupt others, or engage in reckless behaviors that could have grave consequences. Impulsive behavior can also affect interpersonal relationships and exacerbate the symptoms of other psychiatric disorders like anxiety disorders and mood swings. Research suggests that impulsive behavior in people suffering from ADHD result from a decrease in activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in deciding and control of impulses. It also has to do with atypical regulation of dopamine, which affects reward-processing and impulsivity.
Impulsiveness can lead to financial problems. The rush of dopamine that comes from buying something new may override the cost, practicality or logic behind the purchase. This can also impact self-care, with impulsive decisions leading to unhealthy eating habits or poor lifestyle choices. It isn't easy to break this pattern however, there are ways to lessen the tendency to be impulsive. One way is to make a list of instances in which you are prone to acting in a impulsive manner. Then, when you're tempted to say or do something unintentionally, put your finger over your mouth and pretend to keep yourself in for some time to allow yourself the chance to think about whether the decision is an appropriate choice.
Breathing techniques can also assist you in feeling more grounded and focused. Some studies have shown it can help regulate the autonomic nerve system and reduce negative emotions that exacerbate impulsive behaviors. Making lists and focusing on mindfulness can be helpful. You can reduce impulse-driven behavior by anticipating the occasions and times that you are likely to be impulsive. For instance, you could bring fidget toys to meetings or keep a list of reminders in your wallet. You should count up to 10 before you react.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting involves repetitive movements that calm the nervous system and to improve focus. It is often associated with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention. People who suffer from ADD tend to fidget in order to stay focused during the course or task however, it can interfere with social interactions and cause other health problems.
Fidgeting is often seen as a negative behavior that should be avoided, however, experts have found that it can actually increase concentration. This type of fidgeting is called intrinsic fidgeting, and is comprised of movements performed using your own body instead of an object. 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 concentration and attention spans when they started using stress balls in lessons and self-work sessions. The study found that manipulating the balls helped them focus and allowed interaction with students and teachers.
It is important for parents to be aware that fidgeting can be an everyday part of the human experience, and it should not be viewed as an indication of mental illness. However, if your child's fidgeting causes disruption to the classroom or their home, it is recommended that you work with their doctor to determine whether they have an underlying condition that could be treated, such as restless leg syndrome (RLS).
There are many methods to improve your focus and decrease ADHD symptoms, in addition to medications. For instance, you can make use of a timer that breaks down lengthy tasks into smaller manageable chunks, or reserve a specific room for working in case you become distracted by other things in the vicinity. You can also apply mindfulness techniques to calm your mind and increase your concentration, or even learn a new activity that will keep your hands active. For example, knitting can be a great way to improve your focus while enjoying the sense of accomplishment when you finish an hat or blanket.