ADHD Symptoms in Adults
If symptoms continue, consider seeking mental or medical treatment. Certain physical health issues and stress can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Treatment options include medication, lifestyle modifications and counseling. Your doctor can help find the right combination to reduce the symptoms. Certain medications can treat more than one type of ADHD symptom.
Inattentiveness
People who aren't attentive ADHD often have trouble concentrating. They frequently miss appointments, forget deadlines and make careless mistakes. Their inability to prioritize tasks can cause chaos at work and home. Other indicators include inability to stay still or focused and poor listening skills and zoning-out while being spoken to.
Inattentive ADHD is a childhood disorder that lasts into adulthood. The disorder is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed in adults as the symptoms are more obscure than those of children and teenagers. Adults who experience a resurgence in these symptoms could get help. It is especially important to seek help when symptoms affect relationships or professional performance.
The most typical symptom of inattentive ADHD is the inability to pay attention to what is going on around them. Distractions constantly present can make it difficult to complete tasks such as writing a report, or reading an article, or watching TV. People with inattentive ADHD also have trouble completing simple tasks, like making beds or washing dishes. They might also lose track of things such as wallets or keys.
It is essential to speak with a healthcare professional if symptoms are affecting your daily life. Inattention ADHD symptoms are often omitted, especially if they are associated with other behavioral problems. However, these signs can be serious, and hinder your ability to meet goals at work and home.
People who are inattentive ADHD can make a difference in their lives by undergoing long-term treatment that includes various strategies. These strategies can help reduce the effects of ADHD on their personal and family life. Certain adults might benefit from cognitive therapy for behavior, which helps to change their "thought distortions" which can cause inattentive symptoms of ADHD. They can also benefit from changes in their lifestyle that can help them better manage their disorder, such as cutting down on caffeine consumption and avoiding sugary foods, which are known to stimulate the brain. They should also think about participating in clinical trials, which are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions.
Hyperactivity
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have trouble in concentrating or staying organized. They tend to forget appointments, social obligations or work deadlines and are unable to prioritize tasks. They may have trouble controlling their behavior, and frequently make up thoughts that are insensitive or inappropriate. They may also have issues with impulse control that can cause them to act without thought or make decisions based on the immediate rewards.
Treatment for hyperactivity among adults could include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Talk therapy with a therapist can be a part of. CBT concentrates on changing negative patterns of thought. It also teaches the ability to cope and relax. Talk therapy can assist ADHD sufferers learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble getting to sleep at night. They toss and turn, wake up frequently, or have trouble sleeping by earphones. As a result, they have a poor quality sleep and feel tired throughout the day. To help reduce these problems make sure you establish a regular sleeping schedule. In addition, eating healthy and balanced meals can help control ADHD symptoms in adults. Try eating meals and snacks at the same time each day and make sure you don't skip meals or go too long between meals. Try eating foods that are rich in protein and fiber that can give you constant energy.
If treatment for inattentive adhd in adults suspects that you suffer from ADHD the doctor will assess the severity of your symptoms as well as your history. Your doctor might inquire about your struggles in school or at work, and he or she might use a symptom rating scale to determine how serious your symptoms are. They may also refer you a mental health professional.
Your doctor might prescribe stimulants to treat your hyperactivity. These drugs can be taken one or twice daily and come in liquid, tablet, or capsule form. These medicines can have an immediate impact and last up to four hours. Some people feel less energetic after taking these drugs, while others feel the opposite.
In certain situations, a doctor might suggest that you participate in a clinical study. These studies explore new ways to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Impulsivity
Certain people with ADHD have difficulty controlling their impulses. They might respond prior to the question being asked, spend money without thinking about it or get right into an task. They might also have trouble saying no or completing an obligation. Impulsivity is not the same as being rude or displaying an uncontrollable attitude however, it can impact the work environment and social interactions.
Often, the most effective method for achieving impulse control is medication. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methlin, Ritalin) help improve concentration and focus. These tablets are available in immediate release (small doses taken three to four times a week) or extended release (one dose taken each morning for up to 16 hours). Many people with ADHD take their long-acting stimulants with tablets that release immediately in the late afternoon to help cover the time their medication has a tendency to wear off.
Psychotherapy can be helpful in the treatment of impulse control. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you develop skills to help manage symptoms and transform negative thoughts into more positive ones. It can help you plan and manage your time more efficiently break down big tasks into smaller pieces, and help you overcome issues with self-esteem. Other treatments include marital therapy and family therapy, stress reduction training and relaxation techniques, as well as life coaching.
It is important to find a medical professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. The specialist will evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan for you. You could be given the chance to participate in a clinical study, which is an investigational study that tries out new ways to identify, treat or prevent diseases and conditions. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking part in a clinical trial.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not able to get rid of it, and the majority of them will require medication for the remainder of their lives. Many people who suffer from ADHD can reduce the impact their symptoms have on their family and work lives by taking long-term medication.
Anxiety
Anxiety that can be overwhelming, is a common human response to stressful situations. When it becomes chronic and debilitating, it could be identified as an anxiety disorder that requires treatment. This treatment usually consists of therapy and medication.
Comorbid anxiety can cause serious health issues in adults suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from impulsive ADHD for instance might have trouble keeping up with their medical appointments and may forget to attend important appointments or take their medication. This can lead to a missed diagnosis and untreated illness, which is why it's crucial for those suffering from co-occurring ADHD to be evaluated by a physician regularly.
A doctor will examine a person's symptoms to determine if they have comorbid ADHD or anxiety. This will help them determine the condition that affects their quality of life the most and the appropriate treatment. For instance, a doctor may recommend a non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine (sold under the brand name Strattera). It acts on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine which play a role in attention. It has also been demonstrated to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders. Many people report that taking this medication can help to alleviate both their ADHD symptoms and anxiety symptoms.
Psychotherapy can also help both conditions, by teaching patients how to handle stress and offering strategies to manage stress. For instance a therapist could teach an adult suffering from ADHD on how to manage his or her time with the planner app or other smartphone apps. Another method of coping is methods to reduce stress, like exercise, regular meditation and deep breathing exercises.
It's also important to understand that people with ADHD aren't automatically prone to anxiety. Anxiety can affect anyone, even with no ADHD. People suffering from anxiety should have their symptoms evaluated for a possible cause of their comorbid ADHD, such as genetics, environmental toxins or premature birth. They should also keep their doctors aware of any other symptoms that develop and be aware that they are connected to a different disorder.