Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you always late for work, social events and meetings? Are you prone to forgetfulness or miss home chores? If symptoms of adult add answered yes, you might have undiagnosed ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you suffer from inattentive ADHD your symptoms are centered on being disorganized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
A person suffering from ADD may struggle to keep school and work materials organized and on track, finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may also find or lose things necessary for daily activities (e.g. books, tools, keys, wallets, eyeglasses or cellphones). If a patient has a history of problems with these symptoms the doctor may test their condition for ADD. The doctor can request the patient and family members for detailed information to aid in diagnosing ADD.
2. Hyperactivity
In many cases, people with ADD have trouble staying seated and paying attention at the workplace or at school, and keeping track of their schedules and appointments. Sometimes they forget things or misplace their keys, wallets or eyeglasses, papers, or mobile telephones. Their homes and workspaces may be messy or disorganized, and they have a difficult time completing tasks requiring sustained mental effort. They also have a weak working memory and are easily distracted by external stimuli. These are symptoms of what was once called ADD or Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I).
Children with hyperactive ADHD appear to be constantly in motion as if "driven by motors." They have trouble sitting still, particularly in classrooms based on neurotypical expectations. They frequently run around or climb on things, even if it is inappropriate. They are quick to answer questions before they are completed. symptoms of add in adults have difficulty waiting for their turn, and frequently interrupt or intrude. These signs may decrease in adolescence or adulthood however they will be present.
Adults may have a tougher to recognize ADD symptoms, as they are less apparent than children. Family doctors are in a unique position to diagnose ADD and initiate treatment. They can also refer their patients to mental health specialists when needed. Additionally, in many instances family physicians are the first to realize that a patient has difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or in business meetings, and they are unable to organize. By employing routine interviewing techniques and gathering specific information from the patients and their families, family physicians can help confirm the ADD diagnosis and develop a comprehensive management plan. Here are a few common symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Inattention
Inattention ADHD is characterized by difficulty focus and concentration that can lead to issues at work or school. They can manifest as a pile of unfinished homework or work projects, messy homes and disorganized desks or not being able to return calls or pay bills on time. Inattention ADHD people can also lose important items for daily tasks, such as wallets or keys. They may find it difficult to listen to others and frequently lose the meaning of conversations, or they can easily become bored with meetings and presentations. They may lose themselves in listening, daydreaming about their interests or replaying social media content in their minds.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. Many family doctors do not recognize ADHD in their patients, either because they aren't familiar with the condition in adults or because comorbid issues obscure the presence of ADHD. However, a trained physician can diagnose the condition by asking specific questions about symptoms and past history.
Inattentive ADHD is identified when a person displays five or more chronic symptoms that include inattention, which hinder or limit the ability of a person to function school, social or work settings. Symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months and are not suitable for the patient's development level.
In addition to treatment for behavioural issues, the most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. There are a variety of medications available and it's crucial to select the one that is right for you. It's best to start with one medication and monitor its effectiveness carefully since symptoms can change over time. You should also visit your doctor at least once a year. It is usually required to alter the dosage of your medication to ensure it is working properly.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a key symptom of ADHD which means that people who suffer from this disorder often do things without thinking. They might blurt out answers before questions have been asked, interrupt others or engage in reckless activities which can result in grave consequences. Impulsive behavior can also cause problems with interpersonal relationships and may exacerbate symptoms of other mental disorders, like anxiety disorders or mood swings. Research suggests that impulsive behavior in adults with ADHD result from decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex which plays a significant role in decision-making and control of impulses. It's also linked to the dopamine-related regulation that is not typical, which affects reward-processing and impulsivity.
Impulsivity can lead to financial issues as the rush of dopamine that comes from purchasing something new outweighing the cost, practicality, or logic of a purchase. These decisions can also have a negative impact on self-care. They can cause poor lifestyle choices or unhealthy eating habits. It isn't easy to break this pattern however there are ways to decrease impulsivity. Make a list of situations in which you are likely to act impulsively. When you are tempted to say or act in a hurry, put your lips on the table for a few seconds and pretend to keep yourself locked in. This will allow you to consider whether it is a wise decision.
Another way to combat impulsivity is to learn breathing techniques that will help you feel more grounded and centered. A few studies have demonstrated that it can aid in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, and reduce negative emotions that can cause the impulsive behavior. Making lists of tasks to complete can also be beneficial. You can control your impulsive behavior by anticipating circumstances and times when you are likely to be impulsive. For example, you could bring fidget toys along to meetings or put reminders in your wallet. You should count to 10 before responding.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a behavior that involves repetitive movements to soothe the nervous system and improve focus. It is often associated with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity or inattention. People who suffer from ADD tend to fidget in order to stay focused during an activity or lecture, but it can also hinder social interactions and cause other health issues.
Fidgeting is usually viewed as a negative behaviour that should be avoided, however, experts have found that it can actually improve concentration. This kind of fidgeting is known as intrinsic fidgeting and is comprised of movements that are made using your own body, not an object. Examples include tapping your feet or pressing a pencil.
In an investigation of schoolchildren, those who used to fidget in class experienced increased concentration and attention spans after they began using stress balls during classes and self-work exercises. They found that manipulating the balls helped them focus and allowed interaction with teachers and classmates.
Fidgeting shouldn't be seen as an indication that a child suffers from mental illness. It's part of life every day and shouldn't be a cause to be concerned. If your child's fidgeting disrupts the classroom or at home, you should consult with their doctor in order to determine if they are suffering from an illness that is treatable, such as restless legs syndrome (RLS).
There are a variety of ways to increase your concentration and reduce ADHD symptoms as well as taking medication. You can, for example utilize a stopwatch in order to break long tasks down into smaller pieces you can manage or create a room where you will work in case you get distracted by something else. You can also use mindfulness techniques to quiet the mind and improve your concentration and also try to find a new activity that will keep your hands busy. For instance, knitting can be an excellent way to increase your concentration, while also taking pleasure in the feeling of accomplishment that comes from making a blanket or hat.