ADHD Symptoms in Adults
If symptoms persist, consider seeking mental or medical treatment. Stress and physical health issues can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Treatment options include medication, lifestyle modifications and counseling. Your doctor can help you determine the best combination to reduce the symptoms. Certain medications address more of the symptoms of ADHD than others.
Inattentiveness
People who aren't attentive ADHD frequently have difficulty concentrating. They often fail to attend appointments, forget dates and deadlines and commit a number of naive mistakes. Their inability to prioritize tasks causes chaos at home and at work. Other indicators include inability to remain still or focused and poor listening skills and a lack of focus when spoken to.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms develop in childhood and continue into adulthood. Adults are sometimes misdiagnosed with the disorder because their symptoms are subtler than those of teenagers and children. Adults who are experiencing a recurrence in these symptoms can get help. The need for help is particularly crucial in cases where symptoms are affecting relationships or professional performance.
The most common characteristic of inattention ADHD is a lack of attention to what's going on around them. Distractions constantly present can make it difficult to complete tasks like writing a report, or reading books, or watching TV. Inattention ADHD people also have trouble doing simple tasks like making their beds. They may also lose track of items like keys or wallets.
While many people, particularly children, can lose focus or make mistakes, it's important to see a health care professional if symptoms are causing a negative impact on daily functioning. Inattention ADHD symptoms are often ignored particularly if they are accompanied by other behavioral problems. However, these signs can be serious, and interfere with your ability to meet goals at home and at work.
People with inattention ADHD may enhance their lives by combining a variety strategies and long-term treatments. These strategies can help reduce the impact that ADHD has on their family and professional lives. Some adults may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help them modify their "thought distortions" which can cause inattention-deficit symptoms of ADHD. They may also benefit from making lifestyle changes to manage their disorder. For example the reduction of caffeine intake or avoiding sugary foods that are known for stimulating the brain. They should also take part in clinical trials. These are research studies that look at new ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them.
Hyperactivity
Adults with ADHD have difficulty concentrating or staying organized. They frequently forget social obligations, appointments or work deadlines and are unable to prioritize tasks. They may be unable to control their behavior, and frequently blurt out thoughts that are rude or inappropriate. They may also have issues with impulse control, which can cause them to act without thinking or make decisions based on immediate rewards.
Treatment for hyperactivity among adults could include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Talk therapy with a therapist can also be included. CBT is focused on changing harmful patterns of thinking. It also includes teaching coping and relaxation skills. Talk therapy can help people with ADHD learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their lives.
Many people with ADHD have trouble getting to sleep at night. They are often incapable of falling asleep or they wake up often. They experience poor quality sleep and are exhausted throughout the day. To alleviate these issues make sure you establish a regular sleeping schedule. A balanced diet can aid adults in managing ADHD symptoms. Try to eat meals and snacks at the same time every day and do not skip meals or go too long between them. Eat foods high in protein and fiber to maintain energy levels.
If your doctor suspects that you have ADHD, he or she will evaluate your symptoms and history. Your doctor may inquire about your struggles at school or at work, and he or she may use a symptom-rating scale to determine the severity of your symptoms. They may also refer you a mental health professional.
Your doctor might prescribe stimulants to treat hyperactivity. These drugs can be taken one or twice daily and come in liquid, tablet, or capsule form. They can have an immediate effect and last for up to four hours. Some people feel less energetic when using these drugs, whereas others feel the opposite.
In certain situations your doctor may recommend that you participate in a clinical trial. These studies investigate new methods to prevent and treat diseases, as well as diagnose and conditions.
Impulsivity
Certain people suffering from ADHD are unable to control their impulses. They might respond before the question is asked, make purchases without thinking about it or jump right into an activity. They may also have difficulty refusing to do something or keeping up on a promise. In other words, being impulsive does not mean that you are rude or lacking self-discipline. However, it could cause problems in work and social relationships.
Medication is usually the most effective method to control impulses. Stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methlin, Ritalin) help improve concentration and focus. These tablets are available as immediate-release (small doses taken three to four times a week) or extended release (one dose every morning for up to 16 hours). Many adults suffering from ADHD use tablets that release immediately in the late afternoon as an alternative to their long-acting stimulants. This can help to reduce the time between the medication taking effect and the time it takes to wear off.
Psychotherapy can be beneficial in treating impulse management. Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach skills to help manage symptoms and transform negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It could help you learn to organize and manage your time more effectively break down bigger tasks into smaller pieces and overcome self-esteem issues. Other options include marital therapy and family therapy, stress reduction training and relaxation techniques and life coaching.
Finding adhd treatment for adults without medication who is experienced in treating ADHD is crucial. The doctor will evaluate your symptoms and create an appropriate treatment plan right for you. You could be offered the chance to take part in a clinical study, which is an research study that is designed to test new methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking part in an investigational trial.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not able to overcome the condition, and a majority will require medication for their entire life. However, many are able to lessen the impact of their symptoms on their work and home lives with long-term treatment.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations. It can be overwhelming. However, when it becomes chronic and debilitating, it may be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder that requires treatment. This treatment usually includes medication and therapy.
Comorbid anxiety can trigger serious health issues in people with ADHD. People who suffer from impulsive ADHD for instance, may have difficulty keeping up with their medical schedules and may not attend appointments or take their medication. This could lead to an untreated or missed diagnosis illness. It's therefore important that people with the comorbidity of ADHD are examined by their physician regularly.
A doctor will evaluate the symptoms of someone with comorbid ADHD and anxiety to determine which condition is affecting their quality of life more and what treatment is required. For instance, a physician might recommend a nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine (sold under the brand name Strattera). It alters the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine that are involved in attention. It's also been shown to decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorders. So many people have found that taking it can help relieve their ADHD and anxiety symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help with both conditions, by educating patients how to manage stress and offering strategies to manage stress. A therapist might help an adult suffering from ADHD how to manage their time with apps for smartphones or a planner. Another method of coping is stress-reduction methods, such as exercises, regular meditation and deep breathing exercises.
It's also important to keep in mind that people who suffer from ADHD aren't automatically susceptible to anxiety. Anxiety can be a problem for anyone, even without ADHD. Individuals who suffer from anxiety should have their symptoms evaluated to determine the cause of their co-occurring ADHD, such as genetics, environmental toxins or premature birth. They must also keep their doctor informed of any other symptoms that develop, as it's possible that they are related to another disorder.