ADHD Symptoms in Adults
If symptoms persist, take a look at medical or mental health treatment. Some physical health conditions and stress can trigger symptoms that look like ADHD.
Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes and counseling. Your doctor can help find the right combination of medications to ease your symptoms. Some medications treat more symptoms of ADHD than others.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD have difficulty concentrating. They often fail to attend appointments, forget dates and deadlines and make a lot of mistakes. Their inability to prioritize tasks leads to chaos at home and at work. Other signs include the inability to remain still or focused and poor listening skills and zoning-out while being spoken to.
Inattentional ADHD is a common childhood disorder that lasts into adulthood. The disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed in adults because the symptoms are more evident than those of children and teenagers. However adults who experience a return of these symptoms may benefit from getting assistance. It is especially important to seek assistance if the symptoms affect their relationships or professional performance.
Inattentive ADHD can lead to difficulty in focusing on the world around them. Continuous distractions can make it difficult to complete tasks like writing a report, or reading an article, or watching television. People with inattentive ADHD also have trouble completing simple tasks, like making beds or washing dishes. They might be unable to keep track of certain items like keys or wallets.
It is important to consult an expert in healthcare if you notice that symptoms are affecting your daily life. Inattention ADHD symptoms, especially if accompanied by other behavioural problems are often omitted but they can be serious and hinder the ability to meet goals at work and at home.
adhd treatment for older adults with inattentive ADHD may enhance their lives by combining a variety strategies that include long-term treatment. These strategies can help to reduce the impact that ADHD has on their professional and family life. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help some adults modify their "thought distortions" that cause the inattentive ADHD symptoms. They may also benefit from making lifestyle changes to help manage their condition. For example cutting down on caffeine consumption or eliminating sugary foods that stimulate the brain. They should also participate in clinical trials. These are research studies that examine new methods of diagnosing or treat diseases.
Hyperactivity
Adults with ADHD struggle with concentration or staying organized. They are prone to forget important dates, like work deadlines and social commitments, or even appointments. They also have trouble prioritizing their tasks. They may have difficulty controlling their behavior, and frequently blurt thoughts that are rude or inappropriate. They also may have problems with impulse control, which may cause them to act without thinking or make decisions based on immediate rewards.
In addition to medications, treatment for hyperactivity in adults could include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy with the help of a psychotherapist. CBT focuses primarily on changing negative thoughts patterns. It also includes teaching techniques for relaxation and coping. Talk therapy can help people with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get to sleep at the night. They are usually unable to fall asleep, or they wake up often. They get poor quality sleep and feel tired throughout the day. To help reduce these problems, try to establish a regular sleep schedule. Eating a balanced diet will help adults manage ADHD symptoms. Make sure to eat meals and snacks at the same time every day and make sure you don't skip meals or wait too long between them. Consume foods rich in protein and fiber to help maintain your energy levels.
If your doctor suspects that you suffer from ADHD the doctor will assess your symptoms and your past. Your doctor might inquire about your difficulties at school or at work and might use a symptom rating scale to determine the severity of your symptoms. He or she might also refer you to a mental health specialist.
Your doctor may prescribe stimulants to treat your hyperactivity. These drugs are usually taken once or twice each day and come in liquid, tablet, or capsule form. These drugs can have a quick effect and last up to four hours. Some people feel less energetic after taking these drugs, while others experience the opposite.
In some cases doctors may recommend that you take part in a clinical study. These trials are designed to uncover new ways to detect or treat certain illnesses and conditions.
Impulsivity
Certain people with ADHD are unable to control their impulses. They might respond prior to the question being asked, make purchases without considering it or get right into an activity. They might also have trouble refusing to do something or keeping up on a promise. It's not the same as being rude or having a lack of self-discipline, but it can affect relationships at work and in social settings.
The most effective treatment for impulse control is medication. stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methlin, Ritalin) help improve concentration and focus. They are available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken three to four times per day) or extended-release tablets that may be taken every day in the morning and last up to 16 hours. Many adults with ADHD take a tablet that has immediate release in the late afternoon as an alternative to their long-acting stimulants. This can help reduce the time between medication absorption.
Psychotherapy can be helpful in treating issues with impulse control. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It could also help you understand how to plan and use your time more efficiently and break larger tasks into smaller ones and overcome self-esteem issues. Other options include marital or family therapy as well as stress reduction techniques, relaxation techniques, as well as life coaching.
Finding a doctor who is experienced in treating ADHD is essential. The doctor will examine your symptoms and create the treatment plan that is suitable for you. You could be offered the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial, which is an investigational study that tests new ways to prevent, diagnose or treat ailments and diseases. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of participating in a trial.
Adults suffering from ADHD don't completely overcome the condition, and a majority will require medication for their entire lives. However, many are able to reduce the effects of their symptoms on their daily and family lives through long-term treatment.
Anxiety
Anxiety that can be overwhelming, is a common human reaction to stressful situations. When it becomes persistent and uncontrollable, it could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This treatment usually consists of therapy and medication.
Comorbid anxiety can trigger serious health problems in adults suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from impulsive ADHD, for example might have trouble keeping up with their medical schedules and may forget to attend important appointments or take their medication. This can lead to missed diagnosis and untreated illnesses, which is why it's crucial for people with comorbid ADHD to be examined by a physician regularly.
A doctor will examine the symptoms of a person to determine if they suffer from comorbid ADHD or anxiety. This will help them determine the condition that is affecting their life quality the most and what treatment is required. A doctor might recommend atomoxetine, sold under the brand name Strattera, as an example of a nonstimulant. It acts on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine that are involved in the process of focusing. It has also been proven to decrease symptoms of anxiety disorders. Many people report that taking this medication helps to ease both ADHD symptoms as well as anxiety symptoms.
Similarly, psychotherapy can help with both conditions by providing patients with healthy coping mechanisms and providing the patients with strategies for dealing with stress. A therapist could help an adult suffering from ADHD how to manage their time with apps for smartphones or a planner. Another method of coping is methods to reduce stress, like exercises, regular meditation and deep breathing exercises.
It is important to remember, too, that people who suffer from ADHD do not necessarily suffer from anxiety. Anxiety can be experienced by anyone, even those who don't have ADHD. People who have anxiety should be tested to determine if there is a cause for their co-occurring ADHD like genetics, environmental toxins or premature birth. They should inform their physicians of any new signs, since they could be related to a disorder.