20 Myths About ADHD Adult Symptoms: Busted

Undiagnosed ADHD Symptoms Can Be Treatable With the Right Treatment

People with ADHD often continue to struggle with symptoms into adulthood, and some do not get an official diagnosis. Finding the right treatment however can help them manage the impulsive behaviors, stay in control and boost their performance on the job and in their relationships.

Treatment can include medication, like stimulants, as well as counseling.

Inattentiveness

It can be difficult to concentrate and pay attention when you suffer from inattention ADHD. You may often lose track of what you are doing, or lose items such as your wallet or phone and fail to complete tasks at school or at work. You might also have difficulty paying attention to conversations, which can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.

If left untreated, your inattention ADHD symptoms can cause stress and disrupt your work, home, social life and well-being. People who observe you struggling to focus may start to think you are unmotivated or reckless. These negative self-images are especially damaging if your behavior negatively affects children who have ADHD.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be relieved through medication or a combination of behavioral therapy and medications. The most commonly used medications to treat inattentive ADHD include psychostimulants that streamline signals sent from the nervous system and make you more alert. Examples of these include amphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, which can slow down the way your brain uses certain chemicals and aid in focus, are also sometimes prescribed. The most common ones are bupropion and venlafaxine.

The most effective treatment strategies for people with ADHD generally involve regular sessions with a therapist in order to reduce negative patterns of behavior and build positive behaviors. A therapist can help you learn to manage stress and set realistic expectations. They can help you develop organizational skills and coping techniques to increase your productivity in the workplace and relationships.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults must have at least six symptoms that have been present for at minimum six months and are affecting with their daily functioning. A health care professional or mental health professional will perform a thorough examination to rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders, depression anxiety, physical illness and other mental disorders.

Hyperactivity

People suffering from ADHD tend to be irritable and energized. They may have a difficult time sitting still or staying in one place, and they can be easily distracted by sounds or movements. They are impulsive, react before they think and have difficulty focusing in group activities. They are often forgetful and frequently make naive mistakes. They might also overestimate the time required to do a task or complete work. They often miss deadlines.  see page  may fidget or bite their nails during meetings or at work. Adults who are hyperactive often have trouble sleeping well and can cause stress in relationships. They could be susceptible to addictions such as smoking cigarettes or taking drugs.

Symptoms of ADHD typically show up when children are young, but they can go undiagnosed into adulthood. Adults who conceal their symptoms or use tools to assist them in various situations are more difficult to identify. Women are better at hiding their symptoms and may feel self-conscious about seeking a diagnosis.

Through asking questions about a person's background and behavior, observing them, their family members and friends, using behavioral rating scales, and performing psychometric tests or checklists, healthcare professionals can identify ADHD among adults. They are also able to examine a person's diet and lifestyle and seek out other causes for why they're having trouble functioning.

Treatment for ADHD includes psychotherapy, medication or other behavioral therapies and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise. On the Food and Drug Administration's website, you can learn more about the various medications that treat ADHD, including approved brands and their side effects. There is also patient information and safety tips. Psychotherapy can help adults to be more aware of the attention and concentration issues they confront, and teach them how to prioritize their tasks, improve communication and gain confidence, and control impulsive behavior.

Impulsivity

People who suffer from impulsive control issues have difficulty resisting strong impulses. They may flit around in their seats, squirm inexplicably, interrupt other people, or engage in inappropriate remarks or actions without thinking about the consequences. They may get in trouble at school or at work and drive recklessly or make poor financial decisions. People with impulsive control problems may also struggle to settle down and relax, which can lead to chronic stress.

They might forget to bring a wallet or keys to an appointment, get lost of time, be late for appointments, or leave items left in their car or at home. They might have difficulty following complex instructions or rules at work, and often get in trouble with their bosses, coworkers or their friends. They might be struggling with managing their finances, making budgets or paying their bills on time. They might skip appointments with their dentist or doctor or disregard medical advice, or neglect to take their medication.

Self-esteem issues and frustration are the result of impulsive inattention and impulsive symptoms. They may feel that they're not good enough or a disappointment to their families, and can develop anxiety, depression or other mood disorders. ADHD is also a frequent comorbidity with mood disorders, other mental illness, and conditions, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality, and substance abuse disorder.

The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to have an exhaustive assessment conducted by an expert in mental health. It is best to have an experienced psychiatrist who is trained in ADHD perform this. You could be referred to one by your doctor or a psychologist, or self-refer. They will ask you questions about your health issues, lifestyle and family/whanau history to get a full picture. They will also test for other mental illnesses that could cause similar issues, such as depression, anxiety and mood disorders and physical health issues like sleep disorders, anxiety and stress.

Disorganization

It can be a snare to be unorganized and forgetful. This is particularly the case when you struggle to stay focused at work, or to keep your home in order. If you're struggling with daily tasks like remembering social commitments and chores, or paying your bills it could be an indication that you are suffering from undiagnosed adult ADHD.

The symptoms of ADD/ADHD typically begin during childhood and persist into adulthood, causing issues with work, school and relationships. They can also lead to issues with your physical health, such as chronic fatigue and an increased risk of injuries. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety and substance use disorders.

Disorganization is among the most frequently reported ADHD symptoms. It looks like messy desks, difficulties following directions or keeping a schedule. It can also cause issues in your relationships, as you might struggle to keep appointments or remain close to family and friends.

You can improve your organization abilities by using a daily planner and creating your schedule. Talk therapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy can help you develop strategies to manage ADHD.

Medications are often part of an ADHD treatment strategy, and stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall can help boost the brain chemicals that play an important role in thinking and paying attention according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Non-stimulant medication may take longer to effect, but can still help you improve your ability of concentration and reduce your impulsivity. Consult your physician about the best options for you. There are a range of other treatment options, including organizational coaching and skill training which can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms.

Skills for Problem-Solving

People who suffer from ADHD have a unique thinking style which can be a huge advantage when it comes to solving problems. They may be able to discern patterns that others may not, which could assist in finding creative solutions. They might also be inclined to think quickly and act on impulse, which can make them highly flexible in finding solutions to problems and innovating ways to tackle problems.

People who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may suffer from the disorder into adulthood, causing issues at school, at work and in relationships. The symptoms may worsen when they are under stress, have a cold or suffer from other health issues or changes in life.

Adults with ADHD often don't realize they have it and are confused when their goals seem difficult to achieve. It may be difficult for them to explain their issues to colleagues and teachers. NIMH suggests that you talk with your primary healthcare doctor to understand how ADHD affects your life and to refer you to a specialist if required.

Researchers have discovered that ADHD adults have a decline in social problem-solving skills. This could be due to their lack of attention to conversations and their impulsive behavior. These issues can cause misunderstandings and conflicts with family and friends. In a study, patients with ADHD were compared with healthy controls on a set of tests designed to measure the theory of mind and ability to come up with optimal solutions to interpersonal conflicts. Patients with ADHD generated less effective solutions, but they performed better on a test that measured the generation fluency of these solutions.

Organisation and planning issues can result in missed appointments, misplaced items and deadlines that are forgotten. Procrastination is a major issue for those with ADHD who are unable to complete tasks that require attention. This can impact relationships as well as careers and self-esteem. Making use of a calendar or a reminder to keep track of your events and allowing yourself more time than you think you will need to do something can reduce impulsivity and improve your organizational skills.