Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms in Adults
People with ADHD may have strengths, but they often have trouble focusing and difficulty keeping deadlines. They might forget to complete their everyday tasks like homework or chores, or not attend appointments. They may also misplace items, including wallets, keys and glasses.
To be diagnosed with ADD the doctors look at the patient's history and symptoms over time. They also ask for feedback from family members and friends.
Attentive symptoms
It's normal to experience difficulties staying focused on a certain task. But if you're an adult and struggle with symptoms of attention disorder that can affect your personal or professional life. You might be often late for appointments, misplace things, or have trouble keeping your commitments. You may even struggle to keep the track of your finances or returning phone calls. It's normal to struggle with paying attention, but if your ADHD symptoms affect your daily activities or your standard of living, it is worth exploring your treatment options.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include difficulties staying on task, not being able to pay attention to the minute details and losing important things to you, and forgetfulness. It can be difficult to read long documents or keep track of time during lectures and meetings at work. It can be difficult to finish assignments at home or in school and make a few mistakes that can have serious consequences. symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder can also be easily distracted by interruptions or noise and your mind race ahead, even before you've completed listening.
While hyperactivity-impulsive ADHD tends to decrease as children grow into teens, inattentive symptoms often persist into adulthood. There are many risk factors that contribute to inattention ADHD which include birth complications, genetics, low birth weight exposure to toxins in pregnancy and pre-school, low educational achievement and poverty.
If you're struggling with inattentive ADHD symptoms, it's beneficial to keep a record of your struggles and devise strategies to address them. You can also ask your family and friends to support you and find an ADHD expert who can teach specific techniques to increase your ability to manage your symptoms. Tips to manage inattention ADHD include:
Hyperactive Symptoms
For many people suffering from ADHD hyperactivity and impulsiveness are as much a part of their symptoms as inattention. However, unlike children with ADHD, those with the disorder frequently struggle to manage these behaviors in adulthood. Whether it's skipping questions on a quiz or ignoring the need to proofread a document at work, people with ADHD are still faced with difficulties in their lives.
If your ADHD symptoms include a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive features, you may be diagnosed with Combined Type ADHD. This type of disorder is more prevalent for adults. Only a small percentage of adults suffering from ADHD exhibit hyperactivity symptoms. Inattentional ADHD is the most common type of ADHD among adults.
Teens and children who have predominately inattentive ADHD (formerly called ADD) are more likely to get a diagnosis than those suffering from predominantly hyperactive or impulsive ADHD. This is due to the fact that symptoms of inattention tend to diminish as people age, however, symptoms such as fidgeting or impulsivity may persist into adulthood.
The signs of inattention ADHD are more evident and difficult to detect in children than symptoms of hyperactive or impulsive ADHD. As you progress into your teen years and adulthood, these symptoms will become more evident as you manage schoolwork, work and relationships.
In addition to conducting a physical exam and examining your medical history the doctor will also do an interview with you to assess how your symptoms impact your life and relationships. It is important to be as truthful as you can. You can help your doctor by explaining the ways that your ADHD symptoms impact your life.
Your doctor may also conduct lab tests and possibly recommend an imaging study of your brain like an MRI or CT scan. These tests will help to rule out other medical and psychiatric conditions which could be responsible for ADHD symptoms.
If you suffer from inattention ADHD the doctor may suggest you make some lifestyle changes. This could include working in a place that's quiet or private and wearing noise-canceling headphones to block out distracting sounds. You could also consider scheduling tasks for the first half of the day and keeping a to-do list. Save big thoughts or ideas that come up during lectures and conversations to later, when you have more time to reflect and analyze them.
Instinctive Symptoms
Everyone is prone to having trouble paying attention at times. If it is frequent and interferes in your ability to function normally, you may be suffering from inattention ADHD. People with this type of ADHD frequently lose things, forget things and have trouble following instructions or complete tasks. They are often bored and tend to "zone out" or daydream during conversations.
Inattentional ADHD can be difficult for doctors to identify because they are not as obvious as hyperactivity and impulsivity. If you are always late, have difficulty making good on your commitments or you find yourself put off work or chores to have fun and relaxing, then you need to talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis.
If you suffer from impulse issues, it means that you act without thinking first or are unable to control yourself. Interrupting others, blurting your answers out before you finish speaking or having trouble waiting for your turn are all indications of impulsive ADHD. These issues can be exacerbated by stress or alcohol consumption.
Many adults with undiagnosed impulsive ADHD live happy and fulfilling lives. They might be able to manage their lack of organization and forgetfulness by pursuing a career they love or by using methods like planning ahead, keeping a planner and bringing fidget toys to meetings.
For people with impulsive ADHD medication can help improve their self-control. Other methods include practicing mindfulness eating a balanced diet, avoiding sugary snacks and regularly exercising. It is also essential to sleep regularly since a lack of sleep can cause more symptoms.
Although scientists aren't certain what causes ADHD, they do recognize that genes play a significant part. They also think that exposure to environmental factors could increase the risk of developing it.
If you think you might have impulsive ADHD you should consider visiting an therapist to find out how to manage your symptoms. BetterHelp matches you with accredited, licensed therapists who can offer advice and support on a range of issues such as anxiety, depression and relationships, among others. You can find a professional therapist within 48 hours after you've completed a free assessment. You will be able to find the ideal match in a matter of minutes, whether you are looking for a therapist to assist you with a short-term problem or to provide ongoing assistance.
Combination of Symptoms
If a person has both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, they are considered to have combined ADHD. This is the most common type of ADHD. People with this type struggle to focus but also have difficulty staying focused and following directions. They are easily distracted and often leave projects not completed. They can be distracted or talk a lot during work meetings and have trouble staying still in class. They may also have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations. People who exhibit impulsive symptoms spit out answers to questions prior to having the opportunity to ask the whole question. They also are eager to begin playing games or engaging in activities without waiting to be told that it's their turn.
People who have a mostly inattentional ADHD are often misunderstood and they don't receive the help they require. They might be written off as lazy or indifferent by school teachers or family members. They might be annoyed that they're not able to complete their work or complete their homework and don't realize they're dealing with a serious issue. More women than men are at risk.
Those with mainly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are more easily recognized by others, but their problems can be harder to treat. They are more likely to suffer from mood and anxiety disorders and experience more issues with relationships and low self-esteem in comparison to those with predominantly inattentive ADHD.
A health care professional or mental health professional needs to do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the symptoms, formulate a diagnosis and identify effective solutions. This includes looking at the person's mood, medical history, and any other mental health or physical conditions they have. They might also interview family, friends and coworkers about the person's behavior at home or at work.
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are treated with medication, therapy or lifestyle adjustments. Behavioral therapy can help them develop the skills to manage their symptoms and improve the quality of their lives. It could include cognitive therapies, which help people change their negative thoughts and also psychotherapy or talk therapy. Online therapy services like BetterHelp connect clients with licensed therapists that can assist those suffering from anxiety, depression and relationships as well as other issues. They can assist you in finding the right therapist for you, and connect you with them in just 48 hours.