Undiagnosed ADHD Symptoms Can Be Treatable With the Right Treatment
Some people with ADHD suffer from symptoms into adulthood. Others do not get a 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 focus and pay attention when you suffer from ADHD. You may often lose track of what you are doing, misplace things like your phone or wallet and fail to complete tasks at work or in school. You may have difficulty paying attention to conversations, which could lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities.
If not treated, your inattention ADHD symptoms can cause stress and affect your home, work, social life and emotional well-being. People who see you struggling to focus may be tempted to judge you as inconsiderate or uncaring. These negative self-images are especially harmful if you have kids with ADHD and your behavior impacts the children negatively.
Attention deficit ADHD symptoms can be cured by medication or a combination of therapy and medication. The most frequently used medications for inattentive ADHD include psychostimulants, which streamline signals sent from the nervous system and make you more alert. Examples of these include methylphenidate and amphetamine. Non-stimulants, which slow down the process of your brain using certain chemicals and aid in focus, are also sometimes prescribed. Venlafaxine and Bupropion are two of the most commonly prescribed.
The most effective treatment strategies for inattentive ADHD typically involve regular sessions with a therapist to decrease negative behavior patterns and build positive behaviors. For example, a therapist can teach you how to establish realistic expectations for yourself and others so you are more successful in meeting deadlines and managing stress. They can also help you develop organizational and coping skills that will improve your productivity at work as well as in relationships.
To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD, adults must have at least six signs that have been present for at least six months and interfere in their daily activities. A mental health expert or health care professional will conduct an evaluation to rule out conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include depression, mood disorders and anxiety as well as physical illnesses.
Hyperactivity
People with ADHD often are restless and active. They may have trouble staying still or in one place and may be easily distracted by sounds or movements. They are impulsive and act before thinking, and they have trouble waiting for their turn in group activities. They may be forgetful and make careless errors. They may underestimate the amount of time required to complete an assignment at work or overestimate their ability to do so. They are often late to deadlines. They might fumble or bite their nails in meetings or at work. Adults with hyperactivity have difficulty sleeping and could make relationships stressful. They could also be more susceptible to addictions like nicotine or other drugs.
ADHD symptoms are usually evident in the early years of childhood, but can be undiagnosed until later in life. Adults who hide their symptoms or use tools to aid them in various settings are more difficult to identify. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms and may feel self-conscious trying to find a diagnosis.
Through asking questions about a person's background and behavior, interviewing them, their family and friends, using behavioral rating scales, and taking psychometric tests or checklists, health care providers can identify ADHD in adults. They may also look into a person's diet and lifestyle and search for other reasons for why they are having difficulty functioning.
Treatment for ADHD may include psychotherapy, medication or other behavioral therapies along with lifestyle changes, for example, a regular exercise. Learn more about medications for ADHD including approved brands, side effects warnings, and patient information on the Food and Drug Administration website. Psychotherapy can help adults be more aware of attention and concentration issues they confront, and teach them how to prioritize tasks enhance communication and build confidence, and control the impulsive behavior.
Impulsivity
People who suffer from impulsive control issues have difficulty resisting strong impulses. They might flitter around in their seats, squirm inexplicably and interrupt other people or make inappropriate comments or actions, without considering the consequences. They may get in trouble at work or at school or be reckless when driving, or make unwise financial decisions. People who have impulsive control issues may also struggle to calm down and relax, leading to chronic stress.
They may not bring their wallets or keys to an appointment, or lose track of time, run late for appointments, or leave items behind in their car or at home. They may have trouble following complicated rules or instructions and get into trouble with their colleagues, supervisors or friends. They might be struggling with managing their finances, creating budgets or paying bills on time. They may skip appointments with a dentist or doctor or disregard medical advice, or forget to take their medications.
The problems caused by impulsive and inattention symptoms lead to low self-esteem, anger and despair. They may feel that they're not good enough or an embarrassment to their families and may develop anxiety, depression or other mood disorders. ADHD is also extremely correlated with mood disorders, other psychiatric illnesses, and other conditions, including bipolar, major depressive borderline personality, major depressive, and addiction disorders.
The first step in identifying ADHD is to get a full assessment done by a mental health professional. This is best performed by a psychiatrist that specializes in the disorder. You can either be directed to one by your doctor or a psychologist, or self-refer. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle, symptoms and family/whanau history to get a full picture. They will also test your mental health issues that could cause similar challenges like depression, anxiety, mood issues, as well as physical health problems like anxiety, sleep disorders and stress.
Disorganization
It's a hassle to be unable to remember and unorganized particularly if you're having difficulty staying on task at work or maintaining your home life in order. If ADHD and adults symptoms struggling with daily tasks like remembering social commitments and chores, or paying bills it could be a sign that you have undiagnosed adult ADHD.
The symptoms of ADD/ADHD may begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. This can cause issues at work, school and with relationships. They can also cause problems with your physical health, like chronic fatigue and an increased risk of injuries. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher chance of mental health problems like anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders.
Disorganization is a typical ADHD symptom. It looks like messy desks, difficulties adhering to instructions or keeping the schedule. It is also possible that you have difficulty maintaining relationships when you struggle to make appointments and remain close to friends and family.
You can improve your organization skills by getting a daily planner by setting up your routine and prioritizing tasks. You can also benefit from talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can teach you strategies to manage your ADHD.
The use of medications is often a part of an ADHD treatment plan, and stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall can boost brain chemicals that play a key role in thinking and paying attention, per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Non-stimulant medicines can take longer to start working, but they will improve your ability to focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity. Consult your doctor about what options are right for you. Other treatments, such as organizational coaching and skills training can also help manage ADHD symptoms.
Problem-Solving Skills
People with ADHD have a unique thinking style that can be an excellent asset when solving problems. They might be able to discern patterns that others may not, which could help find creative solutions. They could also be inclined to jump to conclusions and acting on impulsiveness. This makes them flexible and able to find innovative solutions to problems.
People who were diagnosed with ADHD as children could suffer from the disorder into adulthood, creating problems at work, school and in relationships. Symptoms may also worsen when they are under stress or have a cold, or go through other health issues or life changes.
Adults with ADHD often don't know they have it and are confused when their goals seem impossible. It can be difficult for them to explain their issues to colleagues and teachers. NIMH suggests that you talk to your primary health care doctor to understand how ADHD affects your life, and then be referred to a specialist when needed.
Researchers have found that people with ADHD have trouble focusing on social problem-solving skills, possibly due to their lack of attention in conversations and their impulsive behavior. These issues can cause conflict and miscommunication with family members and friends. In one study, patients with ADHD were compared to healthy controls on a set of tests designed to measure theory of mind and the capacity to create optimal interpersonal conflict solutions. Patients with ADHD generated fewer optimal solutions but did better on tests that assessed the generation fluency of these solutions.
Planning and organisation problems can lead to delayed appointments, misplaced items and missed deadlines. Procrastination is a major issue for people with ADHD who avoid tasks that require attention. This can impact relationships, careers, and self-esteem. Using a calendar or reminders to keep track of important events, and giving yourself more time than you think it will take to complete something can help curb impulsiveness and increase your ability to organize.