Undiagnosed ADHD Symptoms Can Be Treatable With the Right Treatment
People with ADHD tend to struggle with the symptoms throughout their adulthood, and some never get an official diagnosis. Getting the right treatment, however can help them manage impulsive behaviors, stay organized and increase their performance at work and in their relationships.
Treatment can include medication, such as stimulants, as well as counseling.
Inattentiveness
If you are afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms, you may find it difficult to maintain your focus and concentration. You may lose track of your tasks, lose things such as your phone or wallet and fail to finish your school or work assignments. You may find it difficult to pay attention to conversations, which can result in miscommunications or missed opportunities.
Inattention and untreated ADHD can lead to stress, interfere with your social, work and emotional lives, and even lead to depression. People who see you struggling to pay attention may start to think you are lazy or irresponsible. These negative self-images are especially damaging if you have children with ADHD and your behavior can affect them negatively.
Inattentive ADHD can be treated with medication or a combination of therapy and medication. Psychostimulants are often prescribed for inattentive ADHD. They enhance the signals sent by the nervous system which makes you more alert. Examples of these include methylphenidate and amphetamine. Non-stimulants that slow down the way your brain uses certain chemicals and help you concentrate, are sometimes prescribed. The most common ones are bupropion and venlafaxine.
The most effective treatment strategies for inattentive ADHD typically require regular sessions with a therapist to reduce negative behavior patterns and build positive behaviors. For example a therapist can show you how to set realistic expectations for yourself and others, so that you can be more successful in meeting deadlines and managing stress. They can teach you the art of organization and coping that can improve your productivity in the workplace and relationships.
Adults must exhibit at least six symptoms, which have been present for six months or more and have a negative impact on their daily functioning. A health care professional or mental health professional will carry out an extensive exam to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression, mood disorders anxiety, physical illness and other mental disorders.
Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD typically are agitated and active. They are unable to stay in a single place or seated and may become easily distracted by a sound or movement. They are impulsive and act without thinking. They are unable to wait for their turn in group activities. They are often forgetful and frequently make naive mistakes. They can also underestimate how long it takes to complete a task, or complete work, and often fail to meet deadlines. They might fumble or bite their nails during meetings or at work. Adults who are hyperactive have trouble sleeping and this could make relationships stressful. They may 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. They are more difficult to spot in adults who are used to hiding their symptoms or rely on aids to perform in various situations. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms and may feel self-conscious seeking out a diagnosis.
Health care providers can diagnose ADHD in adults by asking questions about the individual's behavior and history, interviewing the family members, the individual and close friends using standard behavioral rating scales and completing psychometric assessments or checklists. They can also inquire about a person's habits and diet and look for other possible reasons for the person's difficulty functioning, such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment for ADHD may include psychotherapy, medication or other therapies for behavior as well as lifestyle changes, such a regular exercise routine. Find out more about medications for ADHD, including approved brands, adverse effects, warnings and patient information on the Food and Drug Administration website. Psychotherapy can assist adults in becoming more aware of their difficulties with concentration and attention and teach them ways to plan and prioritize tasks, increase communication skills and increase confidence, and manage impulse-driven behaviors.
Impulsivity
People who suffer from impulsive control issues have difficulty resisting strong impulses. They may flutter or squirm in their seats, talk too much, disrupt others, or shout out inappropriate actions or comments without thinking about the consequences. They could be in trouble at work or school, drive recklessly, or make poor financial choices. People who suffer from impulsive control issues may also struggle to calm down and relax, leading to chronic stress.
They might not bring their wallet, keys, or paperwork to important appointments, miss time, arrive late for the appointment, or leave their belongings in their car. They might have difficulty following complex instructions or rules at work and frequently get in trouble with their supervisors, colleagues or their friends. They may struggle with managing their finances, creating budgets, or paying bills on time. They might not go to appointments with a dentist or doctor and may disregard medical instructions or forget to take medication.
The problems caused by impulsive and inattention symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt, frustration and hopelessness. They may feel that they're a failure or being a disappointment to their family and may develop depression, anxiety 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, major depressive, and addiction disorders.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is to have a full assessment done by a mental health professional. signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults is best done by a psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder. Your GP or psychologist can recommend one to you or you can self-refer. They will ask you questions about your health issues, lifestyle and family/whanau background to provide a full picture. They will also look for other mental illnesses that can cause similar problems like depression, anxiety and mood disorders, and physical health issues like anxiety, sleep disorders and stress.
Disorganization
It can be a hassle to be forgetful and disorganized. This is especially the case in the event that you have difficulty to keep on track at work, or to keep your home in order. If you find it difficult to remember social commitments or complete chores, as well as pay bills, you might have undiagnosed ADHD.
Symptoms of ADD/ADHD can start in childhood and continue into adulthood. This can cause problems at school, work and in relationships. They can also lead to trouble with your physical health, including chronic fatigue and an increased chance of suffering from injuries. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher chance of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders.
Disorganization is a typical ADHD symptoms. It can be seen as an unorganized desk or difficulties following instructions. It is also possible that you have difficulty maintaining relationships as you struggle to make appointments and remain close to family and friends.
You can improve your organizational skills by using a daily planner and setting up an agenda. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help you master strategies to manage ADHD.
Medicines are usually included in an ADHD treatment program, and stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall can help boost the brain chemicals that play a crucial role in thinking and paying attention, per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Non-stimulant medications may take longer to begin working but still can help improve your ability to focus and decrease your impulsivity. Consult your physician regarding the best options for you. Other treatments, such as coaching for organizational management and training can also help you manage ADHD symptoms.
Problem-Solving Skills
People with ADHD have an unique way of thinking which can be a huge asset when solving problems. They may be able to see patterns that others do not, which could aid in finding innovative solutions. They might also be prone to jumping to conclusions and acting on impulsiveness. This makes them adaptable and able to come up with new solutions to problems.
People who were diagnosed as kids with ADHD may have symptoms into adulthood. This can cause difficulties at work, in school as well as in relationships. The symptoms can get worse if the person is stressed, has a cold, or goes through other health issues.
Many times, adults with ADHD aren't aware that they have the disorder and are confused when their goals seem to drift away. It can be difficult to explain their symptoms to colleagues and teachers. NIMH recommends that you speak to your primary healthcare provider to find out how ADHD affects your life, and then be referred to a specialist when needed.
Researchers have found that adults with ADHD have a decline in social problem-solving skills, possibly due to their lack of attention in conversations and impulsive behavior. These issues can cause confusion and conflict between friends and family. In one study, people with ADHD were compared to healthy controls on a battery of tests designed to measure the theory of mind and ability to generate optimal solutions to conflicts between people. Patients with ADHD had less optimal solutions, however they scored higher on the test that measured the fluency of these solutions.
Organization and planning issues can lead to missed appointments, misplaced items and deadlines that are forgotten. Procrastination can be a challenge for people with ADHD who are unable to complete tasks that require attention. This can impact relationships as well as careers and self-esteem. Utilizing a calendar or reminders to keep track of your events, and giving yourself more time than you think you will need to complete something can help reduce impulsiveness and increase your ability to organize.