What Is ADHD In Adults?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is most commonly associated with children or adolescents. With ADHD, there is a common misconception that once a child grows up, their symptoms will just automatically go away. To add to that misconception is the idea that only these age groups are impacted by ADHD.
In actuality, adults can also deal with ADHD. ADHD symptoms can carry on to adulthood from childhood. The way these symptoms manifest changes over time. Even more surprising is that some adults can have ADHD but never received a diagnosis for it.
If you aren't sure if you or a loved one is dealing with ADHD, let's talk about how ADHD presents itself in adults.
What Is ADHD In Adults?
For adults who have ADHD, either diagnosed or undiagnosed, it can make life challenging to deal with. It's common for adults who are undiagnosed to dismiss their symptoms or think "This is just who I am." The following is a list of the main ways that ADHD manifests in adults. Keep in mind, that not every adult will have all of the symptoms of ADHD but could be a combination of any of them.
Focus Issues
This is a classic symptom of ADHD. Ask yourself these questions:
Do I have trouble paying attention?
Am I easily distracted?
Often skip over details
Jump around from one task to the next without completing them?
Lack Of Motivation
Many adults with ADHD have problems with their motivation levels. It doesn't matter how much they want to do something or know that it needs to get done - the motivation is just not there.
Procrastination as well as poor time management are classic traits of someone who is coping with ADHD.
Impulsiveness
Adults with ADHD often struggle with decision-making skills. Impulsivity can include:
Changing your mind often
Making rash decisions without much thought into the consequences
Rushing through projects at work or household responsibilities just to get them done
Interrupting people in the middle of their sentences during a conversation
Physical Symptoms of ADHD
While ADHD is a condition that impacts mental health, it also manifests with physical symptoms. Physical symptoms may look like this:
Fatigue
Not eating enough because you can't decide or forget to
Feeling restless or on edge
Self-medicating or over-indulging in alcohol to calm symptoms
Fidgeting or not being able to stay in one position for a very long time
How To Treat ADHD
Dealing with ADHD as an adult can be very challenging. It impacts your work, home, and social life. If any of this resonates with you, you may wonder what to do next. Especially if you are undiagnosed. However, just because you are an adult does not mean that it is too late to get treatment for ADHD.
The first step to receiving an ADHD diagnosis is to talk to your primary care physician. Together, you can go over your symptoms and make an informed decision about the possibility of them being signs of ADHD.
If it is determined you are dealing with ADHD, there are a few different options you may be presented with. Most often, your primary physician will suggest starting therapy so you can learn mental health skills and techniques to help manage it better.
In some cases, if you are comfortable with it, they may also suggest starting you on medication to help calm your symptoms down. There is nothing wrong with needing medication for a mental health condition. After all, many mental health disorders are caused in part by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
If you received an ADHD diagnosis or aren't sure you have it, there is hope that you can manage your symptoms. Reach out to us to learn more about ADHD Treatment and the options that you have.
