Undiagnosed ADHD Symptoms Can Be Treatable With the Right Treatment
People with ADHD tend to struggle with symptoms into adulthood, and some don't receive an official diagnosis. The appropriate treatment can help them control impulsive behavior, stay organized and perform better at work and in their relationships.
Treatment can include medication, such as stimulants, and counseling.
Inattentiveness
If you are afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms, you will find it difficult to maintain your focus and concentration. You might lose track of your tasks, lose items like your wallet or phone and fail to complete your school or work assignments. You may have difficulty paying attention to conversations, which could result in miscommunications or missed opportunities.
Untreated, inattentive ADHD can create stress, interfere with your social, work and emotional life and can even cause depression. Over time, people who observe your inattention issues might begin to think of you as irresponsible, lazy or stupid. These negative self-images are especially harmful if your behavior impacts children with ADHD.
Inattentive ADHD can be treated by medication or a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Psychostimulants are commonly prescribed for inattentive ADHD. They work by enhancing the signals sent by the nervous system and make you more alert. Amphetamines and methylphenidate are examples of these. Sometimes prescriptions for non-stimulants are made, that help you focus by slowing down the speed at which certain chemicals in your brain are utilized. The most common ones are bupropion and venlafaxine.
The most effective treatment for people with ADHD usually involves regular sessions with a psychotherapist to reduce negative behaviors and create positive ones. For example therapy can teach you how to create 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 your work and relationships.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must show at least six symptoms that have been present for at least six months and interfere with their daily functioning. A mental health expert or health care professional will conduct an assessment to rule out conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include depression, mood disorders, and anxiety and physical ailments.
Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are usually agitated and energetic. They have difficulty staying in one spot or sitting still, and can be easily distracted by motion or noise. They are impulsive and can act without thinking, and they struggle to wait for their turn in group activities. They can be forgetful and frequently make naive mistakes. They might also overestimate the time required to complete a task, or complete tasks at work, and often miss deadlines. ADHD symptoms in adults males may fidget, bite their nails or squirm at work or in meetings. Adults who are hyperactive may have difficulty sleeping, which can cause stress in relationships. They could also be more susceptible to addictions, such as nicotine or drugs.
ADHD symptoms are usually evident in the early years, but they can go undiagnosed until later in life. Adults who hide their symptoms or employ tools to help them function in various settings are more difficult to identify. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms and may be self-conscious about seeking out a diagnosis.
By asking questions about a person's history and behavior, as well as interviewing them, their family and friends using scales for assessing behavior and taking psychometric tests or checklists, healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD in adults. They can also look into a person's lifestyle and diet, and look for other reasons why they are having difficulty 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 read more about the various medications that treat ADHD and other disorders, including approved brands and possible side effects. You can also find patient information and safety tips. Psychotherapy can assist adults to be more aware of the issues with attention and concentration they confront, and teach them how to prioritize tasks, improve communication and gain confidence, and control the impulsive behavior.
Impulsivity
People who have issues with impulsive control have a difficult time resisting strong impulses. They may flit around in their seats, squirm excessively and interrupt other people or make inappropriate comments or actions without thinking about the consequences. They could be in trouble at school or at work and drive recklessly or make poor financial choices. People who have impulsive control issues may also struggle to settle down and relax, which can lead to chronic stress.
They might forget to bring their wallet or keys to an important appointment, lose time, arrive late for the appointment, or leave their belongings in their car. They may be unable to follow complex instructions or rules at work, and frequently find themselves in trouble with their bosses, coworkers or even their family members. They may have difficulty managing their finances, establishing budgets, or paying their bills on time. They might not show up for appointments with a dentist or doctor, ignore medical instructions or forget to take medication.
The problems caused by impulsive and inattention symptoms can cause low self-esteem, frustration and hopelessness. They may feel that they are a failure or a disappointment to their families, and can suffer from anxiety, depression or other mood disorders. In addition, ADHD has a high rate of comorbidity to mood disorders and other psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, major depression disorder, borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder.
A mental health professional should first conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of ADHD. This is best performed by a psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder. You can be referred to one by your doctor or a psychologist, or self-refer. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle and symptoms, as well as family/whanau histories to create an accurate picture. They will also test for other mental illnesses that may cause similar issues such as depression or anxiety disorders, mood disorders or depression as well as physical health issues like anxiety, sleep disorders, and stress.
Disorganization
It can be frustrating to be unorganized and forgetful. This is especially true if you find it difficult to keep on track at work, or keep your home in order. If you're having trouble with everyday tasks such as remembering social obligations, completing chores and paying bills, it could be a sign you may have undiagnosed ADHD.
The signs of ADD/ADHD usually begin in childhood and last throughout adulthood, causing problems with school, work and relationships. They can also cause issues with your physical health, like chronic fatigue and a higher risk of injuries. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression and also addiction disorders.
Disorganization is among the most common ADHD symptoms. It appears as messy desks, difficulties following instructions or maintaining a schedule. It is also possible that you have difficulty maintaining relationships as you struggle to keep appointments and stay close to friends and family.
You can enhance your organizational skills by getting a daily planner, setting up an orderly routine and prioritizing tasks. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn strategies to manage ADHD.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health medication is usually a component of the treatment strategy for ADHD. Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall can boost brain chemicals that are important in paying attention and thinking. Non-stimulant medications may take longer to effect, but can still aid in improving your ability of focus and reduce impulsivity. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you. Other treatments, such as skills training and organizational coaching can also help manage ADHD symptoms.
Problem-Solving Skills
People who suffer from ADHD have distinct thinking styles that can be a great resource when it comes to solving problems. They might be able discern patterns that others may not, which can help find creative solutions. They might also be prone to jumping to conclusions and acting on impulsiveness. This makes them flexible and able to come up with new solutions to problems.
People who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may continue to have symptoms into adulthood, causing issues at school, at work and in relationships. The symptoms may worsen when the person is stressed, suffers from a cold, or goes through other health issues.
Often, adults who have ADHD aren't aware that they have the disorder, and are often confused when their goals seem to drift away. They may also be unable to explaining their issues to coworkers and teachers. NIMH recommends talking to your primary care doctor to learn more about how ADHD affects you, and be directed to an experienced mental health professional when needed.
Researchers have discovered that people with ADHD have impaired social problem-solving abilities, possibly due to their lack of attention in conversations and impulsive behavior. These issues can cause misunderstandings and conflict between friends and family. In a study, patients with ADHD were compared with healthy controls on a set of tests that were designed to test the theory of mind and ability to come up with optimal interpersonal conflict solutions. Patients with ADHD produced less optimal solutions, however they scored higher on a test measuring generation fluency of these solutions.
Organisation and planning issues can lead to delayed appointments, misplaced items and missed deadlines. Certain people who suffer from ADHD avoid tasks that require a lot of attention and this can result in procrastination that impacts relationships and careers, as well as self-esteem. Using a reminder or calendar to keep track of important events and giving yourself more than you believe is essential to complete the task can help reduce impulsiveness.