ADHD in Adults Symptoms uk
Adult ADHD symptoms are more difficult to recognize. This is due to the environment and expectations change.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a talk treatment that may aid. The NHS website can assist you in finding the right therapist for you in your local area. It is recommended to find someone who knows about ADHD and has experience in treating it.
1. Poor concentration
The difficulty in concentrating is among the most frequent signs of ADHD in adults. It can impact the performance of a student or at work and make it difficult for people to manage responsibilities, and cause relationships problems. The symptoms of poor concentration may be evident in the early years of childhood however, they can continue to be a problem into adulthood. They have a significant impact on the lives of individuals.
In a world filled with text messages and social media notifications and ambient noises, it's easy to lose focus. These distractions are hard for people with ADHD to ignore. They are also more easily distracted by their own thoughts and feelings, making it hard to prioritise tasks or stick to commitments. This could cause them to procrastinate and miss deadlines.
Some people with ADHD find it easier to focus on activities they enjoy or are passionate about, a phenomenon known as hyperfocus. This can be beneficial in certain situations, but it is also a sign that their ADHD symptoms are getting more apparent.
Stress mental health issues and certain physical conditions and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. It is important that the correct diagnosis be established. Talking to your GP is the first step to take, and they'll be able to refer you to an expert service to conduct an assessment if needed. In the meantime, there are ways you can improve your concentration, including planning ahead and reducing distracting stimuli. Good sleep hygiene, avoiding sugar and caffeine before the time you go to bed can help.
2. Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain operates. ADHD symptoms in adult women can be a problem for people in many aspects of their lives, including work, home and relationships. There are some who suffer from anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
It is not unusual to find ADHD symptoms to persist into adulthood, particularly if they started in childhood. The most common symptoms are difficulty paying attention, becoming easily distractible and not remembering things. Adults with ADHD might also have difficulty deciding how to manage their time or stay productive. This can lead to anxiety or poor performance at work or school. They may also have trouble sleeping and may feel restless during the hours when they are supposed be resting. Physical signs of restlessness could include fidgeting and moving around or feeling like they are required to keep moving even when they are not working or sleeping.
Inattentive ADHD is the most frequent type of ADHD. Children with this disorder typically struggle to sit still, are full of energy and are extremely talkative. They may also be in a hurry, interrupting others or acting without thinking.
A few people who suffer from ADHD symptoms may choose to participate in a clinical study for new treatment options. This is a good idea, as it can aid in reducing their symptoms while leading an enjoyable life. It's important to remember that the primary reason for a clinical study is to collect new scientific data. It's important to consult a health professional before taking part in a clinical trial.
3. Impulsivity
If you're inclined to say or doing things in the spur of the moment and not thinking about them this could be an indication that you suffer from ADHD. This type of impulsivity could also cause you to make rash decisions which could negatively impact your relationships.
Inhibition issues could also be a sign of ADHD, but it may appear different in adults than in teenagers or children. For instance, you may struggle to manage your emotions, or refraining from engaging in certain kinds of risky behavior, such as gambling. It could also be difficult to keep yourself from spending money or eating too often.
This is one of most prevalent symptoms among adults with ADHD especially in females. It can be exacerbated by, for instance, hormonal changes that happen in menopausal women. It can also be difficult to complete everyday tasks, like household chores or writing letters.
If you're concerned that you may have ADHD, it's important to talk to your GP. Your GP might recommend a mental service for an assessment however waiting times can be lengthy. You can also seek private assessments, like through Psychiatry UK, which has an NHS contract to provide these assessments. They have a vast network of experts that can swiftly arrange for an assessment.
4. Memory issues
Memory issues are a common ADHD symptoms for adults. The symptoms include forgetting important details while completing tasks or activities, losing items that are essential for everyday life (eg keys, wallets, keys, documents) and difficulty remembering names.
It can also be difficult to recognize faces in people you know well. For women, this issue is more prevalent during menopausal changes. Stress or lack of sleep could be the cause of memory loss. If this is the situation, your doctor might recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This is a form of therapy that aims to alter the way you think and feel about a particular situation.
People suffering from ADHD typically experience impulsivity in adulthood too. This can lead to problems in relationships, since they might make comments without thinking that are hurtful or inappropriate. They can also struggle to control their emotions. They might have'meltdowns', where they are overwhelmed by multiple emotions at the same time, eg crying screaming, laughing, or shouting and bouncing around at the same time.
Adults who think they suffer from ADHD should seek help from a professional. The assessment can be conducted through an GP and waiting times for referrals may be long. Self-help measures can be taken to help manage symptoms in the time between. This could include eating a healthy diet, sleeping enough, not drinking alcohol within two hours prior to the time you go to bed and not using screens before bed.
5. Organisational problems
People suffering from ADHD often have difficulty organising their work and home lives. This can mean they fail to remember appointments or leave tasks unfinished. It can be challenging to maintain a regular sleeping schedule and also to wake up in the early morning. This is particularly difficult for women going through menopausal transition, when symptoms of ADHD could increase.
If someone is known to daydream excessively or interrupts conversations, or is unable to take turns in a conversation this could be a sign of ADHD. Similarly, if someone often gets into trouble at school or at work due to taking rash decisions or acting without considering the consequences, this is a possible symptom.
Emotional issues are common among people with ADHD and are a key aspect of the disorder. They can manifest themselves as mood swings, irritability, or impulsivity and hyperactivity. These symptoms are more prevalent for those with an impulsive ADHD as opposed to inattentive ADHD.
If you think you might have ADHD and are concerned, it's a good idea to talk to your GP. They're not able to diagnose ADHD however they can refer you to specialists who can assess the symptoms and suggest treatment. You can also contact your local ADHD support group, which might have suggestions and advice on managing your symptoms. The website ADHD And You provides a list of groups according to country. It is worth asking your employer to make reasonable changes to help you cope with your working life, too.
6. Poor social skills
Poor social skills make it difficult for people to discern subtle cues from others. This can lead awkward interactions or miscommunications, which can cause people to distance themselves.
It's not unusual for people with ADHD to have a lack of social skills, particularly in early adulthood or during childhood. However, the symptoms have to last for at minimum six months and clearly affected their lives at home, school, or at work. The symptoms should be indistinguishable to another mental health condition.
ADHD symptoms can appear in adults in various ways. Some people have difficulty to stay focused in a conversation or are easily distracted by external stimuli, like phones, food, or other people. They may also have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships and are often self conscious of their behavior.
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might experience depression or anxiety that makes them more difficult to integrate into the world. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can lead to issues at work and home. They may become withdrawn and lose contact with their friends or turn to alcohol or other drugs to ease their stress. In the long term, this could lead to serious health problems. They could also engage in illegal activities that can be legal in nature.