ADHD in Adults Symptoms uk
As adults, ADHD symptoms can be harder to diagnose. This is due to the changing environment and expectations have changed.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that could be helpful. The NHS website can help you locate the right therapist for you in your local area. It's best to find one who is knowledgeable about ADHD and has experience treating it.
1. Poor concentration
ADHD is usually diagnosed in adults with difficulty in focusing. It can impact school or work performance and make it difficult for people to handle the demands of life, and can cause issues with relationships. The signs of poor concentration are often present in childhood, but can continue to be present throughout adulthood, and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of a person.
It's easy to lose focus in a world of text messages and social media notifications as well as other noise. These distractions can be difficult for people suffering from ADHD to keep track of. They also are more easily distracted, especially by their own emotions and thoughts. This makes it difficult to prioritize tasks and keep commitments. This can lead to procrastination as well as missed deadlines.
Some people with ADHD find it easier to focus on the things they enjoy or are passionate about, which is called hyperfocus. This can be beneficial in certain situations, but it's also a sign of their ADHD symptoms becoming more evident.
Stress and mental health issues and certain physical and mental illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It is crucial that the correct diagnosis be established. The first step is talking to your GP. They can refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment if required. You can increase your concentration by making plans ahead and removing distracting factors. A good sleep hygiene routine, avoiding sugar and caffeine before bedtime can help.
2. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way the brain functions. ADHD can be a problem for people in many aspects of their life, including work, home and relationships. It is also possible for people to experience anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
It is not unusual to find ADHD symptoms to persist into adulthood, particularly those who were diagnosed in the early years of childhood. The main symptoms of the disorder are difficulties in paying attention, getting easily distracted and prone to forgetting things. It can be a challenge for adults suffering from ADHD to prioritise tasks or maintain productivity that can cause stress and poor performance at school or at work. They may also experience difficulty sleeping, and feel restless in the time they should be relaxing. Walking, fidgeting or feeling the need to move could be physical indications of restlessness.
Inattentive ADHD is the most common kind of ADHD. This type of ADHD is defined by children who have difficulty staying still, and are excessively enthusiastic and talking. They can also be impulsive and interrupt others or act without thinking.
People who are struggling with ADHD symptoms may opt to participate in a trial to discover new treatment options. This is a good idea as it could aid them in reducing their symptoms and live happier lives. It is important to keep in mind that the main goal of a clinical study is to collect new information. This is the reason it's essential to consult with a health care expert prior to participating in a clinical trial.
3. Impulsivity
If you're inclined to say or doing things in the spur of the moment, without considering the consequences this could be an indication that you suffer from ADHD. This type of impulsivity may also cause you to be more likely to take risks and make rash decisions, which can negatively impact your relationships.
Instability can also be a symptom of ADHD however, it can be different for adults as compared to children or teenagers. For instance, you may struggle to manage your emotions or preventing yourself from engaging in certain types of risky behaviours, like gambling. It could also be difficult to stop yourself from spending money or eating too often.
This is among the most prevalent symptoms among adults with ADHD especially in females. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause. You might also find it difficult to finish everyday tasks such as household chores and writing letters.
If you're worried that you may have ADHD it's essential to speak to your GP. Your GP can recommend you to a mental health service for an assessment, though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also seek private assessments, like through Psychiatry UK, which has an NHS contract to deliver these assessments. They have experts in their network and can arrange an assessment for you quickly.
4. Memory problems
Memory problems are a typical symptom of ADHD in adults. These symptoms include forgetting information when completing activities or tasks or losing items essential for daily life (eg, keys, wallets and documents) and having difficulty remembering names.
It can also be difficult to recognize faces in people you know well. signs and symptoms of add and ADHD in adults can be worse for women who are in the menopause. Stress or lack of sleep could be the cause of memory loss. If this is the situation your doctor may suggest Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This is a form of therapy that aims to alter how you perceive and react to a particular situation.
People suffering from ADHD often experience impulsivity in adulthood too. This can lead to relationship problems, because people can do things without considering the consequences. They can also struggle to control their emotions and may experience'meltdowns' in which they are overwhelmed by a variety of emotions simultaneously, eg crying, shouting, laughing and moving all at once.
Adults who believe they have ADHD should seek professional help. These can be done through an GP however waiting times for referrals may be lengthy. In the meantime, there are self-help strategies that can help with symptoms. This can include eating healthy food and getting enough sleep, not drinking alcohol two hours before bedtime and avoiding screen time prior to going to bed.
5. Organisational problems
People with ADHD are unable to manage their personal and work lives. This can result in them having a hard time remembering appointments or leaving projects not being completed. It can be a challenge to maintain a regular schedule of sleep and wake up in the mornings. This is particularly challenging for women going through menopause when ADHD symptoms may worsen.
ADHD is a possibility if someone is constantly daydreaming, interrupting conversations, or having trouble taking turns in the course of a conversation. If someone frequently is in trouble at school or at work for making decisions in a hurry or without thinking about the consequences, this is a possibility of a sign.
The presence of emotional issues is common among adults with ADHD and are a key aspect of the disorder. They can manifest as mood swings, irritability, or impulsivity and hyperactivity. These symptoms are more frequent in people with hyperactive ADHD than those with inattentive ADHD.
If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD, it's a good idea talk to your GP. They can't diagnose ADHD but they can refer to specialists who can assess symptoms and arrange 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's worth asking your employer to make reasonable adjustments to assist you in your work life.
6. Poor social skills
If someone is not socially adept, skills, they find it difficult to comprehend and read the subtle cues that other people emit. This can lead to awkward interactions or miscommunications, and result in people separating themselves.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to have a lack of social skills, particularly in early adulthood or during childhood. The symptoms must have been present for at least six month and interfered with the person's life at school, home or work. They also need to not be able to be explained by another psychiatric disorder.
ADHD symptoms can manifest in adults in a variety of ways. Some people find it difficult to stay focused when they are talking or are easily distracted by external stimuli, such as phones, food, or other people. They might also struggle to build and maintain relationships, and are often self-conscious about their actions.
In some instances, those with ADHD can develop depression and anxiety, which can make it more difficult to function in a society. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can lead to problems at home and work. They might become withdrawn and lose touch with friends, or they may be more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs to get their fix. In the long term, this could lead to serious health problems. They could also get involved in illegal activities, which can have legal consequences.