ADHD in Adults Symptoms uk
As we age, ADHD symptoms can be more difficult to recognize. This is because the environment and expectations have changed.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of treatment that could help. Find a therapist near you on the NHS website. Find a therapist that has prior experience treating ADHD and is knowledgeable about the condition.
1. Poor concentration
Concentration issues are among the most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults. It can affect school or work performance and make it difficult for people to manage responsibilities, and cause relationship problems. A sign of poor concentration is typically present in childhood, but can persist throughout adulthood and affect the quality of life of a person.
It's easy to get distracted in a world of texts or social media updates, as well as the constant noise. These distractions are hard for people with ADHD to keep track of. They're also more easily distracted by their thoughts and emotions, which makes it difficult to prioritize tasks or stick to commitments. This can lead to procrastination and missed deadlines.
Hyperfocus is a term that is used to describe the way that people with ADHD can focus more on things that they love or are passionate about. This can be beneficial in certain situations, but is also a sign their ADHD symptoms are becoming more apparent.
Stress, mental health issues, and certain physical illnesses and conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD which is why it's important that a proper diagnosis is established. The first step is to talk to your GP. They may refer you to a specialist service for assessment if needed. You can improve your concentration by planning ahead and reducing distracting factors. A good sleep hygiene routine, avoiding sugar and caffeine prior to bedtime can also help.
2. Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain operates. People with ADHD encounter difficulties in a variety of aspects of their lives. it can cause issues at home, work and in relationships. There are some who suffer from depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
It is not uncommon for symptoms of ADHD to carry on throughout adulthood, particularly when they first appeared in the early years of childhood. The most prominent symptoms are difficulties in paying attention, becoming easily distractible and being prone to forgetting things. Adults with ADHD might also find it difficult to focus on tasks or keep their productivity up. This can lead to anxiety or poor performance at work or at school. They may also have difficulty sleeping and may feel restless during the time they should be relaxing. Fidgeting, walking, or feeling the need to move can be physical signs of anxiety.
There are many different kinds of ADHD among them, and the most prevalent is inattentive ADHD. This type of ADHD is characterized by children who have difficulty being still, are extremely active and talking. They may also be in a hurry in their behavior, interrupting others or acting without thinking.
Some people who are struggling with ADHD symptoms may decide to take part in a clinical trial for new treatment options. This is a great idea to aid in reducing their symptoms while living a more fulfilling lifestyle. However, it's important to remember that the primary objective of a clinical trial is to gather new scientific information. It is essential to speak with a health professional before participating in a clinical trial.
3. Impulsivity
If you're inclined to say or doing things on the spur of the moment, without thinking about them this could be an indication of ADHD. ADHD symptoms in adult women of impulsivity can also make you more likely to take risks and make quick decisions, which can negatively impact your relationships.
A lack of inhibition is another symptom of ADHD in adults, but this can appear different from what it manifests in adolescents or children. It might be difficult to control your emotions or to stop yourself from engaging certain risky activities like gambling. You may also find it difficult to resist eating or spending too much.
This is among the most frequent symptoms for adults suffering from ADHD particularly in women. It can be exacerbated by hormonal changes like those that occur during menopause. You might also find it difficult to complete daily tasks, like household chores or writing letters.
It is crucial to speak with your GP if you are worried about ADHD. Your GP will refer you to a mental health clinic for an assessment, even though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also receive private assessments through Psychiatry UK which has a contract with the NHS to provide these assessments. They have a large network of experts that can quickly arrange an assessment.
4. Memory problems
Memory problems are a typical sign of ADHD in adults. These symptoms include forgetting details when performing tasks or activities, losing items that are necessary for everyday life (eg, keys, wallets and documents) and difficulty remembering names.
It can also be hard to recognise faces in people that you know well. This is especially true for women who are in menopausal symptoms. Stress or lack of sleep could be the reason for memory loss. If this is the case, your doctor may suggest Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) A therapy for talking that aims to change the way you think and feel about a situation.
Impulsivity is a common sign of ADHD in adults. This can create problems in relationships, as they might say things without thinking that are harmful or inappropriate. They may also have a hard time managing their emotions. In addition, they might experience'meltdowns,' where they are overwhelmed with several emotions at once, e.g. crying, screaming or laughing all at once.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should seek out professional help. The assessment can be conducted through an GP however the wait time for referrals can be lengthy. Self-help measures can be taken to ease symptoms in the time between. These can include eating a healthy diet, sleeping enough, not drinking alcohol within two hours prior to the time of bed and avoiding screens prior to bedtime.
5. Problems with organisation
People with ADHD often struggle to organise their home and work lives. This can lead to not remembering appointments or leaving work unfinished. It can be difficult to maintain a consistent sleeping routine and get up early in the morning. This is particularly challenging for women who are experiencing menopausal changes, as ADHD symptoms may become worse.
If a person is frequently prone to excessive daydreaming and interrupts conversations or has difficulty taking turns in a conversation, this could be an indication of ADHD. In the same way, if someone regularly gets in trouble at school or at work due to making hasty decisions or acting without thinking of the consequences, this is another possible symptom.
Emotional issues are a common problem for people with ADHD. They are a major part of the disorder. They can manifest as mood swings and irritability or as hyperactivity and impulsivity. People with an impulsive ADHD tend to experience these symptoms more frequently than those who have inattentional ADHD.
If you suspect that you have ADHD, it's a good idea speak to your GP. Although they're not able to definitively diagnose ADHD but they may refer you to specialists who can examine your symptoms and plan treatment. You can also contact your local ADHD support group, which could provide suggestions and guidance on managing your symptoms. The website ADHD And You provides a lists of support groups by country. It is worth asking your employer to make adjustments to assist you in your working life, too.
6. Poor social skills
Insufficient social skills make it difficult for people to discern subtle signals from others. This can result in awkward interactions or miscommunications, and could cause other people to withdraw from them.
It's not unusual for those with ADHD to have poor social skills, especially during the early years of their life or in the beginning of their adulthood. However, the symptoms have to have lasted for at minimum six months and clearly impacted their lives at home, school, or at work. The symptoms should be indistinguishable from a different mental health condition.
Adults can experience symptoms of ADHD can manifest in a variety of ways. Some people have difficulty to concentrate when they are talking or are easily distracted by external stimuli like phones, food, or other people. They might also struggle to form and keep relationships and are often self-conscious of their behaviour.
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might experience depression or anxiety, which can make them even more difficult to be a part of the society. Additionally, they could have difficulty managing their emotions, which may cause issues at home and at work. They might become withdrawn and lose touch with friends, or be more inclined to turn to drugs or alcohol for comfort. In the long run, this could result in serious health issues. They could also engage in illegal activities that may have legal implications.