ADHD in Adults Symptoms uk
Adult ADHD symptoms can be more difficult to identify. This is due to the changing environment and expectations have changed.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that could help. Find an therapist in your area on the NHS website. Find a therapist who has prior experience treating ADHD and is knowledgeable about the condition.
1. Poor concentration
Concentration issues are among the most common signs of ADHD in adults. It can impact the performance of a student or at work and make it difficult for people to manage the demands of life, and can cause relationship problems. Symptoms of poor concentration are usually present in childhood but can continue to be present throughout adulthood, and can affect the quality of life of a person.
It's easy to get distracted in a world filled with text messages, social media notifications and ambient noise. These distractions are hard for people suffering from ADHD to keep track of. They are also more likely to be distracted, particularly by their own feelings and thoughts. This makes it difficult to prioritize tasks or keep commitments. This can lead to them putting off work and ignoring deadlines.
Hyperfocus is a term that is used to describe how people with ADHD can focus more on things that they love or are passionate about. This can be beneficial in certain situations, but it's also an indication of their ADHD symptoms becoming more evident.
Stress, other mental health problems and some physical conditions and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD and it is essential that a correct diagnosis is made. The first step is to speak to your GP. They can refer you to a specialist service to conduct an assessment if required. In the meantime there are ways you can increase your concentration, for instance by making plans for the future and limiting distractions. Good sleep hygiene, avoiding caffeine and sugar before bedtime can aid in.
2. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain functions. Most people who have ADHD experience challenges in several aspects of their lives. it can cause problems at home, at work and in relationships. It is also possible for some people to experience anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
It is not uncommon for ADHD symptoms to persist into adulthood, particularly if they started in the early years of childhood. The most prominent symptoms are trouble paying attention, being easily distracted and prone to being prone to forgetting things. It can be a challenge for adults suffering from ADHD to prioritize tasks or maintain productivity, leading to stress and poor performance at work or school. They might also have difficulty to sleep, often feeling restless during the hours they should be sleeping. Physical signs of a lack of sleep can be a fidgeting or walking, or feeling as though they have to move even when they're at work or sleeping.
Inattentive ADHD is the most frequent type of ADHD. Children with this presentation typically struggle to stay still, are full of excess energy, and are extremely vocal. They can 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 participate in a clinical trial to discover new treatments. This is a fantastic idea since it can aid in improving their symptoms and live happier lives. It is important to keep in mind that the main objective of a clinical study is to gather new information. This is why it's vital to consult with a healthcare professional before participating in a clinical trial.
3. Impulsivity
This could be a sign of ADHD when you're prone to acting or saying things without thinking. This type of impulsivity could be a sign that you are more likely to make rash choices, which can have a big impact on your relationships.
Instability is also a sign of ADHD, but it may look different in adults as compared to children or teenagers. You may find it difficult to control your emotions or to prevent yourself from engaging in certain risky activities like gambling. It could also be difficult to stop yourself from spending money or eating too much.
This is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults, and especially women. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like those that occur during menopause. You may also find it difficult to complete everyday tasks, like household chores or writing letters.
It's important that you speak with your GP when you're concerned about ADHD. Your GP can recommend you to a mental health service to conduct an assessment, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also get private assessments, such as through Psychiatry UK, which has an NHS contract to conduct these assessments. They have a network of experts and can arrange an assessment for you quickly.
4. Memory issues
Memory problems are a common ADHD symptom in adults. These might include forgetting important details while completing tasks or activities, getting rid of things essential to daily life (eg keys papers, wallets, keys) and having trouble remembering names.
It can also be difficult to identify faces of people you know. For women, this issue gets worse during menopausal changes. Trouble remembering things could be a sign of stress or having a lack of sleep. If this is the situation, your doctor might recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a talking treatment that aims to change how you feel and think about a particular situation.
People suffering from ADHD often 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 and may experience "meltdowns" when they feel overwhelmed by multiple emotions at the same time such as crying, shouting, laughing and bouncing around at the same time.
Adults who think they suffer from ADHD should seek help from a professional. You can get these through your GP however, the time to get referrals may be long. Self-help measures can be implemented to manage symptoms in the in the interim. This includes eating healthy food and getting enough sleep and not drinking alcohol for 2 hours prior to bed, and avoiding screen-time before going to sleep.
5. ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty organising their personal and professional lives. This can mean they fail to remember appointments or leave work unfinished. It can be difficult to maintain a regular sleeping schedule and also to wake up early in the morning. This is particularly difficult for women going through menopause and whose symptoms of ADHD can get worse.
If someone is known to daydream excessively or interrupts conversations, or has difficulty taking turns in a conversation this could be a sign of ADHD. If someone frequently gets in trouble at school or at work for making decisions in a hurry or without thinking of the consequences, this is a possibility of a sign.
The presence of emotional issues is common among adults with ADHD and are a major part of the disorder. They can manifest as mood swings, irritability or impulsivity and hyperactivity. These symptoms are more prevalent for those with hyperactive ADHD as opposed to inattentive ADHD.
If you think you might have ADHD and are concerned, it's a good idea to consult your GP. They're not able to diagnose ADHD but they can refer to specialists who can assess symptoms and arrange treatment. You can also speak to your local ADHD group. They may have tips and suggestions on how to manage your symptoms. The website ADHD And You provides a the list of groups sorted according to country. Asking your employer to make reasonable accommodations to aid you with your work is also worth it.
6. Poor social skills
If someone is not socially adept, skills, they are difficult to read and understand the subtle cues that others give off. This can result in awkward interactions or miscommunications, and can cause others to avoid them.
It's not unusual for people with ADHD to have poor social skills, particularly in the early years of their life or in the beginning of their adulthood. However, the symptoms need to have lasted for at least six months and have clearly impacted their lives at home, school, or at work. They also need to not be able to be explained by another psychiatric condition.
In adults, the symptoms of ADHD can manifest in different ways. Certain people struggle to concentrate when they are talking or are easily distracted by external stimuli, such as food, phones or other people. They may also have difficulty to form and maintain relationships, and are often self-conscious of their actions.
In certain instances, people with ADHD may develop depression or anxiety that makes them more difficult to function in the social world. Additionally, they may find it difficult to manage their emotions, which may cause problems at home as well as at work. They may withdraw and lose contact with their friends, or resort to alcohol or other substances to soothe themselves. This could lead to serious health issues over the long run. They can also become involved in illegal activities that could result in legal consequences.