ADHD in Adults Symptoms uk
As adults, ADHD symptoms can be harder to diagnose. This is because environment and expectations change.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that could be helpful. Find the nearest therapist on the NHS website. It is recommended to find someone who is knowledgeable about ADHD and has experience in treating it.
1. Poor concentration
Concentration issues are among the most common signs of ADHD in adults. It can affect work or school performance and make it difficult to handle responsibilities and can lead to relationship problems. Symptoms of poor concentration are often present in childhood, but they can last into adulthood and affect the quality of life of a person.
It's easy to get distracted in a world cluttered with text messages, social media notifications and other noise. These distractions are difficult for people with ADHD to ignore. They're also more easily distracted by their own thoughts and emotions, which makes it hard to prioritise tasks or follow through on commitments. This can lead to procrastination as well as missed deadlines.
Hyperfocus is a term used to describe how people with ADHD can concentrate better on subjects they are passionate about or love. This can be helpful in certain situations, but it is also a sign of their ADHD symptoms becoming more apparent.
Stress, mental health issues, and certain physical illnesses and conditions can cause symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD which is why it's essential that a valid diagnosis is made. 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 reducing distractions. A good sleep hygiene routine, avoiding caffeine and sugar before the time you go to bed can aid in.
2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain operates. ADHD can be a problem for people in many aspects of their lives, including family, work and home. It is also possible for some people to experience depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
It is not unusual for ADHD symptoms to persist into adulthood, particularly if they started in the early years of childhood. The most prominent symptoms are difficulty paying attention, being easily distractible and not remembering things. Adults with ADHD might also have difficulty deciding how to manage their time or stay productive. This can cause stress or poor performance at school or work. They might also have difficulty to sleep, and are often restless during the hours they are supposed to be sleeping. Fidgeting, walking, or feeling the need to move can be physical signs of restlessness.
Inattentive ADHD is the most common kind of ADHD. Children with this disorder typically struggle to sit still, exhibit a lot of excess energy and are extremely talkative. They can also be very impulsive and interrupt others or behave without thinking.
A few people who struggle with ADHD symptoms may opt to participate in a clinical trial for new treatments. This is a good idea because it can aid in improving their symptoms and lead an enjoyable life. It's important to keep in mind that the main reason for a clinical study is to collect new information in the field of science. This is why it's crucial to speak with a health care professional before participating in a clinical trial.
3. Impulsivity
If you're more likely to say or doing things on the spur of the moment, without thinking about them this could be a sign that you have ADHD. This type of impulsivity could also mean that you are more likely to take risks or make snappy decisions, which can affect your relationships.
Inhibition issues can also be a symptom of ADHD however it could appear different in adults as compared to children or teenagers. It might be difficult to manage your emotions or stop yourself from engaging certain risky actions like gambling. You may also find it difficult to stop yourself from eating or spending too excessively.
This is among the most common symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD especially in females. It can be exacerbated, for example, by hormonal changes that happen during menopausal. You might also find it difficult to finish everyday tasks such as household chores and writing letters.
If you're worried that you might have ADHD it's essential to speak to your GP. Your GP can then recommend you to a mental health service for an assessment, though waiting times can be long. You can also get private assessments through Psychiatry UK which has a contract with the NHS to provide these assessments. They have an expert network and can schedule an assessment for you swiftly.
4. Memory problems
Memory problems are a typical ADHD symptom in adults. This could include a tendency to forget important details while completing tasks or activities, getting rid of things essential to daily life (eg keys papers, wallets, keys) and difficulty in remembering names.
It can also be difficult to identify faces of people you know. This issue can be more severe for women before and during menopausal symptoms. Having trouble remembering things might be a sign of stress or a lack of sleep. If this is the situation, your doctor might suggest Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a talking treatment which aims to alter the way you think and feel about a situation.
People suffering from ADHD typically experience impulsivity in adulthood as well. This can lead to relationship problems, because people can make decisions without thinking about the consequences. They can also struggle to control their emotions and may experience "meltdowns" when they feel overwhelmed by a variety of emotions simultaneously, eg crying, shouting, laughing and moving at the same time.
It is recommended that those who believe they suffer from ADHD take a professional evaluation. This can be done by a GP, although the wait time for referrals can be long. Self-help measures are a good option to manage symptoms during the interim. These can include eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and not drinking alcohol between two hours before the time you go to bed and not using screens before bed.
5. symptoms ADHD in adults with ADHD have difficulty organising their personal and work lives. This could mean they miss appointments or leave tasks unfinished. It can also be difficult to stick to a consistent schedule of sleep and wake up in the morning. This can be especially difficult for women experiencing menopausal changes, as ADHD symptoms can become more severe.
ADHD could be present when someone is constantly meditating or interrupting conversations, or having difficulty dividing the conversation during the course of a conversation. Similarly, if someone often is in trouble at school or at work for taking rash decisions or acting without considering the consequences, this is a possibility of a sign.
Emotional issues are a frequent problem for people with ADHD. They are an important component of the disorder. They can manifest as mood swings and irritability or as hyperactivity and impulsivity. People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD are more likely to have more frequent symptoms than those with inattentive ADHD.
If you suspect you have ADHD or other disorders, it's best to speak to your GP. They can't diagnose ADHD however they can refer you to specialists who can look into your the symptoms and suggest treatment. You can also speak to your local ADHD support group, which might have suggestions and guidance on managing your symptoms. For more information on where to find groups, the website ADHD And You has a list of groups by country. It's a good idea to ask your employer to make reasonable adjustments to assist you in your working life, too.
6. Poor social skills
Insufficient social skills make it difficult for someone to read and understand subtle signals that others give them. This can lead to awkward interactions or miscommunications, which can result in people separating themselves.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to have a lack of social skills, especially during early adulthood or during childhood. However, the symptoms must to last for at least six months and have clearly impacted their lives at home, school or work. The symptoms should be indistinguishable from a different mental illness.
In adults, the symptoms of ADHD can manifest in various ways. Certain people struggle to remain focused when they are talking or are easily distracted by external stimuli like food, phones or other people. They may also have trouble creating and maintaining relationships, and are often self conscious of their behavior.
In certain instances, people with ADHD may experience anxiety and depression and depression, which makes it even harder to function in society. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which can lead to problems at home and at work. They may become withdrawn or lose contact with friends or turn to alcohol or other drugs to ease their stress. In the long term, this could cause serious health issues. They could also engage in illegal activities that can have legal consequences.