ADHD in Adults: Symptoms and Treatment
Adults with ADHD may experience difficulty focusing, organizing tasks, completing work on time and managing emotions. Attention problems may lead to missed deadlines and unfinished projects. Impulsivity can lead to taking risks or saying things without thinking about the consequences.
Difficulty regulating emotions can cause people to become easily overwhelmed and frustrated in difficult situations. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of ADHD to diagnose it properly. Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults and treatment options.
Symptoms
Signs of ADHD in Adults aren’t always easy to spot, as they are subtle and misinterpreted as a different mental illness. Symptoms of ADHD may include:
Difficulty focusing on tasks
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty focusing on tasks for long periods, even if the task is interesting or important. They may become easily distracted by external stimuli such as noise or movement in their environment. They may also experience difficulty following instructions, completing tasks and remembering details. Additionally, they often need help to stay organized and prioritize tasks.
Poor organizational skills
Adults with ADHD may struggle to keep track of important dates and deadlines, resulting in missed appointments or forgotten responsibilities. They may also need help staying on top of their finances, leading to unpaid bills and overdue payments. Additionally, they may need help staying organized at work, leading to misplaced paperwork and overdue projects.
Misplacing Items
Adults with ADHD may find it challenging to keep track of their everyday items, such as keys, wallets or cell phones. Due to this they may need help remembering where they have put things. They might have to constantly retrace their steps in search of their lost items. Additionally, a fix to this could be helping them store things in the right places.
Procrastination
Adults with ADHD may struggle to start a task or project and often put things off until the last minute. They may also need help to complete mundane or tedious tasks because they can be easily sidetracked by more exciting activities. They may need help staying motivated, leading to them procrastinating even more.
Difficulty maintaining relationships
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining relationships due to impulsivity and emotional outbursts. They may be easily frustrated or angered in social situations, leading to arguments or misunderstandings. Additionally, they may struggle to stay connected with friends and family, as remembering important dates or following through on plans can be difficult.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication such as stimulants can help improve focus and reduce impulsive behavior. Psychotherapy can also help adults learn strategies for managing emotions, improving organizational skills, setting goals and staying focused on tasks. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to speak to a doctor or mental health professional if you think you may have ADHD. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan that will work best for your specific needs. With the proper support, adults with ADHD can learn strategies for managing their symptoms and lead successful lives. The team at Jonas Hill is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to help manage symptoms of ADHD.
Jonas Hill Hospital & Clinic, a division of Caldwell Memorial Hospital, provides our community with safe, dignified, and integrated care for adult patients experiencing acute mental health needs. We provide hope, treatment, and healing through a holistic program of evidence-based psychiatric treatment, team-based medical care, and education by engaging and dedicated professionals in a safe and healing environment. Contact us today for more information—a safe space to heal.