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We have learned a lot about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in recent decades and can now diagnose ADHD in children as young as 3 years old. However, many adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed and may not even be aware that they have a medical disorder.
If you are reluctant to take prescription medication, research into the best Adderall alternatives can help significantly improve your quality of life. But first, here are some common signs of ADHD, how it is diagnosed, and how you can manage the disorder as an adult.
Common Signs of Adult ADHD
Restlessness
Restlessness is a key sign of ADHD. Your mind is constantly racing and you feel the urge to move or do something immediately. Signs of restlessness include uncontrollable fidgeting, tapping your fingers or feet, and shifting your position continuously. Because you find it challenging to stay still or in one place, restlessness can lead to frustration and anxiety.
Impulsivity
A person with ADHD may act impulsively in a variety of ways, such as interrupting others, behaving inappropriately in social situations, and completing tasks quickly but poorly. A lot of the time, they may fail to think through the repercussions of their actions. One common manifestation of ADHD impulsivity with serious consequences is impulse spending.
Forgetfulness and Lack of Focus
Lack of focus in ADHD extends beyond the inability to pay attention. It also means that you have trouble concentrating, are easily sidetracked, and can often fail to notice details or see projects through to completion. People with ADHD experience forgetfulness more frequently as well— from losing track of household items to missing important events and deadlines.
Disorganization and Poor Time Management
People with ADHD may face obstacles trying to maintain order in their homes or workplaces. It can be hard for them to store objects in the right places or to organize them according to purpose. Adults with ADHD may also be frequently late and have trouble completing tasks on time. This is because they find it challenging to organize and prioritize tasks in their mind.
Challenges with Emotions and Relationships
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining personal and professional relationships. They may come across as cold and uncaring because they tend to get bored, interrupt, or lose track of conversations. At the same time, rapidly changing emotions can cause someone with ADHD to have large mood shifts or act recklessly, causing problems with relationships.
Hyperfocus
While most people with ADHD are easily distracted, they can also get so obsessed with a task or object that they completely lose track of everything else around them. This is referred to as hyperfocus and is still a topic that is under scientific research. Typically, someone with hyperfocus can be so immersed in an activity that it causes issues with work or relationships.
How ADHD is Diagnosed
Adults who think they might have ADHD should visit their doctor. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must present at least five continual symptoms of inattention and/or five continual symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must be present in more than one setting and they need to be present at a significant enough level to cause problems in these areas.
Your doctor may ask if you have a family history of ADHD. They will also ask if you experienced symptoms of ADHD when you were a child. While only a doctor or mental health expert can provide a definitive diagnosis of ADHD, there are self-screening tools you may use before your appointment to get a sense of whether you might benefit from professional help.
Managing Adult ADHD
Prescription Medication
The majority of children and adults diagnosed with ADHD are given prescription medications to manage their symptoms. These can range from stimulants to anti-anxiety medications. The most commonly-prescribed drugs are stimulants like Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications are controlled under Schedule II of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
For many people, these drugs are effective in increasing focus and concentration and reducing restlessness and impulsivity. However, they can cause unwanted side effects such as difficulty sleeping, digestive discomfort, and changes in blood pressure. Some ADHD medications also have addictive qualities; hence prescriptions must be followed to the letter.
Supplements
Natural ingredients such as vitamin B6 and L-theanine have been shown to improve brain function and assist with the production of essential neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Natural supplements are a good option for people who prefer to avoid prescription medication. These supplements are legal and easily available, as they do not contain any controlled substances
Therapy
Some types of therapies can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), life coaching, and marriage counseling. Participating in support groups can also help people with ADHD to find social support. Treatment of coexisting mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can help people with ADHD improve their overall quality of life.
Lifestyle modifications
It is thought that certain adjustments to your daily routine can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Adults with ADHD should strive to get eight hours of quality sleep per night by sticking to a fixed bedtime routine. They should try to eat a balanced diet and avoid blood sugar fluctuations. Regular exercise and learning to practice meditate can help to relieve stress and promote a calmer presence of mind.
