Do you ever feel like you’re always racing against the clock? That you can never seem to get everything done? If so, you might be suffering from Adult ADHD. Basically, it is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, but it often goes unrecognizable. In this blog post, we will discuss Adult ADHD: what it feels like to have and how to deal with it.
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Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects how a person processes information. It can make it difficult to focus on tasks, stay organized, and control emotions. In this blog post, we will discuss Adult ADHD, what it feels like to have it, and how to deal with it.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include; Difficulty focusing or paying attention, Easily distracted, Trouble completing tasks, Procrastination. People who have Adult ADHD often feel like they are constantly racing against the clock. They can never seem to get everything done and they always feel rushed. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.
They may also have problems controlling their emotions. Or get angry, frustrated easily. Those people who are suffering from ADHD find it hard to calm down. This can cause conflicts with friends, family, and co-workers.
Signs Of Adult ADHD
Every disease has its own set of symptoms. Adult ADHD is no exception. That is why it is so important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of adult ADHD.
Not only will this help you get an accurate diagnosis, but it will also help you seek out the best treatment options.
There are a variety of signs listed as below;
Some of these include difficulty concentrating, problems completing tasks, forgetfulness, mood swings and hyperactivity.
- Procrastination affects your ability to make decisions and follow through with plans.
- You tend to delay doing things until you have no other option but to do it at that very moment or else face severe consequences for delaying it further.
- Difficulty in managing time can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
- Frequent mood swings, irritability, and impatience.
- Impulsive behavior can lead to impulsive spending, unsafe sex, and reckless driving.
Causes Of ADHD In Adults
The reason behind ADHD in adults is still unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genes and environmental factors. Some common causes of ADHD in adults are head injuries, exposure to toxins, and problems during pregnancy or delivery.
Mainly, ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects how the brain works. It can cause problems with focus, organizing, and controlling impulses. Scientists have linked ADHD to problems with the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia.
What It Feels Like
The feeling of suffering from Adult ADHD is a unique experience for each person who has it. Some people feel like they are constantly living in a fog, while others feel overwhelmed and stressed all the time. No matter how it feels, one thing is for sure: adult ADHD can make life very difficult if it goes untreated.
Generally, this condition has affected people worldwide, mainly in the United States as per the records. Usually, ADHD is associated with children, no doubt it can further extend or also affect adults.
Having unrecognized disease gives a feel as you’re constantly living in a fog. Other times, it feels like you’ve been struck by lightning – and not just once but for months or years on end. These are only two of the many experiences that people with adult ADHD have described after being diagnosed with this condition.
However, there are people who think that the symptoms of ADHD go away as you get older. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In fact, for many adults, it actually gets worse as they get older.
This is why it’s so important to know about adult ADHD and to see a doctor if you think you might have it. The sooner you recognize it, the better results it contains.
Diagnosis Of ADHD
In terms of diagnosis, adult ADHD is determined by a health professional based on symptoms that have been present since childhood. The diagnostic criteria for ADHD include having six or more of the following symptoms, which must have been present before the age of 12:
Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity Restlessness Trouble focusing Poor listening skills Forgetfulness Fidgeting Talking too much
It is not easy to diagnose ADHD in adults, as many of the symptoms are also common to other conditions. For this reason, a diagnosis is often made after ruling out other potential causes.
Treatment For Adult ADHD
On a general note, the treatment for adult ADHD includes; medication, therapy, or a combination of both. It is best to consult with a health professional to see what would be the best treatment plan for you.
Some people find that they only need medication and others find that therapy and medication work together well.
Medication Treatment
Medication can be stimulants or non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. They help increase attention and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. For instance, it includes; Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta and Focalin XR.
On the other hand, non-stimulants are used for people who do not respond to stimulants or have side effects from such drugs. For example, Intuniv, Strattera, and Kapvay.
However, it is always advisable to consult the doctor before starting any type of medication.
Therapy Treatment
Psychotherapy is considered an effective way of treating ADHD. Some of the common therapies include; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Adult Group Psychotherapy etc.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that may be affecting your life. Mindfulness-based therapy helps in improving focus and attention by training the mind to be more attentive. Similarly, adult group psychotherapy is effective as it offers a platform for you to share your experiences with others who are going through a similar situation.
Other Therapies
In addition, there are other therapies also that are effective. These therapies includes family therapy and couple therapy.
An overview says, family therapy helps in improving communication within the family. This is beneficial as it can help reduce stress and tension within the family. And, couple therapy helps to improve relationship issues that may be affecting your ADHD.
Dealing With ADHD In Adults
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how to deal with adult ADHD, but there are some general things that can help. First, it is important to understand and accept that you have ADHD and that it is a part of who you are. Second, try to create a routine
It impacts the human lives every day by making tasks like paying attention difficult or impossible! The feeling of suffering from this disorder is one that no human should ever have to endure. It’s like having your brain on fire and feeling as if you are being suffocated all at the same time while also trying not to fall asleep!
The best way to cope with ADHD symptoms is by understanding what causes them so that we can treat them correctly. For example , if we know that feeling overwhelmed causes us to become disorganized, then we can try to avoid becoming overwhelmed by using lists or prioritizing tasks.
We cannot change our ADHD, but with understanding and some effort, we can learn how to work with it and manage our symptoms.
Ways To Deal With Adult ADHD
There are many ways through which it can be managed. Some may need medication to help them focus, while others may find that they work best with a more holistic approach, incorporating exercise and diet into their routine.
Here are some tips for managing adult ADHD:
-Create a routine and stick to it. Having some structure in your day can help you stay organized and focused.
-Break up large tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. This will help prevent overwhelm and improve focus.
-Make time for yourself. When life gets busy, it can be easy to forget about taking care of yourself. But it’s important to make time for activities that you enjoy and help you relax.
-Get regular exercise. It is proven to improve focus and concentration.
-Eat a healthy diet. Eating nutritious foods always is a good option to go. It helps your body function at its best.
Conclusion
Overall adult ADHD is a very serious condition that can be harmful if not treated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of adult ADHD and would like to learn more about treatment options, do pay attention towards it and get treatment.
Adult ADHD treatments can improve the quality of your life and relationships by helping reduce symptoms.
It is important that adult patients with this condition are diagnosed accurately; otherwise they will not get the right treatment for their needs. A lot of people who have been diagnosed with it, must go for the treatment that works for them.
A Word From Therapy Mantra
Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.
At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
