Treating Adult ADHD Symptoms in Men
Many men are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. Their problems in the workplace, at home and in school can cause anxiety, anger and self-criticism.
It's easy to overlook a diagnose because ADHD symptoms can be confused with mood disorders and other ailments. A reliable diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a doctor.
1. Inconsistently sluggish attention span
If you have ADHD, it may be hard to get your life and work under control. You may forget important details, leave tasks unfinished or be late with your responsibilities. In time, these issues can create a feeling of despair and failure. The good news is that you can treat your adult ADHD symptoms and find solutions to manage your life and relationships.
Inconsistent attention span is one of the most prevalent adult ADHD symptoms men experience. Even when you're enthusiastic you might have trouble working through tasks or paying attention to details. You might, for example, miss important meetings or conversations because you are easily distracted by thoughts that appear in your mind. You might also feel agitated during meetings, fidgeting or shifting your hands or feet.
You may also be prone to emotional outbursts or have difficulties controlling your emotions. This could make your relationships suffer and make others think you're irresponsible or self-centered.
Other symptoms of adult ADHD are issues with prioritizing and impulsivity. You might not pay bills or follow through on social commitments, which can cause stress and strain in your relationship. You may also struggle to manage your finances and end up in a lot of debt. You may also be inclined towards overindulging in alcohol or drugs.
You might also be inclined to start projects and not finish them. You may be susceptible to getting excited by new ideas, but eventually losing interest. You'll find that you are left with a lot of unfinished tasks and projects in your home. It is also possible that you frequently forget to take your medication or fail to meet your dietary or health goals. These issues can lead to various problems in your daily routine and impact your relationships with your family or friends, as well as colleagues. They can also cause you be frustrated, embarrassed and depressed. A diagnosis can help explain the reasons behind these challenges and give hope for the future.
2. Disregarding Others
While many people view children with ADHD as impulsive and hyperactive, adults can struggle with the same symptoms. They also might exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as forgetfulness and trouble keeping track of their work. It is often apparent that they are neglecting relationships and work commitments due to procrastination or lack of organization. This can cause stress, cause arguments, and cause people to feel depressed and helpless.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may suffer for years before they are diagnosed and realize that their problems aren't the result of their own fault. They might have been branded "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid" by others because of their lack of memory or inability to finish tasks. These difficulties may also cause them to feel they're not achieving their full potential in the workplace or in other aspects of their lives.
Inattention ADHD symptoms may appear a lot like depression or social anxiety as well, which is another reason certain people don't receive a diagnosis. People who have inattentive ADHD may have trouble understanding what others are saying or listening to them. They may also have difficulty estimating how long before they complete the task. This can lead to procrastination or missed deadlines.
Another way people might behave as if they're not paying attention to someone is to interrupt their thoughts into conversations or interrupting others. They might also sport an expression of glazed-over when someone is talking to them. In the past, you may have tried to minimize this behavior by abstaining from eye contact and making friendly gestures such as smiling or leaning in. You might now notice yourself avoiding social occasions or places where you know that the person you are trying to ignore is present.
People with inattentive ADHD are also more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. The gender of the person plays a part in the way that these disorders develop in adulthood too and men with ADHD are more likely to suffer from heightened symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity, while women are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms. This is why a psychiatric evaluation is important to rule out any other medical conditions before making a diagnosis of ADHD. It's worth noting that for the vast majority of people who suffer from ADHD, hyperactivity and impulsivity don't present as a prominent symptom.
3. Impulsivity
People with ADHD often struggle to control their emotions and impulses. This can lead to abrupt decisions and actions that could result in severe consequences. They might interrupt others in conversations, make hasty life-changing choices, or engage in risky behavior. These impulsive behaviors can also create problems in their personal relationships.
They could, for instance, forget to pay their bill on time, or leave their keys in the ignition prior to leaving for work. Their partners may feel frustrated and feel left out. It can lead to delayed deadlines for work and lower productivity.
A few adults with ADHD are also having trouble adhering to their commitments. This isn't due to the fact that they don't care, but rather because their brain is overloaded with a myriad of thoughts and tasks.
This can also lead to a poor performance at work or a lack of respect from supervisors and coworkers.
Hyperactivity is not as common in adults suffering from ADHD than it is in children. In reality it is only a tiny fraction of adults have this characteristic. But restlessness and a need to be stimulated are common symptoms for adult ADHD. It can manifest as fidgeting, trouble relaxing or a constant need to talk and be stimulated.
People with ADHD struggle to discern social boundaries. This can lead them to interfere in other people's conversations or activities without their permission. They might also overshare details or make comments that are inappropriate for the situation. This can cause tension in relationships and strain friendships.
Men who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their finances and may be more prone to make mistakes in their spending. They also struggle to keep track of important dates and occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis in order to ensure that you receive the correct treatment for your adult ADHD symptoms. You can get this done by consulting a psychiatrist with experience diagnosing and treating ADHD. Your GP or a registered psychologist can refer you to one or you can self-refer. They will ask you questions about your history and lifestyle to build a complete picture of your symptoms. They will also evaluate the risk of other illnesses like anxiety and depression. The doctor will then recommend a treatment plan for adult ADHD. This usually includes behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications and assistance. In some instances, they may prescribe a medication like Atomoxetine previously known as Strattera.
4. Disorganization
Men who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to keep their lives organized. They may have difficulty organizing their tasks, adhering to a routine for a day or remembering appointments, as well as managing personal finances. These difficulties can lead to relationship issues and a feeling of being in a state of denial. These problems can also result in health issues like chronic anxiety, stress sleep disorders, poor eating habits.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused, especially when the task is boring monotonous, repetitive, or boring. They may be anxious or find it hard to endure meetings, whether at work or school. This can make them appear irritable and agitated. Additionally, symptoms of ADHD in an adult might be prone to squirm or fidget in their chairs, and have difficulty being still for prolonged periods of time. This is a symptom similar to hyperactivity in children with ADHD however, it can be different in adults.
While disorganization is an important characteristic of ADHD however, people with the disorder may also experience heightened periods of hyperfocus when they are doing something they love or that they find satisfying. These periods of intense focus can be beneficial at work when someone with ADHD is able to block out all other distractions and focuses on their job or a preferred hobby. This condition can allow them to advance in their careers, but it can also bring lots of stress when they aren't able to finish daily chores, remember appointments, or keep track of their bank account.
People suffering from ADHD can appear irritable and unorganized, which could result in a feeling of self-blame and low self-esteem. It is often difficult to maintain healthy relationships with friends, family and colleagues due to their difficulties with organization and focus. Adults suffering from ADHD might not realize they have problems until they start suffering serious issues at home or at work like missing medical appointments, losing important paperwork or racking up debt due to impulsive spending.
There are a variety of treatments and therapies that are that can help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Generally speaking, therapies based on talk like psychotherapy can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because they aid them in gaining a better understanding of their struggles and help them manage their symptoms. These kinds of therapy are delivered by professional counselors, registered psychologist, clinical psychology or psychotherapist with special training in ADHD.
