Combined ADHD Symptoms in Adults
A person has to show at least six symptoms and must be consistent for at least six months to be considered to have Combined ADHD symptoms. Adults with this condition are more likely to be suffering from a psychiatric condition such as anxiety or depression.
Living with a combination of ADHD symptoms can be exhausting, and can create hardships in both professional/academic and personal settings. There are strategies that can aid!
Difficulty paying attention
People with Combined ADHD experience symptoms from both the Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive Subtypes. They have trouble paying attention and also struggle to stop their actions or speaking out when they are triggered. For example, a person may feel agitated while trying to read a book, but can't keep themselves from interrupting others or fumbling. Their incessant behavior makes it difficult to focus on a task, which leads to a lack of focus or poor performance.
The tendency to get easily distracted can affect relationships. This could be due to a lack of consideration for others, and also because you may be having difficulty staying focused on the current situation or task at the moment. You might be so focused on your job that you easily overlook your family or an important appointment.
You may also have difficulty reading social boundaries and situations and are often a nuisance to others even in situations not directly related to your personal needs. This could cause you not be aware that your conduct could be seen as rude by people who are around you.
It can also be difficult to follow instructions or remember what was said during a conversation. This can cause issues at school, work and in your personal life. It is normal to lose things at times but you are likely to forget more frequently with Combined ADHD.
Adults who suffer from Combined ADHD are more likely to be males than females however, this gap is narrowing as they reach adulthood. This is due to the symptoms of inattention that are associated with Combined ADHD persist into adulthood, while the hyperactive symptoms tend to diminish.
Experts don't know what causes Combined ADHD, but they do know that it's an neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect girls and boys of all different ages. It can run in the family, and it can be present without any family history. It is thought that differences in brain structure or brain chemistry may be involved.
If you are concerned that you may have Combined ADHD, the best place to start is by talking to your health care provider. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who is skilled in treating this condition. During the examination they will examine your mood and other factors such as family history and medical histories. They will also talk to people who know you well and observe your behavior in different situations.
Hyperactivity
In a person with combined type ADHD, symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity appear together. They are able to focus on tasks that need their attention but they are easily distracted. They also have difficulty organizing their time and space. In some cases impulsive behaviors like fumbling around and talking out of turn may hinder social interactions and activities. People who are of the two types are more likely to make careless mistakes at school or work, and are more trouble following instructions.
The symptoms of a combined type usually start in childhood but continue throughout adulthood. They can become more disruptive when the demands of school or work increase. People who have a combination often have a history depression or anxiety. These issues can obscure the symptoms. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also have a difficult time getting help, since they are often believed to have overcome the disorder.
To be diagnosed with the combined type, a person must meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and have them last more than six months. They must also affect their lives and cannot be explained by a different mental condition.
It is essential to determine combined type ADHD correctly as the severity of the symptoms can differ. An accurate diagnosis can lead to the right treatment program, which may include behavioral and medication.
Stimulant medications can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and allow someone to focus. Behavioral therapy can teach techniques to improve organizational skills as well as self-regulation. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may help with emotional issues and replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones. People with an array of ADHD symptoms can join support groups that allow them to discuss their experiences and get advice from others with similar struggles.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis is an important step towards living a happy and healthy life. Although it may be intimidating to seek a diagnosis, many adults who seek treatment say that they have found relief from their ADHD symptoms following the correct treatment.
Impulsivity
Combined ADHD symptoms in adults are often more severe than either the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive ADHD subtype. This can make it difficult to maintain commitments, and could have more of an impact on work and social situations than an assessment based on a single type. Additionally, impulsivity along with attention deficits make it difficult for those suffering from this condition to control their emotions and remain calm.
The signs of this condition may be present in many settings, such as at school, work or at your home. For a diagnosis, a person must display at least six inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and have them be present for at least 6 months. These symptoms include a difficulty in paying attention to detail making erroneous mistakes and having difficulty following instructions, daydreaming, or being distracted, and easily becoming distracted from activities and tasks.
Women who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms are often misdiagnosed, or go undiagnosed because their symptoms don't show up as "hyperactivity" or "impulsivity." These women could be referred to by family members as "lazy" or "irresponsible," but these negative labels are based on internalized shame, frustration and self-blame that are triggered by underlying struggles with time management, lack of organization and managing demands at the last minute.
People who have multiple ADHD symptoms are also more likely to be chronically exhausted, which can make it difficult to focus for long periods of time. This is why it is crucial to take the necessary steps to combat fatigue, including getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
For adults suffering from a mix of ADHD symptoms the most effective treatment options are medication and behavioral therapy. Medications help to improve focus, reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, and aid in emotional regulation. Behavioral therapy can be utilized as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with pharmacological treatments and uses techniques like cognitive-behavioral strategies as well as structured routines to teach people suffering from ADHD new skills that will improve their lives.
A strong support network is vital to managing an illness such as Combined ADHD. It is beneficial to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in ADHD and to collect information from your medical, psychological, and childhood background.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be present when people have ADHD symptoms. The anxiety they experience can exacerbate the difficulties they face in focusing and attention, as well as the impulsivity and restlessness. They could also be more likely to get distracted during conversations or events, or to fail to meet deadlines. People with anxiety might feel overwhelmed by everyday life activities and may have trouble managing stress, especially when it's related to work or family.
Other health conditions and physical issues can also cause anxiety. It is crucial to rule out any other causes prior to identifying anxiety in someone and suggesting treatment. A health care provider will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient, taking into consideration their mental health and medical history, their mood, and any other factors that may contribute to anxiety. The provider will ask the patient about their issues, and how they impact their daily life and relationships.
ADHD adult symptoms may be helpful for those with anxiety to keep a diary, or make notes to document situations such as tasks, environments and other factors that trigger anxiety. This can help them discern patterns and anticipate times the times they may feel anxious, so that they can prepare for or avoid these situations. It's also a good idea to speak with an therapist or doctor about their anxiety to get support and to gain knowledge about the condition.
It is important to recognize that anxiety can't be "cured". Controlling and relieving it requires patience, effort and self-awareness. It's important to remember that anxiety is a normal thing and doesn't have to be a lifetime struggle.
While some treatments for anxiety are effective, it's often better to combine them with treatments for ADHD. Combining behavioral therapy with medication is the most effective treatment option for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help improve the coping skills of an individual and help them establish routines and structures that decrease their ADHD symptoms. It can teach them how to better manage anxiety and make use of tools like planners, reminders, and flexible timetables.