Combined ADHD Symptoms in Adults
To be able to be diagnosed with Combined ADHD symptoms, a person must display six or more symptoms of the disorder and show up consistently for longer than six months. Adults with this condition are more likely to suffer from a psychiatric disorder like anxiety or depression.
Living with a combination of ADHD symptoms can be exhausting, and can create hardships in both professional/academic and personal settings. Fortunately, there are strategies to help!
Attention problems
People with Combined ADHD experience symptoms from both the Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive Subtypes. They aren't able to pay attention and also have trouble stopping 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 stop themselves from interrupting others or fidgeting. Their impulsive nature makes it difficult to follow through on a task. This can lead to poor or ineffective performance.
The tendency to become distracted can cause problems with relationships. This can be because you are not considerate of others or because you have difficulty focusing on your current task or situation. For instance, you could get caught up in your work that you don't inquire about what your family members are doing or you miss an important appointment.
You may also have difficulty reading social boundaries and situations and frequently interrupt others, even in situations not directly related to your own needs. This can cause you to not be aware that your behavior could be seen as rude by people around you.
It can also be difficult to follow instructions or remember what was said during an exchange. These problems can cause difficulties at work, in school and even in your private life. It is normal to forget things from time to time but you are likely to be more likely to forget things regularly when you have 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 partly due to the fact that the inattention-related symptoms of Combined ADHD continue into adulthood and the hyperactive ones tend to diminish.
Experts don't know what causes Combined ADHD, but they do know that it's a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect girls and boys of all different ages. It can be a part of the family and can also occur without family history. It appears that brain structure differences or brain chemistry may be involved.
If you're worried that you 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 has experience treating this condition. During the evaluation they will take a look at your mood as well as other factors such as family history and medical histories. They will also talk to people who are familiar with you and observe your behavior in different situations.
Hyperactivity
In a person with combined type ADHD, symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity appear together. They can focus on the tasks that need their attention however, they are easily distracted. They also have a difficult time managing their time and space. In certain situations the impulsive behavior of fidgeting or talking in a sporadic manner can interfere with everyday activities and social interactions. People who are of the two types are more likely to make careless mistakes at school or at work, and may have difficulty following directions.
The symptoms of a combined type can begin in childhood, but they may persist into adulthood. They can become more disruptive as the demands of work or school increase. Most people who have a combination type also suffer from depression or anxiety and these issues may overshadow their symptoms. Additionally, people who have an diagnosis of ADHD may have a harder time getting help because they are often assumed to have gotten over their condition.
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 should also affect their lives and cannot be explained by a different mental condition.
The symptoms of combined type ADHD can differ in severity, so it is important to get a correct diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis will help determine the best treatment plan, which could include behavioral and medication therapies.
Stimulant medications can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and allow someone to focus. Behavioral therapy can teach strategies that help improve organizational skills and self-regulation. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help to address emotional problems and replace negative behaviors with healthier ones. Support groups are available to people with ADHD symptoms. They can share their experiences with others and receive advice from those who have had similar struggles.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is an important step in the journey to living a happy and healthy life. It can be difficult to determine if you have ADHD. However, a lot of adults have reported relief from their ADHD symptoms when they receive the proper 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 keep commitments, and may have more of an impact on work and social situations than a diagnosis based on a single type. Additionally, impulsivity along with attention deficits makes 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 lack of attention to detail making erroneous mistakes or not following instructions, daydreaming or being distracted, and easily getting sidetracked from activities and tasks.
Women with a combination of ADHD symptoms are often misdiagnosed, or go undiagnosed altogether due to the fact that their symptoms aren't manifested as "hyperactivity" or "impulsivity." These women might be described by family members as "lazy" or "irresponsible," but these negative labels are based on internalized shame, frustration, and self-blame caused by the underlying struggle with time management, lack of organization and managing demands at the last minute.
symptoms of ADHD in adults who suffer from multiple ADHD symptoms are also more likely to be exhausted, which makes it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time. It is important to control fatigue by getting enough rest eating healthy meals, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms are best treated with medication and behavioral therapy. The use of medication can help improve concentration, decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness, and aid in emotional regulation. Behavioral therapy can be utilized as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with pharmacological treatments. It uses techniques like cognitive-behavioral strategies and structured routines to teach those with ADHD new skills that improve their lives.
The treatment of a disorder such as Combined ADHD requires a strong support system. It is important to identify an expert in healthcare who is trained in ADHD and to collect details from your medical, psychological, and childhood background.
Anxiety
If people suffer from combined ADHD symptoms, they can also be afflicted with anxiety. The anxiety they experience can exacerbate the difficulty they have with attention and focus as well as restlessness and impulsivity. It also makes them more likely to become distracted during conversations or events and to be late to deadlines. People who are anxious may be overwhelmed by everyday activities, and may have trouble managing stress. This is particularly applicable to work or family.
Other physical and medical issues can also trigger anxiety. It's important to rule out these other causes before diagnosing an individual with anxiety and suggesting treatment. A healthcare professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient, taking into consideration their current and past mental health, medical history, mood, and other factors that may be contributing to anxiety. The doctor will also ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships.
It can be beneficial for those with anxiety to keep a diary, or make notes, to record situations such as tasks, environments and other factors that trigger anxiety. This can help them recognize patterns and anticipate when they might be feeling anxious, so they can plan ahead or avoid these situations. It's also a good idea to talk to a doctor or therapist about their anxiety, to get support and to know more about the issue.
It's crucial to realize that anxiety isn't "cured". Managing and relieving it requires time, effort and self-awareness. It's important to remember that anxiety can be common and doesn't have to be a constant struggle.
Although certain treatments for anxiety are effective, it's often best to combine them with treatments for ADHD. Combining medication and behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Behavioral therapy can improve the ability of a person to cope and aid them in creating routines and structure that will reduce their ADHD symptoms. It can also teach how to manage their anxiety and utilize tools like planners reminders, planners, and a flexible schedule.