ADHD in Adult Men Symptoms
Men who suffer from ADHD symptoms often feel misunderstood. They could be viewed as slackers, pranksters or troublemakers.
Men who suffer from untreated ADHD can also have trouble in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or forgetfulness. Treatment options like therapy and medication are available to help. Connect with a provider on Klarity Health to learn more.
1. Lack of Focus
The most prominent sign of ADHD for adult men is trouble sustaining focus. You might notice that you're unable complete tasks or keep track of important dates and events. You might also be having trouble following corporate policies or procedures at work, completing deadlines, and following medical guidelines. You could also be suffering from financial or health issues.
Your lack of focus could cause problems in self-esteem and confidence. It can make it hard to accept criticism or admit that you're wrong. You can improve your concentration by taking steps to learn how to manage your symptoms and working with a doctor or mental health professional that specializes in ADHD.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly used to help those suffering from ADHD. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and bupropion, can also be helpful. You can also learn coping strategies to reduce stress, which can cause symptoms.
ADHD can be diagnosed if you have trouble sitting still, you speak often, or have a difficult finding the time to keep your hands to yourself. You might also have trouble enjoying yourself or engaging in activities that you enjoy in silence and may be talking to yourself in your head or talk about untrue things loudly.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. To determine if you're suffering from ADHD, an expert in health or a mental health professional will look at your behavior and go over your history. They might employ standardized ADHD rating scales as well as other psychological tests to determine your symptoms. You may also be able to participate in a study conducted by a psychologist.
2. Impulsivity
Men with ADHD frequently struggle to control their impulses. They are often prone to making inappropriate comments eating too much activities or food, wasting time, failing to fulfill promises and engaging in other behaviors that have negative consequences. It could appear that they make decisions based on their mood, and others view as irresponsible. However, this behavior is a result of their condition and not a character flaw.
If someone is struggling with impulse control, they are not able to heed the small voice in their head asking them, "Is this really a good idea?" They don't stop to think about the implications before moving forward. This could be a major reason why relationships in which adults with ADHD are involved can be a challenge. Lack of follow-through, insanity behavior and difficulty in concentrating on conversations can cause feelings of frustration, failure, disappointment and hopelessness.
It is more prevalent in men and younger people. It is associated with externalizing disorders (such as bipolar disorder and schizotypal personality disorder) as in internalizing disorders (such as depression). It is also seen in people suffering from substance abuse disorders.
People with impulsive tendencies can appear to be successful and likable in a few aspects of their lives, however this same impulsivity can cause chaos behind closed doors. They might quit jobs, join groups, or begin new relationships on a whim. They may lie and not think about the consequences or engage in other behavior which can lead to aggression and destruction of property. They might overindulge or drink too much, leading to obesity or alcohol or drug abuse.
3. Inattentiveness
Men with inattentive ADHD tend to struggle to pay close attention to details, which can cause significant problems. They might forget to keep appointments, or misunderstand directions, or struggle to remember what they have already said or done. This can strain relationships and make people feel confused, angry or like they're walking on eggshells.
Adults with inattentive ADHD are known to begin projects but never complete them. They may also get bored easily, and shift to a different task before completing the first project. They may also have trouble understanding the time it will take to complete the task, which could result in them falling behind in their work or other obligations.
Adults with inattention ADHD also have a difficult time keeping focus and pay attention to conversations, even when the subject is interesting or important to them. They might interrupt other people often or miss important points they're trying to make, which can create tension and stress in relationships.
Many adults who didn't receive the diagnosis of ADHD as children are left in silence throughout the teen and adult years and blame themselves for their struggles or allowing snide remarks about being "lazy," "flaky" or "stupid." A diagnosis of ADHD is a major relief since it allows you to recognize that your problems stem from a genetic issue, not a personality flaw. Many people with ADHD can benefit from medication to address their underlying deficit. If you decide to seek treatment, your doctor will likely recommend psychostimulants and nonstimulants that target the way in which certain chemicals interact with the brain to regulate behavior. They may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you recognize the automatic or irrational thinking that lead to negative behaviors and replace them with positive ones.
4. Taking Frequent Bathroom Breaks
Men who suffer from ADHD struggle to stay focused. They might be anxious or feel a constant urge to move around, which could cause frequent bathroom breaks. They may also often interrupt others, which can impact their productivity at work and their relationships. If you struggle with ADHD or other related disorders, you might be interested in participating in a clinical study to aid researchers in finding more effective methods to identify, prevent or manage your symptoms. Talk to your health medical professional or mental health professional about the clinical trials taking place in your region.
Adults suffering from ADHD often wait until the last moment to complete a large report. They'll attempt to distract themselves with other projects and tasks, and they'll put off the tasks that really need to be completed.
Colette deMarneffe is a clinical psychologist from Silver Spring Maryland, says that hyperactivity in adults can be more subtle, which makes it harder for doctors and other professionals to recognize. But this does not mean that there aren't issues. Adults suffering from ADHD may have a difficult time sitting still at work or in school, and they may fidget with their feet, hands or grind their teeth.
Some people with ADHD may have a difficult time keeping their work spaces and rooms tidy, which can result in an over-cluttered environment. This can lead to anxiety and stress, as well as the inability of finding things quickly. The use of stimulants such as Guanfacine and Clonidine can be beneficial in helping adults with ADHD focus. Non-stimulant medications like Bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin) are also used to manage this disorder. These medications inhibit the reuptake dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters that control the attention and movement.
5. Interjecting into adult ADHD symptoms in men with ADHD frequently report having disturbing thoughts, like a persistent "I should be able to get away with this," or a feeling that they're constantly being watched. They might also be suffering from anxiety that can cause an inability to concentration and lack of focus. This could negatively impact their relationships.
The signs of ADHD in adults can be hard to determine because they aren't evident on an MRI or blood test and many people develop coping mechanisms that cover up the symptoms. This is particularly the case for women, who are less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men since they're more adept at hiding their symptoms. In the end, they're less likely to receive the treatment that they require.
The external and internal symptoms may differ between genders, leading to misdiagnosis and undertreatment. Women with ADHD are more likely than men to exhibit "internalizing symptoms" like inattention.
It's important to remember that ADHD symptoms can be radically different depending on gender. It's also a reminder that it takes special care to deal with these symptoms. Talk to an experienced therapist if you're experiencing difficulties dealing with ADHD symptoms. They can help you understand and overcome your unique issues. You can also receive professional help through a local ADHD group or an online forum. These professionals can provide assistance and guidance in addition to medication.