ADHD in Adult Men Symptoms
Men who have symptoms of ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood. They may be accused as slackers, pranksters or troublemakers.
Men who suffer from untreated ADHD can also have trouble in relationships due to their impulsive behavior and forgetfulness. Thankfully, treatment options like therapy and medication can help. For more information, connect with a provider through Klarity Health.
1. Lack of Focus
The core characteristic of ADHD in adult men is difficulty in maintaining focus. You may notice that a day goes by without accomplishing the tasks that have to be completed or keeping the track of important dates or events. You might also be having trouble following corporate policies or procedures at work, completing deadlines, and following medical instructions. This could cause you to suffer health issues or your finances.
In addition to causing work and relationship difficulties, your lack of focus can cause self-esteem and confidence issues. It can make it difficult to accept criticism or admit you're wrong. You can improve your focus by taking steps to learn how to manage symptoms and working with a physician or mental health professional who specializes in ADHD.
Amphetamine and methylphenidate are frequently used to aid those suffering from ADHD. Non-stimulants, such as bupropion or atomoxetine can also be helpful. You can also learn strategies for coping to manage stress that can trigger symptoms.
ADHD can be diagnosed if you are unable to sit still, you speak often, or you have a hard getting your hands off of yourself. You might also have difficulty relaxing or enjoying activities or hobbies that you like to do in silence. You may also be prone to talking to yourself or say nonsensical phrases out loud.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it harder to get a diagnosis. To determine whether you have ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate your behavior and review your medical history. They might use the standard ADHD rating scales and other psychological tests to evaluate your symptoms. You might also participate in an experimental trial.
2. Impulsivity
Men suffering from ADHD often struggle to control their impulses. They might be inclined to make inappropriate remarks eating too much food or other activities, wasting time, failing to follow through on promises, and engaging in other behaviors that can have negative consequences. It could appear that they are acting on their own and others may view them as reckless. This behavior is not an inherent flaw in their character, but a result of the symptoms they are experiencing.
If someone has a low level of impulse control, they are not capable of listening to the tiny voice in their head asking them, "Is this really a good idea?" They don't stop to think about the consequences before moving forward. This could be a major reason why relationships with adults with ADHD are involved can be so challenging. Lack of follow-through, insanity behaviors and difficulty concentrating in conversations can cause feelings of frustration, failure disappointment and hopelessness.
It is more prevalent among older people and men. It is linked to externalizing disorders (such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia) as and internalizing disorders (such as depression). It is also present in people with substance abuse disorders.
People with impulsive tendencies can appear to be likable and successful in some aspects of their lives, but this same impulsivity could cause havoc behind closed doors. At any moment they might leave groups, change jobs or start new relationships. They may lie without thinking about the consequences or engage in other behaviors which can lead to aggression and property destruction. They might overeat or drink excessively, leading to obesity and alcohol or drug abuse.
3. Inattentiveness
Men with inattentive ADHD often struggle to pay close attention to details and can cause serious issues. They may forget to keep appointments, or misunderstand directions, or have trouble remembering what they have already done or said. This can affect relationships and make people feel irritated, confused or as if they're walking around on eggshells.
It's not uncommon for people with inattention ADHD to start but never finish their projects or tasks, and they are likely to become bored quickly and jump onto something else without completing the previous task. They may also have trouble understanding the time it will take to complete a task, which can cause them to fall behind in their work or other obligations.
Adults who are inattentive ADHD aren't able to paying attention to a conversation regardless of whether the topic is important or interesting to them. They can interrupt other people or fail to make the most important points they are trying to make, which can cause tension and stress in relationships.
Many adults who weren't diagnosed with ADHD as children are left to suffer in silence, blaming their own difficulties or accepting insults about being "lazy," 'flaky," or "stupid." A diagnoses of ADHD can provide a great amount of relief since it helps them realize that their problems are caused by a biological fault rather than an insufficiency of character. Many individuals with ADHD benefit from taking medication to address the underlying deficit. If adult symptoms of ADHD decide to seek treatment, your doctor may suggest nonstimulants or psychostimulants, that target the way certain chemicals interact with the brain to regulate behavior. They might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a technique that helps you identify and replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
4. Taking Frequent Bathroom Breaks
Men with ADHD often have difficulty staying on task. They may feel restless or feel a constant need to move around, which may result in frequent bathroom breaks. They might also interrupt other people frequently, which could have a negative impact on their relationships and work performance. You may be interested in taking part in a clinical trial for those suffering from ADHD. This will allow researchers to discover better ways to detect, prevent, or treat symptoms. Talk to your health care provider or mental health professionals about clinical trials taking place in your area.
Adults with ADHD typically wait until the last minute to complete a large report. They'll try to distract themselves by other projects and tasks, and they'll put off the tasks that really need to get completed.
Adults' hyperactivity is more subtle than that of children, making it difficult for doctors to spot however, it doesn't mean that they're not experiencing issues according to Colette de Marneffe, a psychologist who works in Silver Spring, Maryland. Adults with ADHD may have a difficult to sit at work or at school and may fidget with their hands, feet or get their teeth clenched.
Some people with ADHD have trouble keeping their rooms and workspaces clean, which can lead to an overcluttered environment. This can lead to frustration and stress, as well as the inability to find items quickly. Medications such as stimulants like Guanfacine and Clonidine are effective in helping adults with ADHD focus. Non-stimulant drugs like Bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin) are also employed to treat this disorder. These medications block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, neurotransmitters that control attention and movement.
5. Interjecting into Conversations
Men who have 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 experience anxiety, which can result in a lack of focus and difficulty in staying focused. This could negatively impact their relationships.
The signs of ADHD in adults can be hard to identify because they aren't evident on an MRI or blood test and a lot of sufferers develop coping strategies to conceal the condition. This is especially true for women who are less likely to be diagnosed because they can conceal their symptoms more effectively. They are less likely to receive the treatment they require.
The internal and external symptoms can differ for different genders, which could lead to misdiagnosis and undertreatment. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more "internalizing" symptoms, such as inattentiveness, whereas men tend to show more "externalizing" symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The fact that both the internal and external symptoms of ADHD appear very different between genders is a good reminder that it's crucial to distinguish the person you are from ADHD symptoms. It's also an indication that it requires special attention to manage these symptoms. If you're struggling to cope with ADHD symptoms, reach out to a therapist. They can help you identify and overcome your specific difficulties. You can also seek professional assistance through a local ADHD group or online forum. In addition to medication, these professionals can offer advice and assistance.