Adults can and do suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. It is a myth that you must have been diagnosed as a child. Many adults have suffered their whole lives from undiagnosed symptoms of ADHD. Managing symptoms of ADHD is possible for adults. The key is to control the negative symptoms of ADHD while embracing the positive ones.
Adult ADHD Symptoms
Many symptoms of ADHD are also symptoms of other disorders such as depression or anxiety. It takes a professional to make a final diagnosis, but there are symptoms you can recognize to know if you have ADHD. Trouble organizing and concentrating are typical of ADHD. People with ADHD may easily lose things, may become distracted during conversations or have trouble finishing projects. The hyperactivity in adults looks different from hyperactivity in children. Irritability, mood swings, the inability to do quiet activities are symptoms of hyperactivity. Impulsivity results in poor decision making or interrupting often during conversations, perhaps saying things which are regretted later.
Positive and Negative Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can seem overwhelmingly negative, but from the same set of symptoms can come some very positive outcomes. An adult with ADHD can be extremely creative, adapt extremely well to quickly changing circumstances and have ambitious drive and commitment as they exhibit hyperfocus--the ability to focus on one thing exclusively to the point in which creative breakthroughs are possible. Things that people without ADHD would find extremely difficult are much easier for a person with that level of drive and focus. It is important to keep these positive symptoms while managing the negative ones.
Managing Negative Symptoms
Awareness is the key to success with management of ADHD symptoms, including mood swings. Because of the ADHD, staying out of stressful situations is an important part of managing symptoms. Sometimes staying out of stressful situations is not possible, so it is also important to learn stress management techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or daily exercise.
Having the support you need is crucial. Think of regular support as you would brushing your teeth. Find a qualified therapist or simply make sure there are friends and family around you whom you can rely on. ADHD support groups exist. Join one for extra support and encouragement.
Practicing social skills will also help lessen the effects of mood swings and other negative symptoms. Active listening, noticing social cues and practicing healthy social interactions are all a part of this.
Mood swings will be less severe if you are able to get enough quality sleep, if you eat well and if you exercise daily. Trying to finish a 30-minute workout may seem like too much. If so, you can do shorter 10-minute workouts that will accomplish the same thing for your health and well-being.
Tags: symptoms ADHD, mood swings, during conversations, Negative Symptoms, negative symptoms