ADHD in Adult Men Symptoms
Men who exhibit symptoms of ADHD often feel misunderstood. They could be accused of being goof-offs or slackers. They may also be referred to as troublemakers.
Men with untreated ADHD may also experience relationship problems due to their impulsiveness or lack of memory. Fortunately, treatment options such as therapy and medication can be helpful. Connect with a provider on Klarity Health to learn more.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
The most prominent characteristic of ADHD in men of all ages is trouble sustaining focus. You might find that a day goes by without completing tasks that must be completed or keeping track of important dates or important events. ADHD symptoms adults may also have trouble adhering to company policies or procedures at work, meeting deadlines, and following medical instructions. This could cause you to be ill with your health or finances.
In addition to causing work and relationship problems, your lack concentration can cause self-esteem and confidence issues. It can make it difficult to accept criticism or admit that you're wrong. You can increase your ability to concentrate by learning to manage symptoms and working with an expert in mental health or doctor who is specialized in ADHD.
ADHD is usually treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. Non-stimulants like bupropion and Atomoxetine are also helpful. You can also learn strategies for coping to manage stress, which can cause symptoms.
If you're having trouble staying seated, have difficulty keeping your hands off of your face or speak frequently, it's likely that you have ADHD. You might also have difficulty relaxing or enjoying your hobbies or other activities you enjoy in silence. You might also be prone to talking to yourself or utter nonsense words loudly.
Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men are and this makes it harder for them to get an accurate diagnosis. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate your behavior to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They may utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and other psychological tests to determine your symptoms. You could also be a part of a clinical trial.
2. Impulsivity
Men with 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 keep promises and engaging in other actions that lead to negative consequences. It could appear that they make decisions based on their mood and that others see them as irresponsible. But, this is the result of their condition and not a flaw in their character.
Low impulse control is a condition in which one is unable to listen to the voice in their mind asking, "Is it really a good thing?" They do not think about the consequences of their actions. This is a major reason why relationships with adults with ADHD are involved can be difficult. Lack of follow-through, impulsive behavior and difficulty focus during conversations can lead to feelings of disappointment, frustration, hopelessness and failure.
It is more prevalent among males and younger people. It is associated with externalizing disorders (such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia) as and internalizing disorders (such as depression). It is also present in people suffering from substance abuse disorders.
People with impulsive tendencies may appear likable and successful in a few aspects of their lives, but this same impulsivity can create chaos behind closed doors. At any moment they could quit groups, change jobs or establish new relationships. They might lie without thinking about the consequences or engage in other behaviors that could lead to violence and destruction of property. They might overeat or drink in excess leading to obesity, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
3. Inattentiveness
Men with inattentive ADHD often struggle to pay attention to details and can cause serious issues. They may forget to make appointments, misread directions or have trouble remembering what they have already done or said. This can cause tension in relationships and make people feel confused, frustrated or anxious.
It's not uncommon for adults with inattention ADHD to start but never complete projects or tasks, and they might be bored quickly and then move onto something else without fully completing the previous task. They may also be unable to estimating how long a task will take, which may result in them falling behind in their work or other obligations.
Adults with inattentive ADHD have trouble listening to conversations, even if the topic is important or interesting to them. They might interrupt other people often or fail to make the important points they're trying to make, which could cause tension and stress in relationships.
Many adults who were not diagnosed with ADHD as children are left in silence, blamed for their own difficulties or accepting the snide comments about being "lazy," 'flaky," or "stupid." A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a good deal of relief because it helps people realize that their problems stem from a genetic fault rather than an insufficiency of character. Many people with ADHD can benefit from medication to correct their underlying problem. If you decide to seek treatment with your doctor, they will likely recommend nonstimulants and psychostimulants that target the way in which certain chemicals interact within the brain to regulate behavior. They might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a method that assists you in recognizing and replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
4. Taking Frequent Bathroom Breaks
Men with ADHD often have trouble staying focused. They might feel agitated or feel a constant need for movement, which can cause frequent bathroom breaks. They may also frequently interrupt others, which can affect their work productivity and relationships. If you struggle with ADHD and have a history of it, you might be interested in taking part in a clinical trial to help researchers find more effective methods to prevent, detect or manage your symptoms. Talk to your health medical professional or mental health professional about the clinical trials that are happening in your area.
We've all waited to finish that big report until the very last minute however for those with ADHD, this is a regular pattern. They'll attempt to distract themselves with other projects and tasks, and they'll delay the things that really need to get completed.
Adults with ADHD are more subtle than that of children, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify however it doesn't mean that they're not having problems according to Colette de Marneffe, a clinical psychologist in Silver Spring, Maryland. Adults who suffer from ADHD might have a hard to stay still at work or at school and may fidget with their feet, hands or get their teeth clenched.
Some people with ADHD may have a difficult time keeping their work spaces and rooms tidy, which can result in an overcluttered environment. This can cause anxiety, stress and inability to locate items quickly. The use of stimulants such as Guanfacine and Clonidine can be effective in helping adults suffering from ADHD focus. Non-stimulant drugs like Bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin) are also utilized to treat this disorder. These medications hinder the reuptake of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, neurotransmitters responsible for controlling the ability to focus and move.
5. Interjecting in Conversations
Men who suffer from ADHD frequently report having disturbing thoughts, like a persistent "I should be in a position to do this," or a feeling that they're being watched all the time. They might also be anxious, which could cause a lack of focus and difficulty concentrating. This can negatively impact their relationships.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficultly identifying symptoms since they don't appear on an MRI or blood test and a lot of them come up with strategies to disguise the condition. This is especially true for women who are less likely to be diagnosed since they can conceal their symptoms better. They are less likely to get the treatment they require.
Another reason that people with ADHD may be misdiagnosed and under-treated is because the internal and external symptoms of the disorder can appear different for different genders. For instance, women with ADHD tend to exhibit more "internalizing" symptoms, such as inattention, while men tend to show more "externalizing" symptoms, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The fact that internal and external symptoms of ADHD can look very different between genders is an excellent reminder that it's important to separate who you are from your ADHD symptoms. It's also an indication that it requires special care to deal with these symptoms. Reach out to an experienced therapist if you're experiencing difficulty dealing with ADHD symptoms. They can help you identify your specific challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. You can also receive professional support through a local ADHD group or an online forum. In addition to taking medication they can also provide assistance and guidance.