Adult ADHD Beyond Distraction: 5 Signs That May Affect Daily Life

More than 15 million adults possess attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many others have yet to receive a diagnosis.

Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Bosede Iwuamadi, DNP, PMHNP, helps patients navigate the ups and downs of ADHD and other mental health issues via telehealth at Newstone Behavioral Health in Garland, Texas.

What is ADHD? 

ADHD is considered a neurodevelopmental condition that manifests as:

• Attention difficulties
• Impulsive behavior
• Hyperactivity, and more

Dr. Iwuamadi and our team help diagnose ADHD through an extensive evaluation and self-rating of symptoms. 

ADHD in adults 

Adults often learn to mask their ADHD symptoms better than children, so it may take longer to uncover. Since it frequently runs in families, you may make the connection after your child receives a diagnosis.

Whether or not you’ve received an official diagnosis, you may notice certain issues regularly interfere with your day-to-day life, such as these five signs:

1. Sleep difficulties

Your mind gets stuck in a loop, as worrisome thoughts roll around your brain the moment your head hits the pillow. A delayed circadian rhythm may also interfere with your ability to go to sleep at a consistent time each night. 

2. Impulsivity 

This can show up in a variety of ways, from overspending to overeating. Substance abuse may also come into play in an effort to self-medicate anxious feelings.

3. Emotional problems 

ADHD makes it harder to control your emotions, causing you to overreact to stress and criticism. Small obstacles suddenly feel too large to handle. This may cause relationship problems as unhealthy displays of anger or impatience can turn minor annoyances into major difficulties.

4. Hyperfocus

Some people with ADHD experience hyperfocus, which increases your ability to focus deeply on a specific task. While this might be beneficial, it may also cause you to lose track of time and ignore other needs.

5. Trouble prioritizing tasks 

This can be especially difficult if your job requires juggling myriad appointments and responsibilities. At home, you may be unable to pay your bills on time or maintain a healthy, clean living environment. Completing projects also feels overwhelming. 

Dr. Iwuamadi provides counseling to help you manage these issues and more, such as low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety, which are common to people with ADHD.

Discover helpful coping strategies

Dr. Iwuamadi recommends a variety of behavioral tactics to improve your daily life, such as learning how to reduce distraction and better manage your time, along with the following.

Prioritze sleep

Going to bed and waking up around the same time each day helps you feel more balanced. Supplements, such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and melatonin, may also support your ability to relax and sleep. In addition: 

• Avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol in the evening.
• Stop scrolling on your smartphone or computer at least an hour before bedtime.
• Develop a relaxing pre-sleep routine, such as a warm bath or light reading.
• Keep the bedroom cool and dark so it’s easier to fall asleep.

Exercise regularly 

Walking for thirty minutes or more a few times a week does wonders for both mind and body. Exercise not only releases feel-good endorphins, but it takes your mind off your worries.

Practice meditation and mindfulness

Meditate once or twice a day for as little as 15 minutes to relieve stress and feel more grounded. Eat more mindfully, noticing how each bite tastes and feels in your mouth, to avoid overeating as you focus on the here and now. Paying attention to small things often helps keep bigger problems in perspective. 

Eat a more balanced diet 

Complex carbohydrates, such as fruits, whole grains, and legumes, help keep your blood sugar level. Foods rich in omega-3’s, such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, and leafy greens, and healthy proteins, including fish, milk, poultry, beans and peas, low-fat cheese, and yogurt, also fight depression, which may accompany ADHD. Sugar and highly processed foods, on the other hand, can cause mood swings and should be eaten in moderation, if at all.

We’re here to help

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than half of adults experiencing ADHD use telehealth for guidance. 

Dr. Iwuamadi uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) via telehealth to help you recognize and reverse counterproductive behaviors. The doctor may also suggest certain medications, such as stimulants, to enhance alertness, attention, and energy levels. Increasing dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain may also assist those with ADHD.

Newstone Behavioral Health provides a safe place to navigate mental health challenges head-on. If you’re ready to better manage your ADHD or other mental health issues, simply contact us in Garland, Texas, today.