Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many people suffering from ADHD are unaware of their condition. They often have difficulty getting organized, remember appointments, or show up to work on time.
Doctors diagnose ADHD by reviewing a patient's history, including old report cards and talking with family members. The symptoms usually manifest in childhood and persist into adulthood.
1. Problems with Focusing
People with ADHD struggle to pay close focus. They are more likely to make mistakes in the workplace or at school and overlook important details while completing tasks. They may also have difficulty following directions or keeping track of their possessions. They can be easily distracted by other distractions, such as people talking or noises in the background. For certain adults with ADHD forgetfulness can be an issue, particularly when it is a problem for their relationships and career.
Impulsivity and hyperactivity are more pronounced symptoms of ADHD than inattention for some people. ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults fidget a lot, can't stay still, or squirm when they sit down. They also have trouble doing quiet activities such as reading, homework, or working on hobbies. They can be unprofessional and behave in a way that is not thought of. They could lose things essential to the task at hand, such as keys or wallets. These people are also prone to make impulsive decisions and have difficulty delaying gratification.
Difficulties with focusing can cause issues at work and at home as well, such as inadequate time management and difficulty reaching deadlines. It can cause anxiety, stress, and even arguments with family members and coworkers. Adults who suffer from ADHD might view their challenges as failures or lack of accomplishment. This can affect their self-esteem. In some instances, people with undiagnosed ADHD experience criticism from parents, spouses or colleagues who don't understand the challenges they face.
In one study, men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed with ADHD. It's not clear whether this is due to the fact that the inattention symptoms of ADHD are more prominent in males or because women are less likely to seek treatment for it. The disorder can affect people of any race or nationality, however symptoms may differ from one individual to individual.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a variety treatments, including behavioral coaching and medication. The right medication can decrease disruptive and impulsive behaviors as well as improve focus and organization, improve productivity and manage anger and stress. Your healthcare provider will be able to recommend medications that are safe and effective for your needs which includes stimulants and non-stimulants.
2. Impulsivity
People who suffer from ADHD are impulsive and do not think about the consequences. For instance, they could interrupt other people in games or conversations or utter answers before the question is fully asked or engage in reckless actions and express their emotions in a way that is not controlled. These tendencies can lead to problems in personal and professional relationships. They can also result in miscommunications and poor performance at work.
People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are prone to changing plans at a moment's notice and are easily bored. They are also susceptible to committing liars or making uninformed comments. These behaviors that are impulsive can have negative consequences that are severe, such as problems with relationships and job performance, criminal activities as well as substance abuse and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
As adults, the same symptoms continue to affect daily life. They might experience frustration or despair when they believe they're not capable of living up to their potential. They might be tempted to blame their issues on themselves and believe they have an issue with their personality.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can ease these feelings and challenges. It can also give the person the hope that they can learn how to manage their symptoms. They can learn strategies to help with school, work and relationships. They can learn self-help methods to deal with their symptoms like using calendars for planning ahead, making plans, and using timers. They can also consider treatment options like therapy, lifestyle changes and medication.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek treatment from their family physician or psychiatrist. They can also self-refer or ask their GP for an appointment with an adult specialist for ADHD. During the assessment, the psychologist or psychiatrist will ask the patient about the signs and symptoms of ADHD and other mental health disorders. They will also seek permission to speak to family members and friends who know them well. To determine the person's functioning it is possible to use ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavior ratings scales. They may also take psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial and reasoning abilities.
3. Restlessness
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a myriad of challenges that affect their lives and relationships. They are often challenged with daily tasks such as getting up at the right time in the morning, coordinating appointments, following through on financial and health obligations and focusing at work. If not treated, adult ADHD can cause emotional problems as well as issues at work and home.
Symptoms of the disorder include hyperactivity, inattention, as well as impulsivity. People with the inattentive form of ADHD are often forgetful and disorganized. They may have trouble remembering the details of conversations or lose important documents. They might also have difficulty following directions at school or at work. Some adults may show more symptoms in the social realm and can cause embarrassing or inappropriate behavior.
People with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD tend to talk excessively and fidget, even when they are not in a conversation with others. They may try to do multiple tasks at the same time, but fail to complete them all. They may also have a difficult time being still and unwinding. They may feel the need for constant movement or interruptions, and have a difficult time waiting their turn in the gym or at other activities. Adults with a history of depression may exhibit more impulsive behavior and restlessness, even though the inattentive symptom is the most common.
The way that the brain functions is complex, but it is generally accepted that individuals who suffer from ADHD have slightly different connections between specific parts of the brain than people without the condition. Those differences are thought to be a contributing factor to the development of the disorder. The condition can be influenced by other external factors like parental abuse or neglect, substance use, and genetics.
It is possible to live with ADHD successfully. Treatment over time can diminish the negative effects and make people more efficient at work and at home. They can learn to control their impulsive behaviors, enhance organizational skills, boost productivity at school and work as well as decrease stress and anxiety and manage their finances.
4. Anxiety
Many people who have ADHD also experience anxiety. In some instances, this is the result of a direct trigger for their ADHD symptoms, but more often it's simply an additional impact of their condition. When people are stressed it can be difficult for them to concentrate and maintain their school or work tasks. It can make it more difficult for them to maintain relationships and to find healthy ways of coping with their anxiety.
Anxiety can lead to feelings of restlessness or frustration. It can also affect the way people with ADHD react to their environment. They are more likely to become overwhelmed and impulsive. These negative emotions can contribute to the development of depression and other psychiatric disorders in adults with ADHD. If you are suffering from these problems it is essential to seek out treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are much less likely than children to exhibit hyperactivity, but they do still have trouble staying focused and on track. They are also more prone to forgetfulness and struggle with their routines, which could be detrimental to their interactions and work. This could lead to confusion or miscommunication and make it difficult for others understand why someone has trouble concentrating.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is a mental health condition, not an indication of weakness or a lack of intelligence. It's easy to have an unflattering self-image when you live with ADHD and interpret its signs as failures or low achievement.
There are a variety of ways to treat the symptoms of ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle modifications and medications. The first step is to have a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD determine if you are suffering from ADHD. You can get a referral from your GP or sign up with a specialist service yourself. A psychiatrist will ask you questions about your symptoms and concerns, and listen to what have to say. Use your history to create a picture of yourself.
The symptoms of ADHD can be debilitating regardless of whether you suffer from mild or severe ADHD. The longer you suffer from it, the more difficult it will be to meet your maximum potential at work or in your social life.