Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults who have ADHD aren't aware that they suffer from it. They often struggle to get organized, keep track of appointments, or show up to work on time.
Doctors can diagnose ADHD by looking over the history of a patient, which includes old report cards and talking with family members. The symptoms typically manifest in the early years of childhood and continue into adulthood.
1. Trouble focusing
People with ADHD aren't able to pay attention. They can make erroneous mistakes at work or school and forget important details when working on tasks. They may also have difficulty following instructions or keeping track of their belongings. They may be easily distracted by external stimuli such as background noises or the sound of other people talking. For some adults with ADHD forgetfulness may be an issue, especially when it is a problem for their relationships and work.
For some people with ADHD, hyperactivity and impulsivity are more evident than inattention. People with ADHD often fidget, can't sit still or sit still and have trouble doing quiet activities like reading, homework, or doing their work on hobbies. They frequently interrupt others and are often prone to act without thinking and even when their actions could result in serious consequences. They might lose items that are essential for an activity, like keys or wallets. People with this type of personality tend to make quick decisions and have a hard time delaying their satisfaction.
Focus issues can lead to problems at work and home and at work, such as poor time management and difficulty reaching deadlines. It can lead to stress, frustration and arguments with family and colleagues. It can impact self-esteem, because people who suffer from ADHD often view their difficulties as personal failures or underachievement. Adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD are often criticized by parents, spouses or colleagues who do not recognize their challenges.
In one study, men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed as having ADHD. It's not clear whether this is due to the fact that males are more likely to exhibit symptoms of ADHD or if women tend to seek treatment less often. Anyone of any race or ethnicity can suffer from the disorder however the symptoms tend to appear different for different people.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a variety of treatments that include behavioral coaching and medication. The right medication can help reduce impulsive and disruptive behaviors, improve concentration and organization, increase productivity, and reduce stress and anger. Your healthcare provider will be able to suggest medication that is safe and effective for your needs including stimulants and nonstimulants.
2. Impulsivity
People who suffer from ADHD are impulsive and do not think about the consequences. They may, for example, interrupt other people in a conversation or game or give answers before the entire question is asked or participate in activities with reckless abandon and express emotions without restraining. These behaviors can lead to issues with professional and personal relationships. These impulses may also cause poor performance at work, and even miscommunications.
People with an impulsive ADHD tend to alter their plans at the whim of a moment and become bored easily. They also tend to tell lies or make inappropriate comments. These impulsive behaviors can cause negative consequences that are severe, such as relationship issues and job performance, criminal activity or substance abuse, as well as mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
As adults, the same symptoms continue to impact their daily lives. They may experience frustration as well as despair, hopelessness and frustration when they feel they're not capable of living up to their potential. They might also blame themselves for their troubles and think they have a character flaw.
Diagnosed with adult ADHD, these issues and feelings can be addressed. It also gives the person the hope that they can discover ways to manage their symptoms. They can learn strategies that will help with work, school and relationships. They can develop self-help techniques to deal with their symptoms, such as using calendars for planning ahead, making plans, and using timers. They may also think about therapies like treatment, lifestyle changes and medication.
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment from their family physician or psychiatrist. They may also self-refer or request their GP to refer them to a specialist in adult ADHD. During the evaluation the psychiatrist or psychologist will speak to the patient about their symptoms and history of ADHD and other mental health issues. They will also ask permission to talk to family members and friends who know them well. To determine the person's functioning it is possible to make use of ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior. They can also take psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual, and reasoning skills.
3. Reluctance
Adults with ADHD have a myriad of challenges that can impact their lives and relationships. ADHD symptoms in adult men with everyday tasks like getting up on time in the morning, keeping track of appointments, following through on financial and health-related obligations, and staying focused at work. In addition to issues at home and at work, untreated adult ADHD can cause significant emotional issues.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and hyperactivity are all signs of the disorder. People who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD tend to be disorganized and forgetful. They may forget what they heard in an interaction, or lose important documents. They might also have difficulty following directions at school or at work. Certain adults might exhibit more signs of trouble in the social realm and could lead to inappropriate or embarrassing 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 might try to complete several things at the same time and not be able to finish the tasks. They may be unable to manage sitting still and relaxing. They may be compelled for constant motion or interruptions, and have a difficult time waiting their turn in the gym or other activities. In some adults the impulsive and uncontrollable behavior of ADHD may be more obvious however, the inattention symptoms are the most common.
The brain is a complex organ, but it's generally accepted that people with ADHD have slight differences in the connections between certain brain regions as compared to those who do not suffer from the condition. Those differences are thought to contribute to the development of the disorder. Factors like abuse or neglect by parents as well as substance abuse and genetics can also affect the condition.
It is possible to live with ADHD successfully. Long-term treatment can reduce the negative effects and make people more productive at home and at work. They can learn how to control their impulsive behavior, enhance their organization skills, increase their efficiency at school and work, reduce their stress, and manage their finances.
4. Anxiety
Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In some instances it's because of a direct cause of their ADHD symptoms, but often it's simply an additional impact of their condition. When people are stressed it can be difficult for them to maintain their school schedule or work. It can also make it difficult for them to maintain relationships and discover healthy ways to cope with stress.
Anxiety can cause feelings of anxiety or anger. It can also influence the way people with ADHD respond to their environment and can cause them to be frustrated and aggressive. These negative emotions can lead to the development of depression and other mental disorders among adults with ADHD. If you are suffering from these problems it is important to seek treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are less likely than children to show hyperactivity, however they struggle with focusing and staying on track. They may also have difficulty with their daily routines and be more forgetful, which could negatively impact their interactions and work. This could lead to conflicts or miscommunications and make it difficult for others understand the reason for someone's difficulty concentrating.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a mental health issue not a sign of weakness or poor intelligence. It's easy to develop an unflattering self-image when you live with ADHD and think that it's a sign of failure or a lack of achievement.
The good news is that there are solutions to help deal with the effects of ADHD which include cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. The first step is to find a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD diagnose you. You can either register yourself or get a referral by your GP. A psychiatrist will ask you questions about your symptoms and concerns and will listen to what you have to say. Use your history to create your own image.
The symptoms of ADHD can be debilitating whether you suffer from mild or severe ADHD. The longer you suffer from it the more difficult it could be to reach your full potential at work and in your social life.