Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, your life can become chaotic and stressful. You may find it difficult to find a job and manage finances, and you could struggle with relationships.
Adults who suffer from ADHD don't usually display the typical hyperactivity and impulsivity of kids. The symptoms are often more subtle and include restlessness such as fidgeting, tapping the hands or feet or squirming.
1. Inattentiveness
Adult ADHD can be detected if you are having difficulty staying focused, staying organized, or finishing tasks at school or at work. People with this subtype of ADHD struggle to manage their work or home life, as well as family obligations because they are easily distracted and forget what they're supposed to be doing.
They often forget important dates, show up late for meetings or other obligations, or miss deadlines. They are prone to losing their wallets, keys and sports equipment. They find it difficult to stick to routine, everyday tasks for extended periods of time. Their lives are chaotic and unorganized. They have messy rooms, huge laundry piles, plates that aren't washed and unfinished papers.
These issues can trigger feelings of self-doubt or discouragement, especially when they aren't seen as symptoms of ADHD. Other people might make negative remarks about them, calling them lazy, naive or poor students. This can cause strain on relationships and result in financial issues, such as missed medical checkups or the inability to pay on time, impulse purchases or unpaid bills.
Inattention is the most common ADHD condition that is present in adulthood. In fact this is one of the reasons that people with ADHD are often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. In order to diagnose ADHD, a health professional may ask about previous struggles at school or work and whether they were due to inattention. They could also be asked about other problems that have arose in their lives including relationship problems or financial difficulties. They could be asked to fill out an online questionnaire that gives a more detailed view of their lack of focus.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are often restless. They talk and fidget all the time. They are unable to sit still and waiting for their turn or following directions in classes or at work. These issues are not due to defiance or lack of understanding. Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity must be present for at least six months and are inappropriate for the person's developmental level.
These symptoms make it difficult to work with others and complete important tasks at work or in school. They are also often frustrating for teachers and parents. People suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble remembering instructions, making appointments, or paying bills. They may even lose track of their possessions. They are more likely to experience injuries, accidents, and financial catastrophes. For example they may be unable to claim on tax deductions or rack up credit card debt because of impulse purchases.
A medical professional will evaluate the patient to determine if their symptoms are related to ADHD and suggest appropriate treatments. The evaluation entails a discussion with the patient and his or her family, review of the medical history and mood, and an examination of the person's behavior in various situations.
It can also be helpful to discuss the person's childhood activities and experiences. Report cards from the past conversations with relatives and other records can reveal a pattern of difficulty paying attention and staying organized and regulating impulses, or managing time, which started in childhood. It's important that you identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders chronic stress, and physical illness.
3. Impulsivity
Whether you have trouble with buying something that you don't really need, interrupt others when they're speaking, or make inappropriate comments, poor impulse control is a sign of adhd in adults. When female symptoms of adhd have ADHD the little voice that asks "Is this a good thing?" is silent or non-existent. This can lead to an impulsive behavior that you regret later on, often with serious consequences.
Adults, unlike children, don't automatically develop self-discipline and other skills to deal with their ADHD. As a result, they might struggle to manage their personal and professional lives as they get older. The more responsibilities they have increases the pressure to be punctual and keep up with the demands of tasks, and resist impulsive behaviours.
When you have ADHD there is a small portion of the frontal part of your brain referred to as the prefrontal cortex doesn't perform as it should. It's this area that allows us to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of an action and lets us decide whether to follow our guts or not. People who suffer from ADHD have a tough managing their impulsive behaviors because the thoughts and emotions that drive them are faster than the process of thinking that can alter their thinking.
Impulsivity is one of the main reasons why adults with ADHD have a difficult time maintaining relationships and jobs. It also contributes to risky activities, such as sexual activities that are not secured or a inclination to start fires without weighing the consequences.
It's not unusual for adults to experience more impulsive episodes. You should consult an expert in mental health to conduct an assessment to determine the root of your problem and to identify appropriate treatment options. There are a variety of methods and medications that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
4. Restlessness
In adults, restlessness is often a sign of ADHD. According to CHADD it is due to a failure to stay focused and a tendency to be distracted by other activities, people or thoughts. It can also be associated with mood swings, and problems maintaining professional and personal relationships.
Adults suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with daily tasks and are more prone to forgetting important dates and appointments. They underestimate the time required to complete a given task and are easily distractible and can lead to procrastination or missed deadlines. They may also have trouble listening which could lead to misunderstandings and relationship issues.
The constant distractions associated with ADHD can cause stress, which may cause symptoms to worsen. The good news is that there are solutions to manage stress, for example through regular exercise, healthy eating and meditation or deep breathing techniques. Additionally, it is essential to seek assistance whenever needed and seek a proper diagnosis from a medical professional or mental health professional.
If you suspect that you have ADHD and are concerned, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor. They will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend treatment options, which may include medication, therapy or an amalgamation of both. On the website of NIMH, you can find out more about getting an ADHD evaluation and treatment. You can also learn more about programs that provide practical and financial support, such as Access to Work, on the Department for Work and Pensions website. These programs may help you pay for personal training or coaching to enhance your performance in your job.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety is a common adult ADHD sign. It can cause you worry excessively or become hyperfocused on a small issue, such as being late for an appointment, or getting distracted by a small error at work. Anxiety can cause people to have trouble sleeping or feeling relaxed. They might experience a general or specific fear, such as flying, heights, crowds, public transport or open spaces.
You might be able to manage your anxiety through therapy, meditation, or regular exercise. However, if you're experiencing anxiety and no treatment seems to help, it is worth checking whether you are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. Numerous studies have revealed that there is a higher rate of comorbidity between GAD and ADHD than the general population.
Your yearning for constant activity and impulsivity could result in feelings of restlessness and anxiety. This could affect your ability to concentrate and can cause frustration when you're unable to finish tasks quickly or efficiently. It may be difficult to sleep or relax and your thoughts may turn to worries about work, family or friends. These thoughts can trigger mood swings and depression which can affect your relationships and daily life.
You may have a hard to differentiate between anxiety and worry, but there's a distinction. The latter is a goal; you worry about something specific, while anxiety is a state of mind that cannot be defined or identified. Both anxiety and worry can have the same underlying causes, including biological factors. Childhood experiences and parenting styles are common.
Comorbid anxiety, when it is combined with other ADHD symptoms, like anxiety and low self-esteem, can have a negative effect on your quality of living. It is important to seek out a diagnosis and receive treatment for both conditions.