Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from ADHD may experience similar symptoms. Adults might suffer from slightly different symptoms as they are more involved in work and other activities. Adults with ADHD may suffer from hyperfocus, a condition that causes them to become so focused on an activity that their attention is diverted away from other people.
Adults who are not treated for ADHD may cause serious problems. Treatment and diagnosis can bring relief and hope.
Inattention
For many people who suffer from inattention ADHD it can take a long time to get their work done. They often miss appointments or show up late to meetings. They don't remember to send birthday cards or return phone calls, or pay bills. Their forgetfulness can lead to problems with finances, stress at work, and stress on family relationships. They may also make mistakes that lead to legal consequences, such as speeding tickets or missing deadlines.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include poor organization, difficulty remembering and concentrating. They often make careless mistakes and struggle to follow instructions. They are also easily distracted by other thoughts or something interesting. People with inattention ADHD struggle to stay focused on tasks that don't interest them and can be easily bored by boring or mundane activities. They may also have trouble understanding social boundaries and are prone to disrupt other people's conversations, games or activities.
Adults suffering from inattentive ADHD may have mild, moderate or severe symptoms. To be considered a diagnosed person must show at minimum six inattentive ADHD symptoms by the age of 12 and the symptoms continue to interfere with their life as adults.
People with mild inattention ADHD are still difficult to handle their responsibilities, especially when these responsibilities are at home or at work. These adults may also struggle to maintain a healthy diet or exercise regularly. They may struggle with depression and anxiety. They are more likely to develop substance abuse disorders.
People with moderately inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping their schedules in order at work or school and may also experience difficulties maintaining relationships. They may also be unable to cope with the emotional consequences that result from being disorganized and not planning ahead.
Some individuals who have inattentive ADHD have a combined type, which includes both hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention symptoms. People who suffer from this type are typically more impulsive and restless than those with only inattentive ADHD. They also have trouble keeping their belongings in order, making decisions, and finishing tasks. They often feel like they are in no control over their behavior or actions. This can cause despair and frustration.
Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD may seem to be constantly on the move all the time. They aren't able to wait for their turn in conversations or games. They may be quick to answer questions before others have finished asking questions and they are often disruptive to other players. Even when they're not physically active, people suffering from ADHD have difficulty sitting still. They may fumble, walk or wiggle their legs. People with ADHD can get easily distracted and can forget things more frequently than other people, like where they put their keys or important dates. These forgetfulnesses may cause relationship miscommunications. They might also find it hard to concentrate on the present and become so involved with something that they miss out on everything else happening around them. This is called hyperfocus, according to a 2018 literature review.
It is possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis of adult ADHD If you are able to notice your symptoms and seek a professional evaluation. A health professional or mental health professional will utilize standard ADHD symptoms checklists as well as questionnaires and interviews to identify symptoms of the disorder. They will also consider the person's mood, their medical history, and current or previous issues at school or work.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed when a person displays at least six signs that affect their performance in more than one setting, such as work or school. These symptoms must cause significant distress and impairment in the life of the person.
Adults with ADHD may be reluctant to admit that they're struggling, however a proper diagnosis will assist them in finding solutions. Treatments are available to help adults with ADHD reduce symptoms and improve their daily functioning at work and home. It's also a good idea to join an ADHD peer support group, which could provide an avenue for discussing the challenges and successes of other members of the community who suffer from the same disorder.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the symptoms of a patient and solicit reports from colleagues parents, teachers, relatives, and even friends. They will also examine a person's mood, medical history, any other health issues, and social problems.
Impulsivity
Having trouble controlling impulses is among the most prominent symptoms of ADHD in adults. It's not just a lack of inhibition or an inability to provide answers before questions are asked, but an inability to discern when you are involved in an activity that could lead to negative consequences for yourself and others. Adults who are impulsive frequently have difficulty maintaining relationships or sustaining a career. They may also have difficulty to maintain their job. Impulsivity can also lead to financial difficulties due to missed payments or charges, or even debts caused by impulsive purchases.
It is also common for people with ADHD to struggle with managing their emotions, particularly when they are dealing with stress and anxiety. This can lead to self-destructive behavior, such as eating excessively or overindulging in alcohol, which affects the physical health and mood. This can lead to feelings of low self-worth and shame. People with ADHD can also have difficulty understanding social boundaries. This can lead them to interrupt others, often intrude or engage in reckless behaviors that put themselves and others in danger.
The way that symptoms of ADHD manifest may change over time. Hyperactivity is the most frequent sign of ADHD in children. However the severity of this declines as they enter the middle school and the adolescent years. Inattention and impulsivity, however, persist into adulthood.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADHD. However it is essential that you seek a professional diagnosis. A doctor will determine if or not a person meets the clinical guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will take into account a person's age, the duration of their symptoms, and how they affect their daily functioning.
There are many options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD which include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and medication. For example, getting enough sleep and avoiding caffeine and sugar before bedtime, and using tools like planners and calendars can all improve concentration and organization. A doctor may prescribe a non-stimulant that takes longer to take effect, but can still increase concentration and reduce the amount of impulsivity among people suffering from ADHD.
Social skills
People with ADHD might feel awkward in social settings or have difficulty connect with others. These issues can manifest at different stages of life, and differ based on the symptoms of ADHD such as inattention or an impulsive nature. Kimberly Hurley is an occupational therapist who specializes in pediatric ADHD in Scotch Plains in New Jersey.
Social skills can be developed by observing others by copying their actions practice, and receiving feedback from your peers. The majority of people learn to navigate social situations in the early years of childhood. However, because people with ADHD tend to miss social cues, they may misinterpret the body language, gestures and facial expressions. This can lead to them being misunderstood in social interactions. They may also seem uninterested in conversations or make no follow-up remarks, which can be misinterpreted.
Adults suffering from untreated ADHD are likely to struggle at school, at work or in their private lives. They might be susceptible to procrastination and disorganization. This could lead to problems meeting deadlines, keeping an occupation, or not having paperwork. They can also be more prone to emotional struggles such as depression and anxiety, which are typical of untreated ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
The most obvious sign of adult ADHD is trouble concentration, however there are other indicators that should be taken into consideration. A thorough psychiatric examination is required to diagnose ADHD and to determine the most effective treatment plan for each person.
A psychiatric examination includes a medical history of the patient and physical examination to determine if there are any other conditions that might be contributing to ADHD symptoms. This includes thyroid issues, head trauma, and drug use. (Austerman 2015). A thorough evaluation also involves reviewing the patient's performance and how it has changed over time. Interviews with family, friends and coworkers could be conducted to determine if they have experienced symptoms. This can help build an understanding of the effects of the disorder on a person’s daily life, and identify areas that require improvement. During the evaluation an expert in mental health can recommend specific interventions to address these needs.