Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
People suffering from ADHD usually have the same symptoms throughout adulthood. Adults might experience slightly different symptoms because they are more engaged in work and other pursuits. Adults who suffer from ADHD may suffer from a condition known as hyperfocus that causes them to become too focused on one thing that their attention is diverted to other people.
Adults who are not treated for ADHD can cause serious issues. Diagnosis and treatment can provide relief and hope.
Inattention
It can take a long time for people with inattentive ADHD to complete their work. signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults miss appointments or arrive late to meetings. They don't remember to send birthday cards or return phone calls, or pay their bills. This can lead to financial difficulties, problems at work and strain on relationships with family members. They could also commit mistakes that have legal consequences like speeding tickets and missing deadlines.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include inattention, poor organization, difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness. They make careless errors and have trouble following instructions. They can also easily be distracted by other thoughts or something that is interesting. People with inattention ADHD have difficulty staying focused on things that do not appeal to them and may be easily bored by routine or boring activities. They may also have trouble reading situational social boundaries and may be prone to encroach on the conversations of others or games.
Adults with inattentive ADHD may have mild, moderate or even severe symptoms. To qualify for a diagnosis, one must have experienced at least six inattentive ADHD symptoms by the age of 12 and the symptoms should continue to hinder the way they live their lives as an adult.
People with mild inattention ADHD can still find it difficult to manage their responsibilities, especially when these responsibilities are at home or at work. Adults with this disorder may also have difficulties maintaining healthy eating habits or exercising regularly. They might also suffer from anxiety or depression. They are more likely to develop disorders of substance abuse.
People who have moderate inattention ADHD may have trouble maintaining order at work or at school, and may also experience difficulties maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty coping with the emotional effects of being chaotic and struggling to plan ahead.
Some individuals who have inattentive ADHD have a combined type, which includes both hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention symptoms. This form is often more impulsive and restless than those with inattentive ADHD. They also have difficulty keeping track of their possessions and making decisions as well as finishing tasks. They often feel they have no control over their actions or behavior. This can lead to frustration and hopelessness.
Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are often constantly on the move all the all the time. They have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations, or when playing games. They frequently interrupt other players and can answer questions after others are completed their work. Even when they're not physically active, people with ADHD have difficulty sitting still. They may fidget, pace, or shake their legs. People with ADHD can get easily distracted and can forget things more often than others, such as where they keep their keys or important dates. These forgetfulnesses can lead to relationship misunderstandings. Additionally, they might find it difficult to concentrate on the present moment and could become so engrossed in something that they completely miss out on the other happenings around them. According to a review of the literature from the year 2018, this is known as hyperfocus.
If you're aware of your symptoms and seek professional assistance, it is possible to get an adult ADHD diagnosis. A mental health professional or health care provider will employ the standard ADHD questionnaires and symptom checklists to determine the indications of the disorder. They will also take into account the person's mood, medical background, and current or previous issues at school or work.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed when a person displays at least six signs that interfere with their functioning in more than one setting, such as school or at work. These symptoms should cause significant distress and impairment to the life of the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be hesitant to admit they are struggling, but a proper diagnosis will aid them in finding solutions. There are treatments available to help reduce symptoms of ADHD in adults and improve everyday functioning at work as well as at home. Joining an ADHD peer-support group is a an ideal way to share challenges and triumphs with other people who suffer from the disorder.
A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person's symptoms and seek out reports from teachers, relatives, friends, and coworkers. They'll also take a look at a person's mood and medical history.
Impulsivity
Being unable to control your impulses is among the core symptoms of ADHD in adults. It is more than a lack of inhibition or a tendency to respond to questions without being asked. It's also an inability to recognize when you are engaging in an activity that could have negative effects for you and others. Adults who are prone to the urge to be impulsive often have trouble keeping jobs or navigating relationships, and it can lead to financial problems because of missed payments, late fees, or the debt incurred by purchases made on impulse.
It is also normal for people with ADHD to struggle with managing their emotions, particularly when they are dealing with anxiety and stress. This can result in self-destructive behavior like excessive eating or drinking, which can affect mood and physical health. This can cause a low sense of self-worth and shame. People with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty understanding social boundaries. This can lead them to interrupt others or be disruptive or engage in reckless actions that put themselves and others in danger.
The symptoms of ADHD can change over time. For children, hyperactivity is often the most common manifestation, but it tends to diminish when they enter the elementary school years and into the adolescent years. Inattention and impulsivity, however, remain prominent in adulthood.
There are a myriad of methods to manage ADHD. However it is essential to seek out a professional diagnosis. A doctor will determine if a patient is in compliance with the guidelines for treating ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will look at the age of a person and the duration of their symptoms and how they affect daily functioning.
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated in many ways, including through psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and medication. For symptoms for ADHD in adults getting enough rest eliminating sugar and caffeine prior to bed and using tools like calendars and planners can all help to improve focus and organisation. A doctor might prescribe a non-stimulant that takes longer to work however it improves concentration and decreases impulsivity for people suffering from ADHD.
Social skills
People with ADHD may feel socially awkward or find it hard to connect with other people. These challenges can arise at different ages and vary according to the symptoms of the disorder, like inattention or impulsivity, explains Kimberly Hurley, an occupational therapist specializing in pediatric ADHD from Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
Social skills are developed through incidental learning, including watching others, copying their actions, practicing and getting feedback from friends. Most people learn how to manage social situations in the early years of childhood. People with ADHD are more likely to miss social signals. They are prone to misinterpret body language, facial expressions and gestures. Similarly, they may seem disinterested or unable to follow up during conversations, which can be misinterpreted as them being rude.
Adults with ADHD who are not treated can have difficulties at work, in school, or even in their personal lives. They are susceptible to procrastination or disorganization, and forgetfulness, which can lead to problems with making deadlines or staying on the job due to a lack of documents, losing things or paying bills late. They can also be more prone to emotional problems such as anxiety and depression, which are common with untreated ADHD (Austerman in 2015).
The most obvious sign of adult ADHD is difficulty concentrating, but there are other factors to take into consideration. A thorough psychiatric assessment is necessary to determine the cause of ADHD and to determine the most effective treatment plan for each individual.
A psychiatric assessment involves reviewing a patient's medical history and conducting physical examinations to check the presence of other conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, like head trauma, thyroid issues and drug use (Austerman, 2015). A thorough examination will also look at how an individual is functioning at present and how they've changed over time. It could include interviews with family members, friends and colleagues to determine how they've experienced symptoms of the disorder. This will help create a picture of the effects of the disorder on a person's life and identify areas where improvements are required. During the evaluation the mental health professional will recommend specific strategies to address these needs.