Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD may experience similar symptoms. Adults may suffer from slightly different symptoms as they are more involved in their work and other activities. For instance, adults with ADHD might suffer from hyperfocus, which causes them to be immersed in a task that they ignore others.
Adults with untreated ADHD can have wide-reaching problems. A diagnosis and treatment can bring relief and optimism.
Attention
For many people suffering from inattentive ADHD, it takes time to get their work done. They tend to be late for meetings or they miss appointments. They forget to send birthday cards or return phone calls, or pay their bills. This can lead to financial problems, work issues and stress on family relationships. They may also make mistakes that could have legal consequences such as speeding tickets and missing deadlines.
Inattentive ADHD is characterised by a lack of organization, forgetfulness and difficulties concentrating. They make careless errors and have difficulty following instructions. They are easily distracted by other thoughts or by something interesting. People with inattentive ADHD are prone to having difficulty focusing on tasks that do not interest them. They can also become bored quickly with mundane or boring tasks. They might also have trouble reading situational social boundaries and tend to intrude on others' conversations or games.
Adults suffering from inattentive ADHD can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. To be considered a diagnosed person must display at least six inattentive ADHD symptoms by the age of 12 and the symptoms persist in their lives as adults.
People who have mild inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to manage their obligations especially when those responsibilities are at the workplace or at home. They may also experience difficulty maintaining healthy eating habits or exercising regularly. They might also suffer from depression or anxiety. They are more at risk of developing substance use disorders.
People with moderately inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping their schedules in order at work or at school, and may also have difficulty maintaining relationships. They may also be unable to deal with the emotional effects that come 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. This form is often more impulsive and restless than people with inattentive ADHD. They also have a difficult time keeping their belongings in order, making decisions, and accomplishing tasks. They often feel like they have no control over their behavior or actions and can lead to anger and hopelessness.
Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD are often constantly on the move all the all the time. They can't wait their turn when playing games or having conversations. They often interrupt other people and are often able to answer questions before others are completed their work. People with ADHD also have trouble sitting still, even when they're not performing any physical work. They might fumble, pace or shake their legs. People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and may forget things more often than others, such as where they keep their keys or important dates. These forgetfulnesses may lead to relationship misunderstandings. In addition, they can struggle to concentrate on the present moment and could become so engrossed in something that they completely miss out on other activities going on around them. According to a literature review from the year 2018, this is known as hyperfocus.
If you recognize your symptoms and seek professional help, it is possible to get a valid adult ADHD diagnosis. A health care professional or mental health professional will employ standard ADHD symptoms checklists questionnaires, interviews, and other forms of assessment to identify symptoms of the disorder. They will also look at the person's mood and medical history as well as current or previous issues at school or at work.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD requires that the individual has at least six ongoing symptoms which affect their functioning in two or more situations including school, home or work. These symptoms should cause significant anxiety and impairment in the lives of a person.
Adults with ADHD may be reluctant to admit that they're struggling, but a proper diagnosis will aid them in finding solutions. Treatments are available to help people with ADHD reduce symptoms and improve their daily functioning at work and home. Joining an ADHD peer-support group can be a great opportunity to share your challenges and successes with others who have the condition.
A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the symptoms of a patient and may request reports from teachers, relatives friends, coworkers, and other family members. They will also examine the person's mood, medical history, any other health conditions, and social problems.
Impulsivity
Having trouble controlling impulses is among the primary symptoms of ADHD in adults. Impulsivity is more than just a lack in inhibition or a tendency for people to answer questions before they're asked. It is also an inability to recognize that you are engaged in an activity which could have a negative impact on yourself and others. Adults who are impulsive typically have difficulty maintaining relationships or sustaining their career. They may also be struggling to maintain a job. Impulsivity can also cause financial problems due to late payments, fees, or debts that result from an impulsive purchase.
Adults with ADHD frequently have trouble managing their emotions. This is particularly the case when they are under stress or feel anxious. This can lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as excessive eating or drinking, which affects mood and physical health. This can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of shame. People with ADHD also have difficulty discerning situational social boundaries, which can lead them to interfere on others regularly or engage in reckless behaviour that puts others or themselves in danger.
The symptoms of ADHD may change over time. In young children, hyperactivity is typically the most common symptoms, but this tends to diminish when they reach the elementary school years and into adolescence. However, inattention and impulsivity remain prominent until adulthood.
While there are several methods to manage ADHD however, it is essential to seek out a diagnosis from an expert in mental health. A doctor will determine whether a person is in compliance with the clinical guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will consider the age of the patient, the duration of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning.
There are a myriad of treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD that include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and medication. For instance, getting enough sleep and avoiding caffeine and sugar prior to bed and using tools such as planners and calendars, can all improve concentration and organization. A doctor could also prescribe a non-stimulant, which can take longer to work but can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in individuals with ADHD.
Social skills
People suffering from ADHD frequently feel a sense of social awkwardness or are unable to connect with their peers. These challenges can arise at different ages and vary depending on the symptoms of the disorder, like inattention or impulsivity, says Kimberly Hurley, an occupational therapist who specializes in pediatric ADHD from Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
Social skills are developed through the process of incidental learning, which includes watching others, copying their behavior and practicing, as well as receiving feedback from your peers. This usually begins in childhood and is how the majority of people learn to navigate social situations. However, since people with ADHD tend to be unable to recognize social cues, they can interpret body language, gestures, and facial expressions. This can lead to them being misunderstood in social interactions. Similarly, they may seem disinterested or lack follow-up comments during conversations, and this could be interpreted as being rude.
Adults suffering from untreated ADHD may have difficulty at school, work or in their personal lives. They may be susceptible to procrastination or disorganization, and forgetfulness, which can lead to problems with keeping deadlines or jobs due to missing documents, misplacing items or paying bills late. They can also be more susceptible to emotional problems, such as depression and anxiety, which are typical of untreated ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
Adult ADHD is characterized by difficulties in concentrating. However, there are many other aspects to consider. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of ADHD and to determine the most effective treatment plan for each patient.
A psychiatric examination involves taking a patient's history and performing a physical exam to assess for other conditions that may be similar to ADHD symptoms, including head trauma, thyroid issues and use of drugs (Austerman 2015). A thorough assessment also includes reviewing the patient's present functioning and how it has changed over time. Interviews with family, friends and colleagues can be conducted to determine if they have observed symptoms. ADHD adult symptoms will help to create an image of the impact of the disorder on the daily routine of a person and highlight areas where improvement are required. A mental health specialist will be able to suggest specific actions during the evaluation.