Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you get distracted at work, struggle to complete tasks or forget appointments? You may be suffering from adult ADHD symptoms.
These problems can affect your relationships, your work and your home. Your doctor will ask for information from your family members, school, and will use checklists and rating systems to review your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD patients have difficulty focusing on tasks and following instructions. They can forget important papers or miss appointments. They struggle to remember important details, and they frequently make careless mistakes that can be costly in the business world or at school. These mistakes might appear minor in the early years of childhood but they can turn more serious in adulthood.
While those with hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD are easy to spot (they often run around, can't sit easily, or fidget or interrupt others) Children and adults with inattentive symptoms are often overlooked or fall under the radar. They may have difficulty staying well-organized and appear sluggish or disinterested to teachers or parents. They may ponder or draw during class. They may have trouble concentrating on sports or leisure activities and are "on the move."
adhd symptom adult may show different symptoms of inattentive ADD than men, making it more difficult to recognize. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms and may depend on devices to help stay focused and organized. They also tend to be more hesitant to admit they are having trouble staying on track and may not receive the treatment they need.
If your inattentive ADHD symptoms are affecting your work, school or relationships, it's important to mention them to your doctor. They may recommend counseling to aid you in understanding your problems and find ways to manage them, along with medication. You may also be able to request accommodations in the workplace or at school. If your co-workers, supervisors or teachers are understanding and accommodating it could make all the difference in your achievement at work or in school.
2. Hyperactivity
Everyone loses their car keys or cellphone from time to time. People who aren't attentive ADHD people, on the other hand frequently do this and this can have a negative impact on their daily activities. They may also have difficulties following through on their work or school assignments or forget important dates and deadlines, and struggle with keeping up with conversations and activities.
Although those with ADHD are more likely to struggle in specific professional or academic settings than other people, their intelligence and education level is generally higher than the average. They typically have issues with mood fluctuation, low self-esteem anxiety and depression, eating disorders relationships, substance misuse and risky behaviors.
For a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be incompatible with the person's developmental level. The symptoms should also be more severe than those caused by other physical or mental illnesses. The health care professional will evaluate the person's mood and their history and also look at their current symptoms. The doctor will typically employ standardized ADHD symptoms checklists and questionnaires that have rating scales to determine if the person is in the right place for the diagnosis of this condition.
Many people with inattentive ADHD also have hyperactivity-impulsivity, which makes it difficult to sit still and play or do leisure activities quietly. They are constantly on the go, act like they're "driven by motors" and have a difficult time waiting for their turn (e.g. finish sentences of other people or can't wait to start speaking in conversation; adolescents and adults may start using other people's stuff without permission). People with hyperactivity-impulsivity often fidget, squirm or leave their seat even when it's appropriate.
3. Impulsivity
You may have difficulty controlling your emotions and making sound decisions if you suffer from ADHD. This can lead to trouble at school or work. It also may affect your relationships as well as your health. For instance, you may be unable to keep yourself from interrupting others or shouting at people when you're angry. It's crucial to seek help for your impulsive behaviors that could cause problems for you or others.
ADHD symptoms can begin in childhood, but can continue to manifest into adulthood. The age of the individual determines the criteria for a diagnosis. Children under 16 years old must show at least six signs, including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Men and boys are more likely to have inattentive type ADHD, while girls and adults are more likely to have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Some experts believe this is because the inattentive symptoms don't usually disappear when you get older but the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms do diminish.
Many people who have impulse-driven behaviors can benefit from therapy and other strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you comprehend how your thoughts and emotions influence your behavior. It can also teach strategies to manage stress and anxiety, which often cause impulsive behavior. Calm's free tools like this Guide to Overcome Yourself-Criticism, can assist you replace negative self talk with positive messages which promote self-compassion.
Ask your doctor to assess your condition if you exhibit ADHD symptoms, but you were not diagnosed as a child. Your GP will be able to guide you to services that are most appropriate to your needs. This could include an Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. A thorough evaluation by a health care professional or a mental health professional can determine the cause of your symptoms, make an assessment and recommend effective treatment options. Your physician will evaluate your mood, your health history and any other health issues you may be suffering from.
4. Anxiety
People with ADHD often have difficulty being able to recognize their own feelings, and in particular anxiety. This could result in feelings of numbness or being overly critical of themselves. Self-medicating may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a source of relief and hope in the event that these issues persist. It can help them understand that their issues are not the result of their own insanity.
Anxiety disorders affect between 25 and 40% of adults suffering from ADHD. Anxiety and ADHD are characterized by a variety of common symptoms, including problems with concentration, restlessness, difficulty meeting deadlines, and a tendency to hyperfocus on small issues. The main difference between anxiety and ADHD is that worry usually has a goal. Anxiety is unpredictable and more floating. It is also difficult to distinguish between anxiety and depression, that can result in similar symptoms.
When anxiety is combined with ADHD it's known as "anxious ADD" or "ADHD with anxiety." Anxiety-related symptoms can affect relationships, jobs, school, and daily activities. A doctor might suggest a treatment plan which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as meditation, and medication. The stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine, along with non-stimulant medication like the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine may be used.
A primary care physician can provide a first evaluation for ADHD. If your doctor suspects you have ADHD, he will refer you to an expert in mental health, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. These professionals will ask about your family history and other factors that may be contributing to ADHD. They will also inquire about your symptoms, including how they impact your school, work and home.
5. Boredom
While boredom could indicate the presence of ADHD, it is important to realize that this feeling can occur in people who don't have ADHD. Boredom is an everyday human emotion and can be caused by the brain needing to take a break from a task or a lack of stimulation. Certain personality traits, such as extraversion and aversion to sensations, could be a contributing factor to feelings of boredom. Boredom is a common symptom that can be managed in a variety of ways.
While boredom may cause an absence of motivation, it is often followed by feelings of satisfaction and happiness. This is why many therapists believe that learning how to deal with boredom in a healthy and positive manner can promote emotional well-being and allow for creative opportunities.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, it's important to know that boredom could be caused by stress, which can worsen symptoms and hinder functioning at home, work at school, or in other social activities. If someone is bored often, it may be time to see a doctor.
It's also important to know that there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD such as anxiety and depression. It is crucial that people be transparent about any medications they are taking, especially if they are attempting to treat other conditions by using stimulants.
If you or someone you know struggles with staying on task and seems impulsive, irritable or easily distracted, they could be suffering from ADHD. Women who have ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or miss-diagnosed than men, since their symptoms are different from the classic symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They may also be afflicted by chronic lateness and have a hard to keep track of their finances or scheduling appointments.