Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
You could be suffering from adult ADHD if you are constantly missing work-related tasks or struggling to complete tasks. If yes, you might have symptoms of adult ADHD.
These issues can affect your relationships, work and at home. Your doctor will seek information from your family members, school and use checklists as well as rating systems to assess your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD patients have difficulty focus on tasks and following instructions. They might miss appointments or misplace important papers. They aren't able to remember important details, and often make careless mistakes that can cost them money in the workplace or at school. These errors may be minor in childhood but can become more serious when they are adults.
Adults and children with inattentional behaviors can easily fall through the cracks. While hyperactivity and an impulsive ADHD symptoms are more apparent (they are prone to flitter, run around or interrupt others), those with inattention-related behavior are easily overlooked. They might have trouble staying organized and appear lazy or unmotivated to parents or teachers. They might ponder or draw in class. They might have difficulty paying attention to leisure or sports activities and are always "on the go."
Inattentive ADD symptoms may manifest differently in women than males, making it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, and may use tools to stay organized and focused. They also are more reluctant to admit that they struggle to stay on track, so they might be unable to access the help they require.
It is worth telling your doctor if your inattentive ADHD impacts your school, work or relationships. They may recommend counseling to help you understand your issues and discover ways to manage them, along with medication. You may also request accommodations at work or at school. If your supervisors, coworkers or teachers are understanding and accommodating this can make all the difference in your success at work or in school.
2. Hyperactivity
Everybody loses their keys to the car or a phone every now and then. People with inattentive ADHD are more likely to do it on a regular basis and often affects their everyday functioning. They may also have difficulty following through on their work or school projects, forget about important events and deadlines, and have trouble staying on top of conversations and activities.
While people with ADHD are more likely to have difficulties in certain professional or academic environments than others, their intelligence and education level is generally higher than the average. They are often affected by mood fluctuations, low confidence depression, anxiety eating disorders, and issues with relationships.
The symptoms must be present at least six months and not be in line with the person's level of development. They also have to be more severe than other mental health issues and physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms. The health care professional will examine the person's mood, history and health, as well as look at their current symptoms. The doctor will typically employ standard ADHD symptom checklists and questionnaires with rating scales to determine if the patient meets the criteria for an assessment of this disorder.
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 always in motion, act as if they're "driven by a motor" and are unable to wait their turn (e.g. finish sentences of other people or can't wait to start speaking in a conversation; adolescents and adults may begin 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
If you suffer from ADHD you may have trouble controlling your emotions or making good decisions. This can lead to difficulties at work or in school. It could also impact your relationships and health. For example, you might be unable to keep yourself from interrupting others or yelling at people when you're angry. It's important to seek help for impulsive behavior that causes problems for you or others.
ADHD symptoms can begin in childhood but continue into adulthood. The age of the individual determines the criteria for a diagnosis. Children under 16 years are required to show at least six symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness.
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 due to the fact that symptoms of inattention don't disappear as you grow older, while the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms do decrease.
Many people with impulsive behaviors may benefit from therapy as well as other strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can help you understand the way your thoughts and feelings influence your behavior. It can also help you learn techniques to manage stress and anxiety, which often cause an impulsive behavior. Calm's tools for free, such as this Guide to Overcoming Yourself-Criticism, can help you replace negative self talk with positive messages that promote self-compassion.
Ask your doctor to evaluate your condition if you exhibit ADHD symptoms but were never diagnosed as an infant. Your GP can direct you to the best services to meet your needs, including a Community Mental Health Service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service. A thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional can determine the source of your symptoms, make an accurate diagnosis and suggest treatments. Your doctor will assess your mood, your health history and any other conditions you may be suffering from.
4. Anxiety
People with ADHD are unable to recognize their emotions, especially anxiety. This may result in a lack of empathy or being overly critical of themselves. It can result in self-medicating using alcohol or drugs which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a source for relief and hope in the event that these problems persist. It can also allow them to realize that their difficulties are not their own fault.
Around 25 to 40% of adults with ADHD suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and ADHD have a myriad of symptoms, such as issues with anxiety, restlessness, difficulties keeping deadlines and a tendency to hyperfocus on minor issues. The main difference between anxiety and ADHD is that anxiety usually has a goal. Anxiety is unpredictable and more free-floating. It can be difficult to distinguish between depression and anxiety, which can cause similar symptoms.
When anxiety and ADHD are combined, it's called "anxious ADD", or "ADHD with anxiety." Anxiety symptoms can affect everyday activities, relationships, school, and work. A doctor might suggest a treatment plan which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation and medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, as well nonstimulant medications such as the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine could be used.
A primary care physician might be able to give an initial evaluation of ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you have it, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. The professionals will inquire about your family history and other factors that might be contributing to your ADHD. They'll also inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your school, work, and home life.
5. Boredom
While boredom can indicate the presence of ADHD but it is important to realize that this feeling can also be experienced by people who do not have ADHD. Boredom is a feeling which can be caused by the brain's desire for an interruption or lack of stimulation. In addition, certain personality traits such as extraversion and sensation seeking can cause feelings of boredom. Ultimately, boredom is a common symptom that can be managed in many ways.
While boredom can lead to an inability to motivate however, it is often followed by feelings of satisfaction and well-being. This is why many therapists believe that learning to manage boredom in a healthy manner can promote emotional well-being and create opportunities for creativity.
Whether or not someone has ADHD, it's important to recognize that boredom is associated with stress, which can worsen symptoms and interfere with functioning at home, work or school, as well as other social activities. If someone is often bored it could be the an appropriate time to talk to a physician.
It's also important to note that there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD such as anxiety and depression. It is important that people be aware of any medication, especially when stimulants are being prescribed to treat other ailments.
You or someone you love could be suffering from ADHD if they are impulsive, irritable or easily distracted. symptoms of adhd adults with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all, because their symptoms differ from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may also have trouble with chronic tardiness, as well as struggling to keep track of financial obligations or scheduling appointments.