Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you get distracted at work, struggle to complete tasks, or fail to make appointments? If so, you may have symptoms of adult ADHD.
These problems can affect your relationships, work and at home. Your doctor will request information from your family members, school, and will use checklists and rating systems to evaluate your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People who have inattention ADHD symptoms struggle to follow instructions and focus on tasks. They might miss appointments or misplace important papers. They are often unaware of important details and make careless errors that can be costly at work or in school. These mistakes may be small in the beginning, but they become more costly as adults.
While those who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD are more obvious (they often flit around, cannot stay seated easily, and are prone to fidgeting or interrupting others), children and adults with inattentive symptoms can easily slip under the radar. They may be unproductive at school or at work, have trouble staying organized, and seem unmotivated and lazy to their teachers or parents. They may be distracted or even draw during classes. They may have trouble paying attention to sports or leisure activities, and are constantly "on on the move."
Women may exhibit different symptoms of inattention ADD than men, which makes it more difficult to recognize. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms and may depend on tools to help them stay focused and organized. Women are also less likely to admit they struggle to stay focused. This can prevent them from getting the treatment they require.
If your inattention ADHD symptoms interfere with your school, work or relationships, it is important to mention them to an expert. They might suggest counseling to help you understand your issues and figure out ways to deal with them, and also medication. You can also ask for accommodations at work or at school. If your co-workers, supervisors or teachers are accommodating and understanding, it can make a huge difference in your achievement at school or at work.
2. Hyperactivity
Everybody loses their keys to their car or phone every now and then. People who have inattention ADHD, however, do this frequently and it can affect their daily activities. They may also have difficulty finishing their schoolwork and other work tasks. They may forget important deadlines or events and struggle to keep up with their conversations and activities.
Although people with ADHD are more likely to have difficulties in certain academic or professional situations than other people, their intelligence and education levels are usually higher than the average. They often have problems with mood fluctuations, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression eating disorders, relationship issues, substance misuse and risky behaviors.
The symptoms must be present at least six months ago and not be consistent with the individual's level of development. The symptoms must also be more severe than those caused by other mental illnesses or physical ailments. The health care professional will assess the person's mood and history, as well as, and current symptoms. They will employ standard ADHD symptom checklists, questionnaires and rating scales to determine if the patient is a candidate for 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 always in motion, act like they're "driven by motors" and are unable to wait their turn (e.g., finish sentences of other people or can't wait to start speaking in conversation; adolescents and adults might 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 have ADHD You may be having trouble controlling your emotions or making sound decisions. This could cause problems at school or work. This can also affect your relationships and health. It may be difficult to keep yourself from interrupting others or yelling when you are angry. It is important to seek help for impulsive behavior that causes problems for you or for others.
ADHD symptoms can begin in childhood, but can continue to manifest throughout adulthood. The criteria for a diagnosis is based on the age of the person: Children up to age 16 must have at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity in order to be diagnosed with ADHD.
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 aren't always gone as you grow older but the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms do decrease.
Many people who exhibit impulse-driven behaviors can benefit from therapy and other strategies. add symptoms , for example, can help you understand how your thoughts and feelings influence your behavior. It can also help you learn techniques to manage anxiety and stress which can result in impulsive behavior. Calm's free resources, like this Guide to Overcome Self-Criticism can help you replace negative self-talk with positive messages that promote self-compassion and confidence.
If you suffer from ADHD symptoms but haven't been diagnosed as a child ask your doctor for an evaluation. Your GP will be able to guide you to services that are suited to your requirements. This could include a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. A thorough examination by a health care provider or mental health professional will determine the source of your symptoms, establish a diagnosis and identify effective treatment options. Your provider will look at your mood as well as any other health conditions you suffer from and your family history.
4. Anxiety
People suffering from ADHD are unable to recognize their feelings, and especially anxiety. This can cause a lack in empathy or an excessively critical self-perception. It can also lead to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol that can increase the symptoms of ADHD. If these problems persist, an adult diagnosis of ADHD can bring relief and hope. It can also allow them to realize that the issues they face are not due to their own fault.
Anxiety disorders affect between 25 and 40% of adults suffering from ADHD. Anxiety and ADHD have many symptoms, including problems with concentration, restlessness and difficulty meeting deadlines. The main distinction between anxiety and ADHD is that anxiety typically has a goal. Anxiety, on the other hand is more amorphous and unpredictable. It is also difficult to distinguish between depression and anxiety, which can cause similar symptoms.
When anxiety is combined with ADHD it's known as "anxious ADD" or "ADHD with anxiety." Anxiety-related symptoms can hinder everyday activities, relationships, work, and school. A doctor will recommend a treatment plan, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation and medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine can be utilized along with non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, an antidepressant, or atomoxetine.
A primary care physician could be able to offer an initial evaluation of ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from ADHD, they will recommend you to an expert in mental health, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. The professionals will inquire about your family history and other factors that might cause ADHD. They will also inquire about your symptoms, including how they affect your school, work and at home.
5. Boredom
It is important to note that boredom is not only a sign of ADHD. It can be experienced by those who do not have ADHD. Boredom is an everyday human emotion and could be due to the brain needing a break from an activity or a lack of mental stimulation. In addition, certain personality traits like extraversion and sensation seeking can cause feelings of boredom. Ultimately, boredom is a common problem that can be addressed in a variety of ways.
While boredom can cause an absence of motivation but it can also be followed by feelings of satisfaction and happiness. As a result, many therapists believe that learning how to cope with boredom in a healthy manner can boost emotional well-being as well as create opportunities for creativity.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, it's important to know that boredom could be linked to stress, which can worsen symptoms and hinder functioning at work, home, school, or other social activities. If someone is frequently bored it's an appropriate time to talk to a physician.
It's also important to note that there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to 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 conditions.
If you or someone you know struggles staying focused and appears unfocused, angry, or easily distracted, they may be suffering from ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, as their symptoms are different from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They might also struggle with chronic lateness and have a hard time keeping track of their finances or scheduling appointments.