Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you forget things at work, struggle to complete tasks or forget appointments? If so, you may have symptoms of adult ADHD.
These problems can affect your work, home and family relationships. Your doctor will ask for information from your family, school, and will use checklists and rating systems to review your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention ADHD patients have difficulty paying attention to tasks and following instructions. They may forget important papers or miss appointments. They struggle to remember important details, and often make mistakes that could be costly in business or at school. These mistakes may be minor in the early years, but become more serious as adults.
While those who suffer from hyperactivity or an impulsive ADHD are easier to spot (they frequently run around, cannot stay seated easily, and are prone to fidgeting or interrupting others), children and adults who exhibit inattention are often overlooked or fall under the radar. They may do poorly in the classroom or at work, have difficulty staying organized, and seem unmotivated and lazy to their teachers or parents. They might ponder or draw during class. They might be unable to pay attention to leisure or sports activities and are always "on the go."
Women may exhibit different symptoms of inattentive ADD than men, which makes it more difficult to recognize. Women are better at concealing their symptoms and may rely on devices to help remain focused and organized. They also are more hesitant to admit they have problems staying on task which means they may not receive the treatment they require.
It is important to inform your doctor if your inattentive ADHD affects your school, work or your relationships. They might suggest counseling that helps you understand your issues and figure out ways to manage them and medication. You may also be able to request accommodations at work or at school. If your co-workers, supervisors or teachers are understanding and accommodating, it can make all the difference in your achievement at school or at work.
2. Hyperactivity
Everybody loses their car keys or mobile phone from time the time. People who have inattention ADHD, however, do it frequently and it can affect their everyday functioning. They may also have difficulty staying on track with their schoolwork or work tasks and forget important events and deadlines, and have difficulty 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 are often plagued by mood fluctuations, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, eating disorders, relationship issues, substance misuse and risky behaviors.
The symptoms should be present for at least 6 months old and not be consistent with the person's stage of development. The symptoms should also be more severe than those triggered by other physical or mental illnesses. The health care provider will assess the person's mood and their history and also look at their current symptoms. They will typically utilize standardized ADHD symptoms checklists and questionnaires that have rating scales to determine if the person is in the right place 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 on the move, act like they're "driven" by motors, and have trouble waiting for their turn. (For instance they can't finish other people's sentences, or cannot wait until it's their turn to speak; or adolescents and adults may start using other people's items without permission). People with hyperactivity-impulsivity often fidget, squirm or leave their seat even when it's appropriate.
3. Impulsivity
You may struggle with controlling your emotions and making sound decisions if you have ADHD. This could cause problems with school or work. It can also affect your relationships and health. It may be difficult to keep yourself from interrupting other people or yelling when you are angry. It's crucial to seek assistance in the event of an impulsive act that causes problems for you or anyone else.
ADHD symptoms can manifest in childhood but continue into adulthood. The age of the person determines the criteria for a diagnosis. Children who are less than 16 years old 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. adult adhd symptoms women believe that this is due the fact that symptoms of inattention don't disappear with age however, the hyperactive and impulse symptoms do.
Many people who exhibit impulse-driven behaviors may benefit from therapy as well as other strategies. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance can help you understand how your thoughts and emotions influence your behavior. It can also teach techniques to manage anxiety and stress which can cause impulse-driven behavior. Calm's free tools like this Guide to Overcome Yourself-Criticism can help to replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk that encourages self-compassion.
Ask your doctor to evaluate you if you have ADHD symptoms, but you were not diagnosed as a child. Your GP can refer you to the best services to meet your needs, including a Community Mental Health Service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service. A mental health specialist or health care professional can conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, identify them and determine the most appropriate treatment options. Your doctor will assess your mood, your health history and any other medical conditions you may be suffering from.
4. Anxiety
People with ADHD aren't able to identify their emotions, especially anxiety. This can lead to feelings of numbness or being too critical of themselves. It could also lead to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a source of relief and hope if these problems persist. It can also allow them to realize that their difficulties are not their own fault.
About 25 to 40 percent of adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety and ADHD have many common symptoms, such as problems with concentration, restlessness, difficulty meeting deadlines, and a tendency to concentrate on small issues. However, the main difference is that worry typically has a particular focus. Anxiety on the other hand is more amorphous and unpredictable. It can also be difficult to distinguish between depression and anxiety which can have similar symptoms.
When anxiety and ADHD are combined, it's called "anxious ADD", or "ADHD with anxiety." Anxiety symptoms can affect everyday activities, relationships, work, and school. A doctor will recommend a treatment plan, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation and medications. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, as well nonstimulant medications such as the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine may be used.
A primary care physician can conduct a first assessment for ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you have it, they will refer you to an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist. These professionals will ask about your family history, and other factors which may be contributing to ADHD. They will also ask about your symptoms, and how they impact your work, school and home.
5. Boredom
While boredom could be a sign of ADHD however, it is important to realize that this sensation can also occur in people without ADHD. Boredom is an emotion that could be caused by the brain's desire for an interruption or lack of stimulation. In addition, certain personality traits like extraversion and sensation seeking can contribute to feelings of boredom. Boredom is a normal issue that can be controlled with a variety of methods.
While boredom can cause an absence of motivation however, it is often followed by feelings of satisfaction and happiness. As a result, many therapists believe that learning to cope with boredom in a healthy manner can promote emotional well-being and provide opportunities for creativity.
Whether or not someone has ADHD is a matter of recognize that boredom is caused by stress, which can cause symptoms and interfere with functioning at work, home or school, as well as other social activities. If someone is bored often, it may be time to see a doctor.
Other disorders, like depression and anxiety, can have similar symptoms. It is essential for people to disclose any medications they are taking, especially in the case of trying to treat other conditions with stimulants.
You or someone you love may be suffering from ADHD in the event that they are angry, impulsive or easily distracted. Women with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, as their symptoms differ from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may also be struggling with chronic tardiness and having trouble keeping track of the budget or scheduling appointments.