Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you get distracted at work, struggle to complete tasks or forget appointments? You could be suffering from adult ADHD symptoms.
These issues can affect your home, work and family relationships. Your doctor will gather information from your family and school use checklists and rating scales to evaluate your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention ADHD sufferers have difficulty focusing on tasks and following instructions. They might be late for appointments or lose important papers. They have trouble remembering important details, and frequently make careless mistakes that can be costly in business or at school. These errors may seem minor when children, but they can become more serious when they reach adulthood.
While those who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD are easier to spot (they often run around, can't sit easily, fidget or interrupt others), children and adults with symptoms of inattention are often overlooked or fall under the radar. They may have difficulty staying organised and appear uninterested or unmotivated to parents or teachers. They may ponder or draw during classes. They may have trouble concentrating on leisure or sports, and be "on the on the move."
Inattention ADD symptoms may manifest differently in women than men, making it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. Women may be more adept at hiding their symptoms, and may utilize tools to keep them focused and organized. They also are more hesitant to admit they struggle to stay on track, so they might miss out on getting the treatment they require.
If your inattentive ADHD symptoms interfere with your work, school or relationships, it's worth mentioning them to a doctor. They might suggest counseling that helps you understand your issues and figure out ways to manage them, and medication. You may also request accommodations in the workplace or at school. It can make a big difference in your performance at the classroom or at work if your co-workers or supervisors are understanding and accommodating.
2. Hyperactivity
Everyone loses their keys to the car or phone at least once in a while. People with inattention ADHD are more likely to do it on a regular basis and it can affect their daily functioning. They might also have trouble following through on their schoolwork or work tasks or forget important dates and deadlines, and have difficulty staying on top of conversations and activities.
Although those who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have difficulty in certain professional or academic settings than others, their intelligence and education levels are usually higher than the average. They are often plagued by mood fluctuations, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, eating disorders relationships, drug abuse 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 stage. The symptoms must also be more severe than those caused by other physical or mental illnesses. The health care provider will evaluate the person's mood and history and examine their present symptoms. They will typically utilize standardized ADHD symptoms checklists and questionnaires with rating scales to determine if the person is in the right place for an assessment 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 as if they're "driven by a motor" and are unable to wait their turn (e.g., finish other people's sentences or can't wait to start speaking in conversation; adolescents and adults might begin using other people's things 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 have trouble controlling your emotions and making smart decisions. This can lead to issues at work or at school. This can also affect your relationships and health. It can be difficult to keep yourself from interrupting others or yelling when you are angry. It is important to seek help for any impulsive behavior that can cause problems for you or others.
The signs of ADHD start in childhood, but they can continue through teen years and even into adulthood. The age of the person determines the criteria for a diagnosis. Children who are less than 16 years old are required to show at least six signs that include 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 inattentive symptoms don't usually disappear as you age but the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms do diminish.
Therapy and other methods can help many people with impulsive behavior. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance, can help you understand the way your thoughts and feelings influence your behavior. It can also teach strategies to manage anxiety and stress, which often cause impulse-driven behavior. Calm's free tools 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 assess you if you have ADHD symptoms but were not diagnosed as an infant. Your GP can recommend services that are best suited to your needs. This could be an Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. A thorough assessment by a health care provider or a mental health professional can determine the source of your symptoms, establish a diagnosis and identify effective treatment options. Your physician will evaluate your mood, your medical history and any other conditions you might have.
4. Anxiety
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty recognizing their emotions, especially anxiety. This may result in feelings of numbness or a tendency to be overly critical of themselves. It could cause self-medicating through alcohol or drugs which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. If these problems persist, getting a diagnosis of adult ADHD can bring relief and hope. It will also allow people realize that their problems aren't their fault.
Around 25 to 40% of adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety and ADHD have a number of symptoms, such as problems with concentration, restlessness and difficulties in meeting deadlines. The main difference between ADHD and anxiety is that worry usually has a target. Anxiety however is more amorphous and unpredictable. It is difficult to differentiate between depression and anxiety since they can have similar symptoms.
When anxiety and ADHD are combined, it's called "anxious ADD", or "ADHD w/anxiety." Anxiety-related symptoms can affect relationships, jobs school, and other daily activities. A doctor could suggest a treatment plan that includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as meditation, and medication. stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are available along with non-stimulant medication like bupropion, an antidepressant, or atomoxetine.
A primary care provider might be able to give a preliminary evaluation of ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from ADHD, he'll refer you to a specialist in mental health, like psychiatrist or psychologist. They will inquire about your family history, as well as other factors that may cause ADHD. They will also inquire about your symptoms, including how they affect your school, work and home.
5. Boredom
While it is true that boredom could be a sign of ADHD but it is important to keep in mind that this feeling can occur in people who don't have ADHD. Boredom is an emotion that could be caused by the brain's desire for to take a break or lacking stimulation. Additionally, certain personality traits such as extraversion and sensation seeking can cause feelings of boredom. Boredom is a common issue that can be controlled with a variety of methods.
While adult add symptoms can lead to an inability to motivate, it is often followed by feelings of satisfaction and happiness. In the end, many therapists believe that learning to deal with boredom in a healthy manner can promote emotional well-being and create opportunities for creativity.
It's important to understand that stress and boredom may be linked regardless of whether someone has ADHD. Stress can worsen symptoms, and interfere with functioning at home, at work, school, or any other social event. If a person is bored often, it may be time to consult a doctor for an evaluation.
It's also important to note that there are other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD such as depression and anxiety. It's essential that individuals disclose any medications they are taking, particularly if they are attempting to treat other illnesses with stimulants.
If you or someone you know has trouble staying focused and appears unfocused, angry or easily distracted, they may have ADHD. Women who have ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or miss-diagnosed than men, since their symptoms are different from the typical symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may also experience chronic tardiness and have a tough to keep track of their finances or making appointments.