Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you find yourself forgetting things at work, struggle to complete tasks or miss appointments? You could be suffering from adult ADHD symptoms.
These issues can affect your home, work and relationships. Your doctor will seek details from your family, school and use checklists and rating systems to review your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD patients have difficulty focusing on tasks and following instructions. They might miss appointments or misplace important documents. They tend to forget important information and make mistakes that can be costly at work or at school. These errors may appear to be minor when they are children but they can turn more serious as they grow older.
Adults and children who exhibit inattention-deficient behaviors are prone to slip through the cracks. While hyperactivity and an impulsive ADHD symptoms are more apparent (they run around, fidget, or interrupt others), those with inattentive behavior can easily be missed. They may struggle to stay well-organized and appear sluggish or unmotivated to parents or teachers. They may ponder or draw during classes. They may have trouble concentrating on leisure or sports activities, and be "on the move."
Inattentive ADD symptoms may manifest differently in women than males, making it difficult for them to get a precise diagnosis. Women are better at concealing their symptoms and may depend on devices to help remain focused and organized. They also are more hesitant to admit they struggle to stay on track which means they may miss out on getting the help they require.
It is important to tell your doctor if your lack of attention ADHD affects your work, school or your relationships. They might recommend counseling to help you comprehend your issues and discover ways to manage them, as well as medication. You can also ask for accommodations at work or at school. If your supervisors, coworkers or teachers are accommodating and understanding it could make all the difference in your achievement at work or in school.
2. Hyperactivity
Everybody loses their car keys or mobile phone from time time. People who aren't attentive ADHD people, on the other hand, do this regularly, and this can have a negative effect on their daily life. They may also experience difficulty finishing their schoolwork and other work tasks. They might forget important deadlines or events and have trouble keeping pace with their conversations and activities.
While those with ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties in certain professional or academic settings however, their general intelligence and education levels are generally higher than the average. They are frequently affected by mood fluctuations low confidence, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and issues with relationships.
The symptoms must be present at least six months ago and not be in line with the individual's level of development. The symptoms should also be more severe than those caused by other physical or mental illnesses. The health care professional will assess the person's mood and history and examine their present symptoms. He or she will use the standard ADHD symptom checklists, questionnaires, and rating scales in order to determine if the individual 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 moving, act like they're "driven" by motors and are unable to wait for their turn. (For instance, they finish other peoples' sentences, or can't wait until their turn to speak; or adolescents and adults may start 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 suffer from ADHD, you might be having trouble controlling your emotions or making sound decisions. This can lead to trouble with school or work. It can also affect your relationships as well as your health. You might find it difficult to resist interrupting others or shouting when you're angry. It is important to seek help for impulsive behaviors that create problems for you or others.
The signs of ADHD start in childhood, but they can last throughout teen years and into adulthood. The criteria for diagnosis is determined by the age of the person that is younger than 16 must show 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 that this is due the fact that the inattentive symptoms do not disappear with age, but the hyperactive and impulse symptoms do.
Many people who have impulse-driven behaviors may benefit from therapy as well as other strategies. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn how your thoughts and emotions affect your behavior. It can also teach you strategies to manage stress and anxiety which can trigger impulse-driven behaviors. Calm's free resources, like this guide to overcome self-criticism can assist you in replacing negative self-talk with positive ones that promote self-compassion, confidence and self-esteem.
If you are suffering from ADHD symptoms but haven't received a diagnosis as a child, you should ask your doctor to conduct an evaluation. Your GP will be able to recommend services that are most appropriate to your requirements. This could include an Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. A thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional will determine the source of your symptoms, formulate a diagnosis and identify effective treatments. Your doctor will assess your mood, your health history and any other conditions you may be suffering from.
4. Anxiety
People suffering from ADHD aren't able to identify their feelings, and especially anxiety. This could result in feelings of numbness or being too critical of themselves. Self-medicating may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. If these problems persist, getting an adult diagnosis of ADHD can bring relief and hope. It can also allow them to realize that the issues they face are not the result of their own insanity.
Around 25 to 40% of people suffering from ADHD suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and ADHD have a myriad of symptoms, including problems with restlessness, concentration, meeting deadlines, and a tendency to hyperfocus on minor issues. However, the main difference is that worry typically has a focus. Anxiety however, is more free-floating and unpredictable. It can also be difficult to differentiate between depression and anxiety that can result in similar symptoms.
When anxiety is combined with ADHD it's known as "anxious ADD" or "ADHD w/ anxiety." Anxiety-related symptoms can hinder daily activities, relationships, school, and work. A doctor might suggest a treatment plan which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as meditation, and medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, and non-stimulant medication like the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine can be utilized.
A primary care provider may be able to provide an initial assessment of ADHD. If your doctor suspects you have it, he will refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. These professionals will ask about your family history and other factors that may cause ADHD. They will also inquire about your symptoms, and how they affect your school, work and home.
5. Boredom
While boredom may indicate the presence of ADHD however, it is important to realize that this sensation can also occur in people without ADHD. Boredom is a normal human emotion and can be caused by the brain needing to take a break from an activity or a lack of stimulation. In addition, certain personality traits like sensation seeking and extraversion may be a factor in feelings of boredom. sign of adhd in adults is a common issue that can be controlled through a variety of strategies.
While boredom can lead to a loss of motivation, it is often followed by feelings of satisfaction and well-being. As a result, many therapists believe that learning to manage boredom in a healthy way can promote emotional well-being and allow for creative opportunities.
It's important to know that stress and boredom can be related, whether or not someone is suffering from ADHD. Stress can worsen symptoms, and can hinder functioning in the home, at work, school, or any other social activity. If someone is often bored it's time to see a doctor.
It's also important to note that there are other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as depression and anxiety. It is essential to inform their doctor about any medication, particularly when stimulants are being prescribed to treat other conditions.
If you or someone you know struggles with staying focused and appears impulsive, irritable, or easily distracted, they could have ADHD. Women with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all, as their symptoms differ from impulsivity and hyperactivity. They may also be struggling with chronic tardiness, and finding it difficult to track finances or making appointments.