Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you find yourself forgetting things at work, struggle to complete tasks or miss 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 members, school and use checklists and rating systems to assess your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People who are inattentional ADHD symptoms struggle to follow instructions and concentrate on their tasks. They can forget important papers or miss appointments. They have trouble remembering important details, and they frequently make careless mistakes that can cost them money in the workplace or at school. These errors may be small in the beginning, but become more serious as adults.
While those with hyperactivity or an impulsive ADHD are easy to spot (they often run around, can't sit easily, fidget or interrupt others) youngsters and adults with symptoms of inattention can easily slip under the radar. They may do poorly in the classroom or at work, struggle with staying organized, and appear inactive and unmotivated to their parents or teachers. They might be distracted or even draw in classes. They might have difficulty paying attention to sports or leisure activities, and are constantly "on the go."
Inattentive ADD symptoms may manifest differently in women than in men, making it difficult for them to get a precise diagnosis. Women may be more adept in hiding their symptoms, and may use tools to stay organized and focused. They are also more hesitant to admit that they have problems staying on task, so they might not receive the treatment they need.
If your inattention ADHD symptoms affect your school, work or relationships, it is worth mentioning them to a doctor. They may suggest counseling to help you understand your issues and find ways to deal with them, as well as medication. It is also possible to ask for accommodations at school or at work. It could make a huge difference to your performance in school or at work when your supervisors or coworkers are understanding and accommodating.
2. Hyperactivity
Everyone misplaces their car keys or a mobile phone from time time. People who have inattention ADHD however, experience it frequently, and it often impacts their daily functioning. They might also have trouble following through on their work or school projects and forget important events and deadlines, and struggle with staying on top of conversations and activities.
Although people with ADHD may be more likely to experience difficulties in particular professional or academic environments however, their overall intelligence and education are generally higher than average. They typically have issues with mood swings, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, eating disorders and relationship issues, as well as substance misuse and risky behaviors.
For a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at least six months and be inappropriate for the person's development level. They also must be more severe than other mental health conditions or physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms. The health care professional will assess the person's mood and history and also look at their current symptoms. They will typically use standard ADHD symptom checklists and questionnaires with rating scales to determine if the person 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 constantly moving around, acting like they're "driven by motors" and are unable to wait their turn (e.g., finish sentences of other people and are eager to talk in conversations; teenagers and adults might begin 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
If you have ADHD, you might have trouble controlling your emotions and making smart decisions. This could cause problems at work or in school. This can also affect your health and relationships. For instance, you may be unable to keep yourself from interrupting people or shouting at people when you're angry. It's important to seek help in the event of an impulsive act that causes problems for you or anyone else.
Symptoms of ADHD begin in childhood but they can persist through teen years and even into adulthood. The age of the individual determines the criteria for a diagnosis. Children who are less than 16 years old of age must exhibit 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. adhd adult symptoms believe this is due to the fact that the symptoms of inattention don't disappear with age however, the hyperactive and impulse symptoms do.
Many people who exhibit impulsive behaviors could benefit from therapy and other strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you comprehend how your thoughts and emotions influence your behavior. It can also help you learn techniques to manage anxiety and stress which can cause impulse-driven behavior. Calm's free resources, like this guide to overcome self-criticism can help you replace negative self-talk with positive messages that encourage self-compassion and confidence.
If you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and have not been diagnosed as a child ask your doctor for an evaluation. Your GP can recommend the most appropriate services to meet your needs, including a Community Mental Health Service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service. A mental health professional or health care provider will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of symptoms, diagnose them and identify appropriate treatment options. Your doctor will assess your mood, your health history and any other conditions you may be suffering from.
4. Anxiety
People with ADHD have difficulty recognizing their emotions, especially anxiety. This may result in feelings of numbness or being too critical of themselves. Self-medicating may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a source of relief and hope if these issues persist. It will help them understand that their difficulties are not their own fault.
Approximately 25 to 40 percent of adults suffering from ADHD have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and ADHD are characterized by a variety of common symptoms, such as issues with anxiety, restlessness, difficulties reaching deadlines, and a tendency to concentrate on minor issues. However, the primary difference is that anxiety typically has a specific goal. Anxiety on the other hand is more fluid and unpredictable. It is also difficult to distinguish between depression and anxiety which can cause similar symptoms.
When anxiety and ADHD are combined, it is called "anxious ADD", or "ADHD w/anxiety." Anxiety symptoms can impact relationships, work as well as school activities. A doctor will suggest a treatment plan, which could include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation, and medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, as well nonstimulant medication like the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine could be used.
A primary care physician will conduct a preliminary evaluation for ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you have it, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. These professionals will ask you about your family history and other factors that might be contributing to your ADHD. They'll also ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your school, work, and home life.
5. Boredom
It is important to remember that boredom isn't only a sign of ADHD. The feeling of boredom can also be experienced by people who do not have 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 such as extraversion and sensation seeking can contribute to feelings of boredom. Boredom is a typical issue that can be controlled through a variety of strategies.
While boredom may lead to an inability to motivate yourself, it can also be followed by feelings of satisfaction and well-being. As a result, many therapists believe that learning to manage boredom in a healthy manner can improve emotional well-being and provide opportunities for creativity.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD is important to know that boredom could be associated with stress, which can exacerbate symptoms and hinder functioning at home, work or school, as well as other social activities. If someone is bored often, it may be time to visit the doctor for an assessment.
It's also important to remember that there are other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as depression and anxiety. It is crucial that patients be aware of any medication, especially if stimulants are being used to treat other ailments.
You or someone you know may have ADHD when they are easily irritable, impulsive or easily distracted. Women with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all, because their symptoms differ from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They might also struggle with chronic lateness and have a difficult to keep track of their money or scheduling appointments.