Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you get distracted at work, struggle to finish tasks or miss appointments? If yes, you might have signs of adult ADHD.
These problems can affect your home, work and relationships. Your doctor will seek information from your family, school, and will use checklists and rating systems to evaluate your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD symptoms struggle to follow instructions and concentrate on their tasks. They can forget important papers or skip appointments. They often forget important details and commit mistakes that can cost a lot of money at work or at school. These errors may appear to be minor when they are children, but they can become more serious when they reach adulthood.
While those who suffer from hyperactivity or an impulsive ADHD are easy to spot (they often run around, cannot stay seated easily, or fidget or interrupt others) youngsters and adults with inattentive symptoms are often overlooked or fall under the radar. They may do poorly in school or at work, have difficulty staying organized, and seem inactive and unmotivated to their teachers or parents. They might daydream or draw in class. They might struggle to focus on leisure or sports activities and be "on the move."
Inattention 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 utilize tools to keep them focused and organized. Women are also less likely to admit that they have difficulty staying focused. This can prevent them from getting the care they require.
It is worth telling your doctor if you are prone to inattention ADHD affects your work, school, or relationships. They might suggest counseling to help you understand your issues and discover ways to manage them, as well as medication. It is also possible to request accommodations at school or at work. If your coworkers, supervisors or teachers are accommodating and understanding, it can make a huge difference in your performance at work or in school.
2. Hyperactivity
Everyone misplaces their car keys or a cell phone from time to time. People who aren't attentive ADHD people, on the other hand often do this, and it can have a negative impact on their daily life. They may also have difficulties keeping track of their work or school projects and forget important events and deadlines, and have trouble keeping up with conversations and activities.
Although people with ADHD are more likely to struggle in certain professional or academic environments, their general intelligence and education levels are generally higher than average. They are often plagued by mood fluctuations, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety eating disorders relationships, substance misuse and risky behaviors.
For a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at least six months and not be appropriate for the person's developmental stage. They also have to 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 their history and examine their present symptoms. He or she will usually utilize standardized ADHD symptoms 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 always on the move, act like they're "driven" by a motor and are unable to wait for their turn. (For example they can't finish other people's' sentences, or can't wait until it's 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 have ADHD you may be having trouble controlling your emotions or making good decisions. This can cause issues at school or work. This can also affect your relationships and health. It can be difficult to stop yourself from interrupting others or yelling when you're angry. It is important to seek help for impulsive behaviors that could cause problems for you or other people.
ADHD symptoms can begin in childhood, but they can persist throughout adulthood. The age of the person determines the criteria for an assessment. Children under 16 years of age must exhibit at least six of the symptoms that include hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
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 symptoms of inattention do not disappear with age however the hyperactive and impulse symptoms do.
Many people who exhibit impulse-driven behaviors could benefit from therapy and other strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you understand how your thoughts and feelings influence your behavior. It can also teach you techniques to manage stress and anxiety which can trigger an impulsive behavior. Calm's free tools like this Guide to Overcoming Yourself-Criticism, can help you replace negative self talk with positive messages which promote self-compassion.
Ask your doctor to examine your condition if you exhibit ADHD symptoms but were not diagnosed as a child. Your GP can direct you to the best services that meet your needs, including a Community Mental Health Service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of your symptoms, identify them and recommend the most effective treatment options. Your provider will examine your mood, your medical history and any other health issues you may be suffering from.
4. Anxiety
People with ADHD have difficulty recognizing their feelings, and especially anxiety. This may result in a lack of empathy or a tendency to be overly critical of themselves. Self-medicating may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. If these issues persist, getting a diagnosis of adult ADHD is a source of relief and hope. This will also help those suffering from ADHD to understand that their difficulties aren't their fault.
Approximately 25 to 40 percent of adults suffering from ADHD have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and ADHD have a number of symptoms, including issues with concentration, restlessness, and difficulties in meeting deadlines. The major difference between ADHD and anxiety is that anxiety usually has a goal. Anxiety is unpredictable and more loose-floating. It is difficult to differentiate between depression and anxiety since they may have similar symptoms.
When anxiety and ADHD are combined, it is called "anxious ADD", or "ADHD w/anxiety." Anxiety-related symptoms can affect relationships, work, school, and daily activities. 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, along with non-stimulant medication like the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine can be utilized.
A primary care physician will conduct a preliminary evaluation for ADHD. If your doctor suspects you have it, they will refer you to an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. These professionals will ask you about your family history and other factors that could contribute to your ADHD. They will also inquire about your symptoms, and how they affect your school, work, and at home.
5. Boredom
While boredom can indicate the presence of ADHD, it is important to remember that this feeling can occur in people who don't have ADHD. Boredom is a normal human emotion and could be due to the brain's need to be away from an activity or a lack of mental stimulation. Some personality traits, such as extraversion and sensation seeking, can cause feelings of boredom. Boredom is a common condition that can be treated in a variety of ways.
While boredom can cause an absence of motivation however, it is often followed by feelings of satisfaction and a sense of well-being. Many therapists believe that learning how to cope with boredom can improve your emotional well-being and encourage creativity.
Whether or adult add symptoms has ADHD is important to know that boredom could be associated with stress, which can worsen symptoms and hinder functioning at work, home or school, as well as other social activities. If a person is bored often it's time to see a doctor.
It's also important to remember that there are other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, including anxiety and depression. It is essential for people to inform their doctor about any medications they're taking, particularly when they're trying to treat other ailments by taking stimulants.
You or someone you love may be suffering from ADHD if they are easily irritable, 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 afflicted by chronic lateness and have a difficult to keep track of their finances or scheduling appointments.