Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you find yourself forgetting things at work, struggle to complete tasks or miss appointments? If yes, you might have signs of adult ADHD.
These issues can impact your relationships, work and home. Your doctor will collect information from your family and school, use checklists and rating scales to examine your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention ADHD sufferers have difficulty focusing on tasks and following instructions. They might miss appointments or misplace important documents. They have trouble remembering important details, and they frequently make mistakes that could be costly in the business world or at school. These mistakes might appear minor in the early years of childhood, but they can become more serious when they reach adulthood.
While those with hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD are easier to spot (they often run around, can't sit easily, or fidget or interrupt others), children and adults who exhibit inattention are often overlooked or fall under the radar. They may have difficulty staying organized and appear lazy or disinterested to teachers or parents. They may daydream or draw during class. They may have trouble paying attention to sports or leisure activities and are always "on the go."
Women may show different symptoms of inattentive ADD than men, which makes it more difficult to diagnose. Women may be more adept in hiding their symptoms, and may employ tools to keep them focused and organized. They also are more hesitant to admit they are having trouble staying on track which means they may miss out on getting the treatment they require.
If your inattention ADHD symptoms are affecting your school, work or relationships, it's recommended to discuss them with your doctor. They may suggest counseling to assist you in understanding your issues and find ways to address them, as well as medication. You can also ask for accommodations in the workplace or at school. It could make a huge difference to your performance in school or at work when your supervisors and coworkers are accommodating and understanding.
2. Hyperactivity
Everybody loses their keys to their car or a phone from time to time. People with inattentive ADHD are more likely to do this frequently, and it often impacts their daily functioning. They may also have difficulty completing their schoolwork and work tasks. They might forget important events and deadlines and may have difficulty keeping up with conversations and activities.
While those with ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties in particular professional or academic settings but their overall intelligence and education are generally higher than average. They often have problems with mood fluctuation, low self-esteem depression and anxiety eating disorders relationships, substance misuse and risky behaviors.
The symptoms should be present for at least 6 months old and not be in line with the person's stage of development. The symptoms must be more severe than those caused by other physical or mental illnesses. The health care provider will examine the person's mood, history and present symptoms. They will employ the standard ADHD symptoms checklists, questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine if the person meets the criteria 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 moving and appear to be "driven" by a motor and are unable to wait for their turn. (For example they can't finish other people's sentences, or cannot wait until it's their turn to speak; 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
If you have ADHD you may struggle with controlling your emotions and making smart decisions. This can cause problems at work or in school. It could also impact your relationships and your health. For instance, you could find it hard to stop yourself from interrupting others or shouting at people when you're angry. It's important to seek help for any impulsive behavior that can cause problems for you or for others.
The signs of ADHD start in childhood, but they can persist into teen years and adulthood. The criteria for a diagnosis is determined by the age of the individual children who are younger than 16 must display at least six signs of inattention, hyperactivity 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 this is due to the fact that the inattentive symptoms do not disappear with age however the hyperactive and impulse symptoms do.
Therapy and other methods can aid many people suffering from impulsive behavior. 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 stress and anxiety which can trigger impulse-driven behavior. add symptoms , like this Guide to Overcoming Self-Criticism can assist you in replacing negative self-talk with positive ones that promote self-compassion, confidence and self-esteem.
Ask your doctor to examine you if you have ADHD symptoms, but you were not diagnosed as a child. Your GP is able to recommend services that are suited to your needs. This could be the Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. A mental health specialist or health care professional can conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause of symptoms, diagnose them and identify the most effective treatment options. Your provider will look at your mood, any other health conditions you suffer from and your family history.
4. Anxiety
People suffering from ADHD often have difficulty recognizing their own feelings, and in particular anxiety. This can lead to a lack of empathy or being overly critical of themselves. It can also lead to self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, which can worsen 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 due to their own fault.
Around 25 to 40% of people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety and ADHD have a number of symptoms, such as problems with concentration, restlessness and difficult to meet deadlines. The main distinction between anxiety and ADHD is that anxiety usually has a target. Anxiety is unpredictable and more loose-floating. It can also be difficult to differentiate between depression and anxiety, which can cause similar symptoms.
When anxiety is combined with ADHD It's referred to as "anxious ADD" or "ADHD w/ anxiety." Anxiety symptoms can interfere with relationships, work school, and other daily activities. A doctor may suggest a treatment program that includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as meditation, and medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine can be utilized along with non-stimulant medication like bupropion, an antidepressant, or atomoxetine.
A primary care provider could be able to offer an initial evaluation of ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you have it, they will refer you to an expert in mental health such as psychologist or psychiatrist. These professionals will ask about your family history and other factors which may contribute to ADHD. They will also ask about your symptoms, including how they impact your school, work and home.
5. Boredom
It is important to remember that boredom isn't only a sign of ADHD. This feeling can also be experienced by people who do not suffer from 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. Additionally, certain personality traits such as extraversion and feeling seeking may contribute to feelings of boredom. Boredom is a common problem that can be addressed in various ways.
While boredom can cause a loss of motivation, 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 promote emotional wellbeing and allow for creativity.
It's important to know that stress and boredom may be related regardless of whether someone is suffering from ADHD. Stress can worsen symptoms and hinder functioning at home, at work or school, or other social event. If a person is often bored it could be the time to consult 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 important that people inform their doctor about any medication, particularly when stimulants are being prescribed to treat other ailments.
If you or someone you know struggles with staying on task and seems to be irritable, impulsive, or easily distracted, they could be suffering from ADHD. Women with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, as their symptoms differ from those of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may also experience chronic lateness and have a difficult managing their finances or scheduling appointments.