Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you find yourself forgetting things at work, struggle to finish tasks or miss appointments? You could be suffering from adult ADHD symptoms.
These issues can affect your relationships, your work and your home. Your doctor will seek information from your family members, school and use checklists as well as rating systems to assess your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention ADHD sufferers have difficulty focusing on tasks and following instructions. They might miss appointments or misplace important papers. They aren't able to remember important details, and frequently make mistakes that could be costly in business or at school. These errors may appear to be minor when they are children, but they can become more serious in adulthood.
Adults and children who exhibit inattentional behaviors can easily fall through the cracks. While hyperactivity and impulsive ADHD symptoms are more apparent (they are prone to flitter, run around, or interrupt others) people with inattention-related behavior are easily overlooked. They may have difficulty staying well-organized and appear sluggish or disinterested to teachers or parents. They may ponder or draw during class. They may have trouble concentrating on leisure or sports activities, and be "on the move."
Women may show different symptoms of inattentive ADD than men, making it harder to identify. Women are better at disguising their symptoms and may depend on tools to help them stay focused and organized. Women are also more reluctant to admit they struggle to stay focused. This can hinder them from getting the treatment they need.
If your inattentive ADHD symptoms are affecting your school, work or relationships, it's important to mention them to your doctor. They might recommend counseling that helps you understand your issues and discover ways to deal with them, as well as medication. adult adhd symptoms can also ask for accommodations at work or at school. If your co-workers, supervisors or teachers are understanding and accommodating, it can make a huge difference in your performance at work or in school.
2. Hyperactivity
Everyone loses their keys to the car or a phone every now and then. Inattentive ADHD people, on the other hand frequently do this and it can cause negative impact on their daily activities. They may also have difficulties finishing their schoolwork and other work tasks. They may forget important events and deadlines and may have difficulty keeping up with activities and conversations.
Although people who suffer from ADHD may be more likely to experience difficulties in certain academic or professional situations however, their general intelligence and education levels are generally higher than average. They are often plagued by mood swings, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, eating disorders relationships, drug abuse and risky behaviors.
The symptoms should be present for at least 6 months old and not be consistent with the person's level of development. They also have to be more severe than other mental health conditions or physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. The health professional will assess the person's mood, history and current symptoms. The doctor will use typical ADHD symptoms 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 constantly on the go, act as if they're "driven by a motor" and are unable to wait their turn (e.g., finish sentences of others or can't wait to start speaking in a conversation; adolescents and adults might begin using other people's stuff 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 may have trouble controlling your emotions or making good decisions. This can lead to problems at work or in school. It could also impact your relationships as well as your health. You might find it difficult to keep yourself from interrupting other people or yelling when you are angry. It's important to seek help for impulsive behavior that causes problems for you or anyone else.
The signs of ADHD start in childhood, but they can continue through teen years and even into adulthood. The criteria for diagnosis is based on the age of the person that is younger than 16 must display at least six indicators of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity 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 to the fact that inattentive symptoms do not disappear with age however the hyperactive and impulse symptoms do.
Therapy and other strategies can assist many people suffering from an impulsive behavior. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn how your thoughts and emotions influence your behavior. It can also teach strategies to manage anxiety and stress which can result in an impulsive behavior. The free resources offered by Calm, such as this Guide to Overcome Self-Criticism, can also assist you in replacing negative self-talk with positive messages that promote self-compassion, confidence and self-esteem.
Ask your doctor to evaluate whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms, but you were not diagnosed as an infant. Your GP can recommend services that are most appropriate to your needs. This may include an Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or a mental health professional can determine the cause of your symptoms, make a diagnosis and identify effective treatment options. Your doctor will examine your mood and any other health issues you suffer from and your family history.
4. Anxiety
People suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty being able to recognize their own feelings, especially anxiety. This can lead to an absence of empathy or being too critical of themselves. Self-medicating can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. If these problems persist, an adult diagnosis of ADHD can bring relief and hope. It can also help them realize that their difficulties are not the result of their own insanity.
Approximately 25 to 40 percent of adults 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. However, the primary difference is that worry typically has a specific goal. Anxiety is unpredictable and more loose-floating. It can be difficult to differentiate between anxiety and depression because they can have similar symptoms.
When anxiety and ADHD are combined, it's called "anxious ADD", or "ADHD with anxiety." Anxiety-related symptoms can affect relationships, jobs as well as school activities. A doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan that may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation, and medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, along with non-stimulant medication like the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine may be used.
A primary care doctor can conduct a first assessment for ADHD. If your doctor suspects you have it, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will inquire about your family history, and other factors that may cause ADHD. They'll also ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your school, work, and home life.
5. Boredom
While it is true that boredom could be a sign of ADHD but it is important to remember that this feeling can also be experienced by people who do not have ADHD. Boredom is a feeling which could be caused by the brain wanting a break or lack of stimulation. In addition, certain personality traits such as extraversion and sensation seeking can be a factor in feelings of boredom. Boredom is a common problem that can be addressed in many ways.
While boredom may lead to an absence of motivation, it can also be followed by feelings of satisfaction and well-being. In the end, many therapists believe that learning how to cope with boredom in a healthy manner can improve emotional well-being and create opportunities for creativity.
It is important to recognize that boredom and stress can be related, whether or not someone is suffering from ADHD. Stress can cause symptoms, and can hinder functioning in the workplace, at home or at school, or in any other social event. If a person is bored often, it could be time to see the doctor for an assessment.
Other disorders, including depression and anxiety, can also trigger similar symptoms. It is important that people disclose any medications, especially 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 might be suffering from ADHD. Women with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all, because their symptoms differ from impulsivity and hyperactivity. They may also have trouble with chronic tardiness, and having trouble keeping track of finances or making appointments.