Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you forget things at work, struggle to finish tasks or forget appointments? If so, you could be suffering from adult ADHD.
These issues can affect your home, work and family relationships. Your doctor will seek information from your family, school and use checklists as well as rating systems to assess your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention ADHD patients have difficulty paying attention to tasks and following instructions. They can forget important papers or fail to attend appointments. They aren't able to remember important details, and often make careless mistakes that can be costly in business or at school. These mistakes may be small in the beginning, but can become more serious when they are adults.
Children and adults with inattention-deficient behaviors are prone to 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 inattentive behavior can easily be missed. They might have trouble staying organized and appear lazy or disinterested to teachers or parents. They might be distracted or even draw during classes. They may have trouble concentrating on leisure or sports and be "on the on the move."
Women can exhibit different signs of inattentive ADD than men, making it harder to identify. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms and may rely on tools to help remain focused and organized. They also are more hesitant to admit they have problems staying on task and may be unable to access the help they require.
It is important to inform your doctor if your inattentive ADHD impacts your work, school, or relationships. They might recommend counseling to help you understand your issues and discover ways to manage them, and medication. It is also possible to ask for accommodations at school or at work. It can make a huge difference to your performance in the classroom or at work when your supervisors or coworkers are accommodating and understanding.
2. Hyperactivity
Everybody loses their keys to their car or phone at least once in a while. People with inattention ADHD however, experience it frequently, and it often impacts their daily functioning. They may also have difficulty completing their schoolwork and work tasks. They may forget important deadlines and events, and may have difficulty keeping up with activities and conversations.
While people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have difficulty in certain academic or professional situations than other people, their intelligence and education is usually higher than the average. They are often plagued by mood swings, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression eating disorders relationships, drug abuse and risky behaviors.
adults adhd symptoms should be present for at least six months 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 professional will assess the person's mood, their history, and current symptoms. The doctor will typically utilize the standard ADHD symptoms checklists and questionnaires with rating scales to determine whether the person is in the right place for the diagnosis 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 motors, and have trouble waiting for their turn. (For example, they finish other peoples sentences, or simply can't wait until it's their turn to speak; adolescents and adults may start using other peoples' things without permission). People with hyperactivity-impulsivity often fidget, squirm or leave their seat even when it's appropriate.
3. Impulsivity
You may have difficulty controlling your emotions and making sound choices if you suffer from ADHD. This could cause problems at work or in school. It also may affect your relationships and health. You might find it difficult to resist interrupting others or shouting when you're angry. It's crucial to seek assistance for impulsive behavior that causes problems for you or for others.
The signs of ADHD start 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 under 16 years are required to show at least six signs, including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
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 because the inattentive symptoms don't usually disappear as you grow older, while the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms do decrease.
Therapy and other strategies can help many people with impulsive behavior. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance, can help you understand how your thoughts and feelings influence your behavior. It can also teach techniques to manage stress and anxiety, which often trigger an impulsive behavior. Calm's tools for free such as this guide to Overcome Yourself-Criticism can help you replace negative self talk with positive messages which promote self-compassion.
If you are suffering from ADHD symptoms but haven't been diagnosed as a child, ask your doctor for an evaluation. Your GP can refer you to the best services for your needs, including a Community Mental Health Service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service. A thorough evaluation by a health care professional or mental health professional can determine the root of your symptoms, formulate an accurate diagnosis and suggest treatments. Your provider will look at your mood and any other health issues you have, as well as your family history.
4. Anxiety
People with ADHD often have difficulty understanding their own feelings, especially anxiety. This can lead to an absence of empathy or an excessively critical self-perception. It can cause self-medicating through drugs or alcohol, which can worsen the symptoms of ADHD. If these problems persist, an adult diagnosis of ADHD can bring relief and hope. It can also allow them to realize that their issues are not due to their own fault.
Anxiety disorders affect 25 to 40% of adults suffering from ADHD. Anxiety and ADHD have many common symptoms, including problems with anxiety, restlessness, difficulties meeting deadlines, and a tendency to concentrate on minor worries. The main distinction between anxiety and ADHD is that anxiety usually has a goal. Anxiety however is more fluid and unpredictable. It can also be difficult to distinguish between depression and anxiety, which can cause similar symptoms.
If anxiety is coupled with ADHD it's known as "anxious ADD" or "ADHD with anxiety." Anxiety-related symptoms can affect relationships, work, school, and daily activities. A doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan that may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation and medications. The stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine, as well nonstimulant medications such as the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine may be used.
A primary care physician can conduct a first assessment for ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you have it, he or she will refer you to an expert in mental health like a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will inquire about your family history, as well as other factors that may cause ADHD. They will also inquire about your symptoms, including how they affect your school, work, and at home.
5. Boredom
While it is true that boredom can indicate the presence of ADHD however, it is important to keep in mind that this sensation can also be experienced by people who do not have ADHD. Boredom is an emotion that can be triggered by the brain's desire to take an interruption or lack of stimulation. Additionally, certain personality traits such as sensation seeking and extraversion may cause feelings of boredom. Boredom is a normal problem that can be addressed by a variety methods.
While boredom may lead to an absence of motivation however, it is also followed by feelings such as satisfaction and happiness. In the end, many therapists believe that learning how to manage boredom in a healthy and positive manner can promote emotional well-being and create opportunities for creativity.
It's important to know that boredom and stress can be related regardless of whether or not a person is suffering from ADHD. Stress can cause symptoms, and can hinder functioning at home, at work, school, or any other social event. If someone is bored often it could be the time to see a doctor.
It's also important to note that there are other disorders which can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, including anxiety and depression. It is crucial that patients inform their doctor about any medication, particularly if stimulants are being used to treat other conditions.
If you or someone you know has trouble staying on task and seems unfocused, angry, or easily distracted, they may be suffering from ADHD. Women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men due to the fact that their symptoms are different from the typical symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may also experience chronic lateness and have a difficult managing their finances or making appointments.