Adult ADHD Symptoms
Whether you've lost your keys again and feel you're always running late, or struggle to keep track of bills and appointments, these symptoms may be symptomatic of adult ADHD. Learn to identify them and what these symptoms are telling you about your own personality.
A doctor must take an exhaustive history in order to diagnose ADHD. This is to make sure that there aren't any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Often, people who have ADHD have trouble focusing or keeping their attention on their tasks. They might forget important details or fail to keep up with plans. They can also make careless mistakes that can have a huge impact on their professional and their life.
ADHD symptoms are most prevalent in childhood but can persist throughout adulthood. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with the inability to focus and lack of organization. They also have difficulty completing projects and tasks at work and in their personal lives. They may be frustrated and embarrassed that they can't seem to organize their lives. They might even think they are naive or irresponsible.
Adults with inattention ADHD are often criticized for not listening to others, or making rash mistakes that can have grave consequences, like not showing up for appointments and not paying bills on time or not returning friends' calls. These issues can cause an insecurity about their self-worth or a feeling of being unworthy. Untreated health issues like depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, diabetes, heart disease and sleep disorders, are also at risk.
A person who experiences inattentive symptoms of ADHD is likely to have an ancestral history of the disorder. It is important to remember that these symptoms can also occur in people who do not have an ancestral history. A clinical examination can help determine if the person has the disorder or if other factors are to blame for their lack of attention, such as stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies or hearing or vision issues cognitive decline, or medications such as sleeping aids or antibiotics, or allergy medications.
Psychostimulants can aid a person suffering from inattentive ADHD. They help improve concentration and focus by rerouting brain signals. Other treatments, such as diet and physical exercise may also be used to reduce the symptoms of inattention caused by ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
Adults are less likely than children to flutter around or rush through tasks. They can be a problem, however, if one is restless and feels overwhelmed by their desires and needs or obligations. They could get in trouble at work due to failing to follow rules and procedures, or not paying their bills on time. They could also be having trouble managing their finances and relationships.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to be unable to recognize their own symptoms. They might think that their symptoms are an ordinary part of being an adult or that this is how they have always been. If you are experiencing problems that affect your daily routine, you should take a look at having a medical diagnosis.
During the interview, the health professional will look for any symptoms mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. The health professional will also look over the medical history of the patient that includes psychiatric problems and family history. They will also review the person's personal and work life to see how ADHD symptoms impact them.
People with inattention ADHD frequently forget things that are important to them, like their keys, phones, or wallet. They may also lose track of their assignments, forgetting to turn in papers or skip appointments. They are often unable to remain in one spot for extended durations of time, and they might feel anxious or uncomfortable.
People with hyperactive ADHD tend to speak before thinking, blurt out comments that don't make sense, or interrupt other people during conversations. They may be enticed by the opportunity to use or steal items without permission and may have difficulty waiting for their turn.
3. Organizational difficulties
A lot of people with undiagnosed ADHD feel like they're in a mess. Symptoms of this condition are difficult to manage, particularly as they progress into adulthood, and it can cause problems in virtually every area of life. People with this condition often feel a sense of embarrassment and frustration that they are unable to manage to put their lives together or reach their full potential. Procrastination and disorganization can cause stress, anxiety and depression.
Adults who feel like they're in a mess or don't feel good enough can get relief from an adhd diagnosis. It can also assist people realize that the difficulties they've had in their lives were not due to a lack of effort or intelligence, but rather an imbalance in their chemical balance which can be addressed with medication and behavioral therapy.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in adults may manifest as a million little projects that are conceived but never finished, such as the garden that was planted, but was not watered, or the new system for organizing that was created but then abandoned. They may also show up at work through missing appointments, unfinished documents or papers that are submitted to reviews, and a tendency not to take the time to review tasks thoroughly.
It's important to note that some of these signs could be misinterpreted as signs of normal aging, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and it's advisable to speak with your doctor if you believe that this could be the case for you. Your physician can refer you to an expert who will be able to confirm or exclude the possibility of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
For adults diagnosed with ADHD the lack of motivation is often a key sign. It can cause a deal of difficulty in the life of a person particularly in relationships. It can also cause a lot stress and problems in the workplace, at home, at school, or with finances. It's important to discover ways to deal with this issue, and seek help if needed.
People suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to focus on boring or repetitive tasks, and can be easily distracted by other things that appear more interesting, exciting or even enjoyable. This can lead to a vicious circle where the person gets bored with their job, their responsibilities and even their life generally. They are also less motivated.
adhd symptoms in women can also indicate a mental health problem like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. female add symptoms could be caused by physical ailments such as chronic fatigue syndrome or brain tumors.
Lack of motivation is a sign that someone has fallen to old habits.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a lack of motivation, obtaining a correct diagnosis and treatment is the first step to being happier and functioning more effectively in your professional and personal lives. Talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing and ask them for the referral to a health care professional who can conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You may be advised to contact a local hospital or graduate program located at a university in order to find a specialist with expertise working with adults.
5. Fatigue
People with ADHD are usually exhausted. Insufficient sleep, inactivity or a poor diet can all contribute to this. It can also be a sign of physical conditions and illnesses, such as low sugar thyroid problems, thyroid disorders, or heart disease.
Speak to your doctor if you feel tired all the time and it is affecting your daily life. They can assess the symptoms and rule out any other causes. They can conduct urine tests and imaging scans to determine the physical causes for fatigue such as illnesses or deficiencies in minerals or vitamins. They can also inquire about recent stressors like issues with relationships or changes in employment.
The doctor will also look at the person's lifestyle as well as their past history of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. They may interview and utilize questionnaires to better understand the patient's mood and behavior. They will ask if the patient is tired or weak when they're tired, as this could be a sign of the existence of a different reason.
The doctor will assess the way in which the patient handles everyday tasks like keeping track of bills and attending medical appointments or completing work and family routines. They will also look for previous diagnoses and determine if symptoms have changed. They will assess the symptoms of inattention to determine how it affects the individual's current life, and they will also take into consideration the severity of the symptoms as described in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. They will also take into consideration the gender of the person, as men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women.