Adult ADHD Symptoms
Whether you've lost your keys a second time and feel you're always late or struggle to keep track of bills and appointments, these symptoms could be signs of adult ADHD. Find out how to recognize them and what they're telling you about yourself.
A physician must collect the complete history to determine the cause of ADHD. This is to ensure that there aren't any other issues that may be causing similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People with ADHD often have difficulty focusing on tasks or maintaining their attention. They might forget important details or fail to stick with their plans. They can also make mistakes that can have a huge impact on their life and career.
ADHD symptoms are most prevalent in the early years, but they can last throughout adulthood. Many adults who have never received a diagnosis of ADHD struggle with procrastination, indecisiveness and difficulty focusing on tasks and projects at work or in their private lives. They may feel overwhelmed or embarrassed because they are unable to put things in order. They may even believe they are unreliable or lazy.
Adults with inattentive ADHD can be accused of failing to listen to others, or making careless mistakes that could have grave consequences. For instance they might miss appointments, fail to pay bills on time, or return friends' calls. They may also suffer from a lack of self-esteem and a feeling of a lack of accomplishment due to these problems. They also are at risk of untreated health problems, such as anxiety, depression and chronic fatigue, as well as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders.
Someone who is inattention ADHD symptoms is likely to be related to someone who has the disorder. It's important to note that these symptoms can also occur in people who do not have any family history. A clinical evaluation can determine whether the patient has the disorder or if any other causes are responsible for their lack of attention such as stress or anxiety, mineral deficiencies, hearing or vision problems cognitive decline, or medications such as a sleeping aid, antibiotics or allergy medication.
Psychostimulants can help a person with inattentive ADHD. They improve concentration and focus by rerouting brain signals. Other treatments such as diet and physical exercise may be utilized to lessen the inattentive symptoms caused by ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
Adults are less likely than children to fidget or rush through tasks. But they can still be a problem if a person is constantly agitated to the point of being overwhelmed by their own needs, desires or duties. They could be in trouble at work if their actions don't follow rules and procedures, or if they don't pay their bills in time. They might also be having issues managing their money and relationships.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often unable to recognize their symptoms. They might think that they're a normal part of who they are, or that they have always been this way. If these issues impact their daily life, it's important to consider the possibility of a diagnosis.
During the interview the health professional will be looking for symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association. The health care professional will also look over a person's medical history including psychiatric disorders and family history. They will also review the person's home and work life to assess how ADHD symptoms impact them.
People with inattention ADHD often forget things that are important to them, such as their phone, keys or wallet. They may also forget their assignments, fail to send in their work or even miss appointments. They could also feel uneasy and uncomfortable if unable to stay in one place for long periods of time.
People with hyperactive ADHD often speak without thinking, make comments that are not logical or interrupt other people in the course of a conversation. They might be tempted use or take things without permission, and often find it difficult to wait their turn.
3. Organizational difficulties
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people feel like a mess. The symptoms of this condition are difficult to manage, especially when they reach adulthood, and it can cause difficulties in all aspects of life. People with this condition feel shame or anger when they are unable to manage their lives or realize their maximum potential. They may also experience anxiety, stress, or even depression that are caused by their procrastination and disorganization and forgetfulness. They also experience impulsiveness, impulsiveness, and anger.
Adults who feel like they're a mess or aren't adequate enough may find relief with an adhd diagnosis. It can help them realize that their struggles in life aren't due to lack of effort or intelligence but rather to a chemical imbalance which can be addressed with treatment with medication and behavioral therapy.
Adults with inattention ADHD can manifest themselves as a multitude of small tasks that are never completed, such as the vegetable gardens which were planted but never watered, or the new organizational system which was created but not used. They can also manifest at work as missed appointments and unfinished documents or papers that are submitted for review, and the tendency to rush through tasks, without being sure to review them thoroughly -- their brain is eager to move on into the next task instead.
It's important to keep in mind 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 doctor can refer you to a specialist who can confirm or rule out the possibility of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
For those who have been diagnosed with ADHD the lack of motivation is often a key indicator. It can cause great difficulty in the life of a person, particularly in relationships. It can also cause stress and problems at work or at home, school, or in dealing with finances. It's important to find ways to deal with this problem, and to seek assistance if needed.
People suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate on monotonous or boring tasks and are easily distracted by things that seem more exciting, fascinating or even enjoyable. This can result in an endless cycle of the person is bored of their work, responsibilities, and their life in general and is then less motivated to do anything about it.
Low motivation can also indicate a mental health issue such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. It can also be caused by physical ailments like chronic fatigue syndrome or brain tumors.
Insanity is a sign that someone has relapsed to old habits.
If add symptoms in women or someone you know has trouble with motivation, a clear diagnosis and effective treatment are the first steps to feeling better and performing more efficiently in your personal and professional life. Talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing and request the referral to an expert in health care who can perform an ADHD evaluation for adults. They may suggest you call the local hospital at your university or graduate school to find an expert who is experienced in working with this age group.
5. Fatigue
People with ADHD are usually tired. This could be due inadequate sleep, a lack of exercise or a diet that is unhealthy. It could also be a sign of physical illnesses and conditions, such as thyroid disorders, heart disease, or infections.
Talk to your doctor if you are exhausted all the time and it has a negative impact on your daily life. They can look into the signs and rule out other causes. They can order scans of urine and imaging to look for physical causes like infections or deficiencies of vitamins or minerals. They may also inquire about recent stressors such as problems with your relationship or changes to your job.
The doctor will also consider the patient's lifestyle and experiences with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. They can interview and use questionnaires to better understand the patient's mood and behavior. They will ask if the person feels drowsy or weak when they're exhausted, as this may suggest a different reason.
The doctor will look at how the patient handles everyday tasks such as paying bills, attending appointments and maintaining routines at home or at work. They will also search for previous diagnoses and see whether symptoms have changed. They will assess the symptoms of inattention to determine how it affects the person's daily life. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms as described in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. They will also take into account the gender of the individual as men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women.