Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you find yourself forgetting things at work, struggle to finish tasks, or fail to make appointments? If so, you could have symptoms of adult ADHD.
These issues can impact your relationships, work and home. Your doctor will seek details from your family, school, and will use checklists and rating systems to assess your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD sufferers have difficulty focusing on tasks and following instructions. They might forget important documents or fail to attend appointments. They have trouble remembering important details, and they frequently make mistakes that could cost them money in the workplace or at school. These errors may appear minor in the early years of childhood but they can turn more serious in adulthood.
Adults and children who exhibit inattention-deficient behaviors are prone to fall through the cracks. While hyperactivity and an impulsive ADHD symptoms are more apparent (they run around, fidget, or interrupt others), those with inattention-related behavior are easily overlooked. They may have difficulty staying well-organized and appear sluggish or disinterested to teachers or parents. They might ponder or draw during classes. They might have difficulty focusing on sports or leisure activities, and be "on the move."
Women can exhibit different signs of inattentive ADD than men, which makes it more difficult to diagnose. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms and may depend on tools to help stay focused and organized. They are also more hesitant to admit that they struggle to stay on track which means they may not receive the treatment they require.
It is important to inform your doctor if your lack of attention ADHD affects your work, school, or relationships. They might suggest counseling that helps you understand your problems and find ways to manage them and medication. It is also possible to ask for accommodations at work or school. It can make a huge difference to your success in the classroom or at work when your supervisors or coworkers are accommodating and understanding.
2. Hyperactivity
Everybody loses their car keys or cellphone from time to time. People with inattention ADHD are more likely to do it on a regular basis and often affects their everyday functioning. They might also have trouble following through on their work or school assignments or forget important dates and deadlines, and have trouble staying on top of conversations and activities.
While those who suffer from ADHD might be more likely to experience difficulties in particular professional or academic situations but their overall intelligence and education are generally higher than the average. They typically have issues with mood fluctuations, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety eating disorders and relationship issues, as well as alcohol abuse and risky behavior.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and not be appropriate for the person's developmental stage. The symptoms must also be more severe than those caused by other physical or mental disorders. The health professional will evaluate the person's mood, history, and current symptoms. The doctor will use typical ADHD symptom checklists, questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine if the individual meets the criteria of 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 always on the move, act like they're "driven" by a motor and have trouble waiting for their turn. (For instance, they finish other peoples sentences, or simply can't wait until it's their turn to speak; or adolescents and adults may begin using other peoples' things 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 have trouble controlling your emotions and making smart decisions. This can lead to trouble with school or work. This can also affect your relationships and health. You might find it difficult to resist interrupting others or shouting when you are angry. It is important to seek help for impulsive behaviors that cause problems for you or other people.
The signs of ADHD begin in childhood but they can continue throughout teen years and into adulthood. The criteria for diagnosis depends on the age of the individual: Children up to age 16 must show at least six indicators of hyperactivity, inattention 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 that this is due to the fact that symptoms of inattention do not disappear with age however the hyperactive and impulse symptoms do.
Therapy and other methods can help many people with the disorder of impulsive behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you understand how your thoughts and feelings influence your behavior. It can also teach techniques to manage anxiety and stress, which often cause an impulsive behavior. Calm's free tools such as this guide to Overcome Yourself-Criticism, can assist to replace negative self-talk with positive messages which promote self-compassion.
If you have ADHD symptoms and have not been diagnosed as a child, you should ask your doctor for an evaluation. Your GP can refer you to services that are best suited to your requirements. This could include a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or a mental health professional can determine the root of your symptoms, formulate an accurate diagnosis and suggest treatments. Your doctor will assess your health history, mood and any other health issues you may be suffering from.
4. Anxiety
People suffering from ADHD aren't able to identify their emotions, especially anxiety. This can result in a lack in empathy or an excessively critical self-perception. Self-medicating can worsen ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a source of relief and hope if problems persist. It will also help them realize that their difficulties are not the result of their own insanity.
Anxiety disorders affect 25 to 40% of adults with ADHD. Anxiety and ADHD have a number of symptoms, including problems with concentration, restlessness and difficulty meeting deadlines. The main difference is that anxiety typically has a particular goal. Anxiety however is more fluid and unpredictable. It is also difficult to differentiate between anxiety and depression, that can result in similar symptoms.
When anxiety and ADHD are combined, it's called "anxious ADD", or "ADHD with anxiety." Anxiety symptoms can impact relationships, work, school, and daily activities. A doctor will suggest a treatment plan, which could include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation and medications. adhd symptoms and treatment like methylphenidate or amphetamine, along with non-stimulant medications such as the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine may be used.
A primary care physician will conduct a preliminary evaluation for ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from ADHD, he'll refer you to an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will ask you about your family history and other factors that could cause ADHD. They will also inquire about your symptoms, including how they impact your school, work and at home.
5. Boredom
While it is true that boredom can be a sign of ADHD but it is important to realize that this feeling can also occur in people without ADHD. Boredom is an ordinary human emotion that can be caused by the brain needing a break from an activity or a lack of mental stimulation. In addition, certain personality traits like sensation seeking and extraversion may cause feelings of boredom. Ultimately, boredom is a common problem that can be addressed in many ways.
While boredom can lead to an inability to motivate, it is often followed by feelings of satisfaction and a sense of well-being. Many therapists believe that learning how to deal with boredom can improve your emotional well-being and allow for creativity.
Whether or not someone has ADHD is important to recognize that boredom is caused by stress, which can cause symptoms and cause problems at home, work, school, or other social activities. If a person is bored often it's time to consult a doctor.
Other disorders, including depression and anxiety, can have similar symptoms. It is crucial that people disclose any medications they are taking, especially in the case of trying to treat other illnesses with stimulants.
If you or someone you know has trouble staying focused and appears impulsive, irritable, or easily distracted, they may 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 those of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may also be struggling with chronic tardiness, and struggling to keep track of finances or making appointments.