Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you find yourself forgetting things at work, struggle to complete tasks or forget appointments? You may be suffering from adult ADHD symptoms.
These problems can affect your relationships, work and at home. Your doctor will collect information from your school and family Use checklists and rating scales to evaluate your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD patients have trouble paying attention to tasks and following instructions. They might forget important documents or miss appointments. They often forget important details and make careless errors which can cost them at work or at school. These mistakes may appear to be minor when they are children, but they can become more serious as they grow older.
While those with hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD are more obvious (they frequently run around, aren't able to sit easily, fidget or interrupt others), children and adults who exhibit inattention are often overlooked or fall under the radar. They might have trouble staying organised and appear uninterested or disinterested to teachers or parents. They may ponder or draw in class. They might have difficulty focusing on leisure or sports activities and are "on the moving."
Women may exhibit different symptoms of inattention ADD than men, which makes it more difficult to diagnose. Women may be more adept at hiding their symptoms, and may use tools to stay focused and organized. Women are also more reluctant to admit that they struggle to stay focused. This can hinder them from getting the treatment they need.
It is important to tell your doctor if your lack of attention ADHD impacts your school, work, or relationships. They may suggest counseling that helps you understand your problems and find ways to manage them, as well as medication. It is also possible to ask for accommodations at work or school. If your co-workers, supervisors or teachers are accommodating and understanding it could make a huge difference in your performance at school or at work.
2. Hyperactivity
Everybody loses their car keys or a cellphone from time to moment. People with inattention ADHD are more likely to do it on a regular basis, and it often impacts their daily functioning. They may also have difficulties following through on their schoolwork or work tasks and forget important events and deadlines, and have trouble staying on top of conversations and activities.
While those who suffer from ADHD might be more likely to struggle in certain academic or professional settings, 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, relationship issues, drug abuse and risky behaviors.
The symptoms must be present at least six months ago and not be consistent with the individual's level of development. The symptoms must also be more severe than those triggered by other physical or mental disorders. The health care provider will evaluate the person's mood and their history and examine their present symptoms. They will typically utilize standard ADHD symptom checklists and questionnaires with rating scales to determine whether the patient meets the criteria for an assessment 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 moving and appear to be "driven" by motors and have trouble waiting for their turn. (For example they can't finish other people's sentences, or cannot wait until it's their turn to speak; or adolescents and adults might start using other people's 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 might struggle with controlling your emotions and making smart decisions. This can lead to trouble with your work or school. It can also affect your relationships and your health. For example, you might find it hard to stop yourself from interrupting people or yelling at people when you're angry. It's crucial to seek assistance for any impulsive behavior that can cause problems for you or for others.
The symptoms of ADHD start in childhood, but they can continue through teen years and even into adulthood. The criteria for diagnosis is determined by the age of the individual children who are younger than 16 must show at least six indicators of inattention, hyperactivity 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 this is due to the fact that symptoms of inattention do not disappear with age, but the hyperactive and impulse symptoms do.
Many people who exhibit impulse-driven behaviors can benefit from therapy and other strategies. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you understand how your thoughts and emotions impact your behavior. It can also teach you techniques to manage stress and anxiety, which often trigger impulse-driven behaviors. The tools offered by Calm, such as this Guide to Overcoming Yourself-Criticism, can help you replace negative self-talk with positive messages which promote self-compassion.
Ask your doctor to evaluate you if you have ADHD symptoms but were not diagnosed as a child. Your GP will be able to refer you to services that are best suited to your needs. This could include an Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. A mental health specialist or health care professional can conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of symptoms, diagnose them and identify the most effective treatment options. Your physician will assess your mood, any other health conditions you have and your family history.
4. Anxiety
People suffering from ADHD often have difficulty understanding their own feelings, particularly anxiety. This could result in an absence of empathy or being overly critical of themselves. Self-medicating may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can provide relief and hope in the event that these issues persist. It will also help them realize that their issues are not their own fault.
Approximately 25 to 40 percent of adults suffering from ADHD have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and ADHD have a myriad of symptoms, such as problems with concentration, restlessness, difficulty keeping deadlines and a tendency to concentrate on minor issues. The main difference is that worry typically has a target. Anxiety however, is more free-floating and unpredictable. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between anxiety and depression because they may have similar symptoms.
When anxiety is paired with ADHD it's known as "anxious ADD" or "ADHD w/ anxiety." Anxiety symptoms can impact relationships, work as well as school activities. A doctor will recommend a treatment plan, which could include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation, and medication. stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate may be used in addition to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, an antidepressant, or atomoxetine.
A primary care physician could be able to offer an initial evaluation of ADHD. If your doctor suspects you have it, he will refer you to a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist. They will ask you about your family history and other factors that could be contributing to your ADHD. They'll also inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your school, work and personal life.
5. Boredom
It is important to remember that boredom is not only an indication of ADHD. It can also be experienced by people who do not have ADHD. Boredom is a feeling which can be triggered by the brain's desire to take an interruption or lack of stimulation. In addition, certain personality traits like sensation seeking and extraversion may cause feelings of boredom. Boredom is a common problem that can be addressed with a variety of methods.
While boredom can cause an inability to motivate, it is often followed by feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Many therapists believe that learning to cope with boredom can promote emotional wellbeing and allow for creativity.
It's important to understand that boredom and stress can be linked regardless of whether someone is suffering from ADHD. Stress can worsen symptoms and hinder functioning at home, at work or at school, or in any other social activity. If a person is bored often, it could be time to visit a doctor for a check-up.
It's also important to know that there are other conditions which can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, including depression and anxiety. It is important that people be aware of any medication, especially when stimulants are used to treat other conditions.
If symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder 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, since their symptoms differ from those of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may also be afflicted by chronic tardiness and have a tough managing their money or scheduling appointments.