Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD can manifest itself in a variety of ways. If you find yourself constantly running late, unable to keep up with bills and appointments or lost your keys, this may be a sign. Learn to discern these signs and what they are telling you about your personality.
To make an ADHD diagnosis, a physician must conduct a thorough history. This is to ensure that there aren't any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Most people with ADHD struggle with focusing or focusing their attention on tasks. They might forget important details or fail to follow through with plans. They also make mistakes that can have a huge impact on their career and life.
ADHD symptoms are most prevalent in childhood but can persist into adulthood. Many adults who never receive a diagnosis of ADHD struggle with procrastination, difficulties in focusing on projects and tasks at work or in their private 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 can be criticized for failing to listen to others, or making careless errors that can have serious consequences. For example they might miss appointments, fail to pay bills on time, or not respond to calls from friends. They might suffer from a lack of self-esteem and a feeling of a lack of accomplishment because of these issues. Untreated health problems like anxiety, depression chronic fatigue and diabetes, heart disease and sleep disorders, are also an issue.
An individual with inattention ADHD symptoms is likely to have a family member who has the disorder. It is important to remember that these symptoms can be experienced by people who don't have any family history. A clinical assessment can tell whether a person suffers from the disorder or if any other factors are to blame for their inattention, such as stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency hearing or vision issues cognitive decline, or medications such as sleeping aids, antibiotics or allergy medication.
A person with inattention ADHD is often assisted by psychostimulants that streamline signals to the brain and help improve focus and concentration. Other treatments like diet and physical exercise may be utilized to lessen the symptoms of inattention that are associated with ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
Adults are less likely than children to fidget or rush through tasks. They can be a problem, however, if someone is constantly agitated and feels overwhelmed by their desires, needs or responsibilities. They may be in trouble at work if they fail to adhere to rules and regulations or don't pay their bills in time. They may also have difficulty managing money and their relationships.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to have trouble recognizing their own symptoms. They might think that their problems are a normal part of being an adult or is the way they've always been. If you are experiencing problems that affect your everyday life, it's time to consider having a medical diagnosis.
During an interview, the health care professional will search for symptoms that are listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will also look over the patient's medical, mental health and family history. They will also review the person's home and work life to see how ADHD symptoms affect them.
People with inattention ADHD frequently forget things that are important to them, such as their keys, phone or wallet. They might also lose track of their assignments, forget to submit their papers or forget to make appointments. They may also feel restless and uncomfortable if they're unable to stay in one place for extended periods of time.
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD tend to speak before thinking and make statements that aren't logical or interrupt others during conversations. They may be enticed to take or use things without authorization, and they usually have a hard time waiting their turn.
3. The difficulty with Organization
A large number of people who have undiagnosed ADHD feel like they're in a mess. The symptoms of this condition are difficult to manage, especially as they grow older and can create problems in virtually every area of life. People with this condition experience embarrassment or frustration when they can't organize their lives or reach their full potential. In the long run, a lack of organization and procrastination could cause stress, anxiety and depression.
An adhd diagnosis can bring relief to adults who have felt that they're in a mess and aren't as competent as other people. It can help them understand that their difficulties in life are not due to a lack effort or intelligence, but due to a chemical imbalance that can be treated with medications and behavioral therapy.
Adults with inattentive ADHD can manifest themselves as a million small projects that never get completed, like the vegetable gardens that were planted but not watered or the new system of organization that was built but abandoned. These symptoms can also show up at work in the form of missed deadlines, unfinished papers or documents that are submitted for review and a tendency to rush through tasks, without being sure to review them thoroughly because their brains are aching to jump into the next task instead.
It's important to keep in mind that some of these signs could be mistaken for symptoms of normal aging or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which is why it's best to talk to your doctor if you suspect that this could be the situation for you. Your physician can refer you to an expert who will be able to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
A lack of motivation is the most frequent symptom among people suffering from ADHD. It can cause a amount of difficulties in a person's life particularly in relationships. It can also lead to lots of stress and issues at home, at work and school, or even dealing with finances. It's important to try to figure out ways to deal with this problem and get help if needed.
People suffering from ADHD can 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 create a vicious cycle in which the person becomes bored with their job, their responsibilities, and even with life in general. They are also less motivated.
Low motivation may also indicate mental health issues like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. It can also be caused by physical conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome or brain tumors.
The onset of a lack of motivation is particularly hard on those who have been dealing with mental health issues for long periods of time, and can be a warning signal that they're falling back into their old patterns.
If you or someone you love is experiencing a lack of motivation, getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is the first step in feeling better and functioning more effectively in your personal and professional lives. Talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing and ask for a referral to a health care professional who can perform an ADHD assessment for adults. They may suggest you call your local university-based hospital or graduate school to locate an expert who is experienced in working with people of this age.
5. Fatigue
People suffering from ADHD are usually tired. This could be due to insufficient sleep, lack of exercise or a diet that is unhealthy. It can also be a sign of physical ailments and conditions like low blood sugar, thyroid issues, heart disease or infections.
If someone is experiencing fatigue for a long time, and it interferes with everyday activities it is recommended to talk to their doctor about it. They can assess the symptoms and rule out the possibility of other reasons. They can order imaging scans and urine tests to determine if there are physical causes such as infections or deficiencies of minerals or vitamins. They may also ask you about recent stressors like relationship issues or changes in your work.
The doctor will also take into consideration the person's lifestyle as well as their past history of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. They can utilize questionnaires and interview the patient to get a better understanding of their mood and behavior. They will ask if the patient feels weak or drowsy when they're tired, as this could indicate an alternative cause.
The doctor will look at the way in which the patient handles everyday tasks like paying bills on time, attending medical appointments, or adhering to family and work routines. They will also look for any previous diagnoses and check if symptoms have changed. They will also evaluate the symptoms of inattention and determine how it affects the individual's life today. I Am Psychiatry UK will also look at the severity of symptoms as defined in DSM-5. They will also take into consideration the gender of the person, as men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women.