Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD can manifest in a variety of ways. If you find yourself constantly late, unable to keep up with bills and appointments or have lost your keys, this may be an indication. Learn to recognize these signs and what they can reveal about your own personality.
A doctor must take an exhaustive history in order to determine the cause of ADHD. This is to make sure that there aren't any other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to focus on tasks or maintaining their attention. They may forget important details or fail to adhere to plans. They may also make careless mistakes that can have a major impact on their lives and career.
The symptoms of ADHD are most common in the early years, but they can persist into adulthood. Many adults who never receive a diagnosis of ADHD suffer from procrastination disorganization and difficulty following through on tasks and projects at work or in their private lives. They may be frustrated or embarrassed because they can't get things in order. They may even believe they are lazy or irresponsible.
Adults with inattention ADHD can be criticized for not paying attention to other people, or making rash mistakes that can lead to serious consequences. For example they might miss appointments, fail to pay bills on time, or not respond to phone calls from friends. These issues can lead to a lack in self-esteem or a feeling of failure. Health problems that are not treated such as anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, diabetes, heart disease and sleep disorders, are at risk.
A person with inattentive ADHD symptoms is likely to have a family member who has the disorder. It's important to note that these symptoms may also occur in people who don't have any family history. A clinical assessment can tell if the person has the disorder or if any other factors are to blame for their lack of attention, such as stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing or vision problems cognitive decline, or medications like a sleeping aid or antibiotics, or allergy medications.
An individual with inattention ADHD can often be assisted by psychostimulants that improve brain signals and help improve focus and concentration. Other treatments, such as exercise and diet can also be used to lessen inattentive symptoms of ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
As adults the tendency to be impulsive and hyperactive is less likely to show up as the need to fidget or rush through tasks. They could be a problem however, if one is agitated and overwhelmed by their desires, needs or responsibilities. They may be in trouble at work if their actions don't adhere to the rules and procedures or fail to pay their bills on time. They might also have issues managing their finances and relationships.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have trouble recognizing their symptoms. They may think that they're just a part of their identity or that they've always been this way. However, if they impact their daily life it's essential to look into a diagnosis.
During the interview, the health professional will look for symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. They will also look over the person's medical, psychiatric and family history. The person's work and personal life will also be discussed to determine how ADHD symptoms are affecting them.
People who aren't attentive ADHD tend to forget important items like keys, wallet, or phone. They might also forget their assignments, fail to send in their work or even miss appointments. They might also feel agitated and uncomfortable if incapable of staying in one spot for long periods of time.
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 take things without permission and find it difficult to wait for their turn.
3. Problems with Organization
A lot of people with undiagnosed ADHD feel like they're a mess. The symptoms of this disorder can be difficult to manage, especially as they progress through adulthood. It can cause problems in almost every area of your life. People who suffer from this condition frequently experience a sense of shame and frustration that they can't seem to get their life together or reach their full potential. They might also be suffering from anxiety, stress, and depression, which is caused by their procrastination, lack of organization as well as their impulsiveness, forgetfulness, and disorganization.
An adhd diagnosis can provide relief to adults who have felt that they're in an mess and aren't as good as other people. It can help them realize that their difficulties in life aren't caused by a lack of determination or intelligence, but due to a chemical imbalance, which can be treated by medication and behavioral therapy.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in adults can manifest as a myriad of projects that are started and never finished, such as the vegetable garden that was planted but wasn't watered, or the new organization system that was assembled but then abandoned. These symptoms can also show up at work in the form of missed appointments as well as unfinished documents or papers that are submitted for review, and a tendency to hurry through tasks without carefully checking them over as their brains are ready to move to the next thing instead.
It's important to note that some of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as signs of normal aging or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which is why it's advisable to speak with your doctor if you suspect that this might be the situation for you. Your doctor may refer you to an expert who can confirm or rule out the diagnosis of ADHD in older adults.
4. More of Motivation
For those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, lack of motivation is often a key sign. It can lead to a amount of difficulties in a person's life particularly in relationships. It can also cause a lot anxiety and stress at work or at home, school, or with finances. It is essential to figure out ways to tackle this issue, and to seek help if needed.
People with ADHD are often unable to concentrate 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 an unending cycle where the person feels bored with their work, responsibilities, and life in general, and becomes even less motivated to do anything about it.
Low motivation can also indicate a mental health issue such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. It may be a result of an illness like chronic fatigue syndrome, a brain tumour, or an undiagnosed thyroid problem.
A lack of motivation can be an indication that someone has fallen into old patterns.
If you or someone you love has trouble with motivation, a clear diagnosis and effective treatment are the first steps to being more productive and feeling better efficiently in both your personal and professional life. Talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing, and ask for an appointment with a health care professional who can perform an ADHD assessment for adults. You may be advised to call a local hospital or graduate program based at a university to find a specialist who has expertise working with adults.
5. Fatigue
People with ADHD are often exhausted. Insufficient sleep, inactivity, or a poor diet could all contribute to this. It can also be an indication of physical conditions and illnesses like low sugar thyroid problems, thyroid disorders, or heart disease.
Talk to your doctor if tired all the time and it has a negative impact on your daily life. They can assess the symptoms and rule out other causes. They can order urine tests and imaging scans to determine the physical causes for fatigue like deficiency or infections in minerals or vitamins. They can also inquire about recent stressors like relationship issues or job changes.
The doctor will also consider the person's lifestyle and any past mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. They may use questionnaires or interview the patient to gain more information about their mood and behavior. They will inquire if the patient is drowsy or weak when they're tired, as this could be a sign of a different reason.
The doctor will assess how the person handles daily tasks, like paying bills on time or attending medical appointments or following work and family routines. They will also determine if there are any previous diagnoses of ADHD and whether the symptoms have changed over time. They will assess the symptoms of inattention to determine how it affects the person's life today. They will also take into consideration the severity of the symptoms as described in DSM-5. They will also consider the gender of the individual as men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.