Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms
Do you get distracted at work, struggle to complete tasks or forget appointments? You may be suffering from adult ADHD symptoms.
These problems can affect your relationships, your work and your home. Your doctor will seek information from your family, school and use checklists as well as rating systems to assess your symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People who have inattention ADHD symptoms struggle to follow instructions and concentrate on their tasks. They might forget important documents or skip appointments. They often forget important details and make mistakes that can cost a lot of money at work or in school. These mistakes might be small in the beginning, but become more serious as adults.
While those who suffer from hyperactivity or an impulsive ADHD are easier to spot (they often run around, can't sit easily, fidget or interrupt others) Children and adults with inattentive symptoms can easily slip under the radar. They might be unable to perform well in the classroom or at work, have difficulty being organized, and appear lazy and unmotivated to their teachers or parents. They may be distracted or even draw during classes. They may have trouble paying attention to sports or leisure activities and are always "on the go."
Inattention ADD symptoms may manifest differently in women than in men, making it challenging for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms and may rely on tools to help stay focused and organized. They are also more hesitant to admit they are having trouble staying on track which means they may not receive the treatment they need.
It is important to tell your doctor if your lack of attention ADHD impacts your work, school, or relationships. They might suggest counseling that helps you understand your issues and figure out ways to manage them as well as medication. You can also ask for accommodations in the workplace or at school. If your coworkers, supervisors or teachers are accommodating and understanding it could make all the difference in your success at work or in school.
2. Hyperactivity
Everybody loses their keys to their car or a phone every now and then. Inattentive ADHD people however frequently do this and it can have a negative impact on their daily activities. They might also have trouble keeping track of their schoolwork or work tasks and forget important events and deadlines, and have difficulty staying on top of conversations and activities.
Although people with ADHD are more likely to struggle in certain professional or academic environments than other people, their intelligence and education is usually higher than the average. They are frequently affected by mood swings low confidence depression, anxiety, eating disorders and problems with relationships.
The symptoms must be present for at least six months ago and not be consistent with the person's level of development. The symptoms must also be more severe than those triggered by other physical or mental disorders. The health professional will assess the person's mood, history and present symptoms. He or she will usually employ the standard ADHD symptom checklists and questionnaires with rating scales to determine if the person is in the right place for the diagnosis 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 moving and appear to be "driven" by motors, and have trouble waiting for their turn. (For example they may finish other people's sentences, or simply can't wait until it's their turn to speak; adolescents and adults may begin using other people's items without permission). People with hyperactivity-impulsivity often fidget, squirm or leave their seat even when it's appropriate.
3. Impulsivity
You may have difficulty controlling your emotions and making sound decisions if you have ADHD. This can cause problems at work or in school. It also may affect your relationships as well as your health. For instance, you could be unable to stop yourself from interrupting others or shouting at people when you're angry. It's important to get help for impulsive behaviors that could cause problems for you or other people.
ADHD symptoms can manifest in childhood, but they can persist throughout adulthood. The criterion for a diagnosis is based on the age of the person: Children up to age 16 must display at least six signs 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 that this is due the fact that the inattentive symptoms do not disappear with age however the hyperactive and impulse symptoms do.
Therapy and other methods can aid many people suffering from an impulsive behavior. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn how your thoughts and emotions impact your behavior. It can also teach you ways to manage anxiety and stress, which often trigger impulse-driven behaviors. Calm's tools for free such as this guide to Overcoming Yourself-Criticism, can help you replace negative self talk with positive self-talk that encourages self-compassion.
If you suffer from ADHD symptoms and have not been diagnosed as a child, ask your doctor to conduct an evaluation. Your GP can refer you to the best services to meet your needs, such as a Community Mental Health Service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service. A mental health specialist or health care professional can conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause of symptoms, determine the root cause and identify appropriate treatment options. Your doctor will assess your mood, your health history and any other medical conditions you may have.
4. Anxiety
People suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty recognizing their own feelings, particularly anxiety. This can lead to an absence of empathy or a tendency to be overly critical of themselves. It could cause self-medicating through drugs or alcohol that can increase the symptoms of ADHD. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can provide relief and hope if problems persist. It can also allow them to realize that their issues are not due to their own fault.
Anxiety disorders affect between 25 and 40% of adults suffering from ADHD. Anxiety and ADHD have many common symptoms, including problems with concentration, restlessness, difficulty reaching deadlines, and a tendency to focus on small issues. The main difference between anxiety and ADHD is that worry usually has a goal. It is more unpredictable and free-floating. It is difficult to differentiate between depression and anxiety since they may have similar symptoms.
When anxiety and ADHD are combined, it's called "anxious ADD", or "ADHD w/anxiety." Anxiety symptoms can affect everyday activities, relationships, work, and school. A doctor will suggest an appropriate treatment plan that may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, and medication. adult female adhd symptoms like methylphenidate and amphetamine may be used, as well as nonstimulant drugs like bupropion, an antidepressant, or atomoxetine.
A primary care doctor can conduct a first assessment for ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you have it, he will refer you to a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist. These professionals will inquire about your family history, and other factors that could be contributing to ADHD. They'll also ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your work, school, and home life.
5. Boredom
While it is true that boredom can indicate the presence of ADHD but it is important to remember that this feeling can be experienced by people who do not have ADHD. Boredom is a feeling that can be triggered by the brain wanting to take a break or lacking stimulation. In addition, some personality traits like extraversion and sensation seeking can contribute to feelings of boredom. Boredom is a typical issue that can be controlled by a variety methods.
While boredom can cause a loss of motivation however, it is often followed by feelings of satisfaction and happiness. As a result, many therapists believe that learning how to manage boredom in a healthy and positive manner can boost emotional well-being as well as allow for creative opportunities.
Whether or not someone has ADHD, it's important to recognize that boredom is linked to stress, which can cause symptoms and hinder functioning at work, home, school, or other social activities. If a person is often bored it's time to consult a doctor.
It's also important to know that there are other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, including depression and anxiety. It is crucial that patients disclose any medications, especially if stimulants are being used to treat other conditions.
You or someone you know may have ADHD when they are impulsive, irritable or easily distracted. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, as their symptoms are different from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may also have trouble with chronic tardiness, and finding it difficult to track finances or making appointments.