Adult ADHD Symptoms
If you've lost your keys once more or feel that you're always late, or find it difficult to keep track of bills and appointments, these signs could be signs of adult ADHD. Learn to recognize them and what these symptoms are telling you about your own personality.
To determine an ADHD diagnosis, a physician must take a detailed history. This is to make sure that there aren't any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People suffering from ADHD often have difficulty focusing on their tasks or keeping their focus. They might miss important details or fail to follow through on plans. They can also make mistakes that can have a huge impact on their life and work.
The symptoms of ADHD are most prevalent in the early years but they can also persist into adulthood. Many adults who do not receive an official diagnosis of ADHD struggle with procrastination, difficulties in focusing on tasks and projects at work or in their personal lives. They may be frustrated or embarrassed because they are unable to put things together. They may even believe they are unreliable or lazy.
Adults with inattention ADHD can be accused of failing to listen to others, or making careless mistakes that could have grave consequences. For instance they may not show up for appointments, fail to pay bills on time, or fail to return friends' calls. They may suffer from low self-esteem as well as a low sense of achievement due to these issues. Health problems that are not treated such as depression, anxiety, 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 is important to know that these symptoms can also occur in those without a family history. A clinical examination can help determine if the person has the disorder or if any other factors are to blame for their lack of attention like stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies or hearing or vision issues, cognitive decline or medications like a sleeping aid and antibiotics, as well as allergy medications.
A person with inattention ADHD is often assisted by psychostimulants that help to improve brain signaling and aid in improving concentration and focus. Other treatments, such as diet and physical exercise may be utilized to lessen the inattentive symptoms that are associated with ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
Adults are less likely than children to be distracted or rush through tasks. However, they can still be a problem if the person is restless to the point of being overwhelmed by their own desires, needs or obligations. They could be in trouble at work if they don't follow rules and procedures, or if they don't pay their bills on time. They could also be having issues managing their money and relationships.
It's not unusual for adults with ADHD to have difficulty recognizing their own symptoms. They may think that they're a normal part of their identity, or that they have always been this way. But if these problems affect their daily lives it's essential to look into a diagnosis.
During an interview, the health care professional will search for symptoms listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will also review the person's medical, psychiatric 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 tend to lose important items like keys, wallets, or phone. what are the symptoms of adhd in adults might also forget their assignments, fail to send in their work or even miss appointments. They might also feel agitated and uncomfortable if not able to stay in one spot for extended periods of time.
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD often speak without thinking, make comments that are not rational or interrupt other people during the course of a conversation. They may be enticed to use or steal things without permission, and often aren't able to wait their turn.
3. Difficulty with Organization
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people feel like they're in a mess. The symptoms of this disorder aren't easy to manage, particularly as they progress through adulthood. It can cause problems in all aspects of your life. People with this condition experience embarrassment or frustration when they cannot seem to manage their lives or achieve their maximum potential. They may also experience anxiety, stress, or depression, which is caused by their procrastination, disorganization as well as their impulsiveness, forgetfulness, and disorganization.
Adults who feel like they're not enough can find relief with an adhd diagnosis. It can also assist them to understand that the issues they've faced in their lives aren't due to an inability to work or intelligence, but rather an imbalance in the chemical system that can be treated with medication and therapy for behavioral issues.
Adults with inattention ADHD can manifest themselves as a myriad of small projects that never get completed like the vegetable garden that were planted but not watered, or the new system of organization that was designed but never used. These can also show up at work as missed appointments and unfinished documents or papers that are submitted for review and a tendency to rush through tasks, without taking the time to check them over as their brains are aching to jump to the next thing instead.
You should speak to your doctor immediately if you suspect that you may be suffering from a mild cognitive impairment or normal ageing. Your doctor may refer you to an specialist who can to confirm or eliminate the diagnosis of ADHD among older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
A lack of motivation is a common symptom for adults suffering from ADHD. It can cause a great amount of stress in one's life, especially in relationships. It can also create a lot of stress and problems in the workplace or at home, school, or with finances. It's important to find ways to handle this issue, and seek assistance if needed.
People with ADHD often find it difficult to focus on tasks that are boring or repetitive and can be easily distracted by things that seem more interesting, exciting, or fun. This can result in an endless cycle of the person is bored of their work, responsibilities, and life in general, and then becomes less motivated to take action about it.
Low motivation can also indicate a mental health issue such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. It may be a result of physical ailments like chronic fatigue syndrome or a brain tumour or an undiagnosed thyroid problem.
A lack of motivation can be an indication that someone has relapsed to old habits.
If you or someone you know is struggling with low motivation, a proper diagnosis and effective treatment are the first steps to being more productive and feeling better efficiently in both your personal and professional life. Ask your GP to refer you to a health professional who can conduct an ADHD evaluation of adults. They may suggest you call your local hospital affiliated with a university or graduate school to find an expert who is experienced in working with this age group.
5. Fatigue
People suffering from ADHD are usually exhausted. This can be due to inadequate sleep, inactivity or a diet that is unhealthy. It can also be a sign that you have physical illnesses and conditions like low blood sugar, thyroid issues, heart disease or infections.
Consult your doctor if you feel constantly tired and it has a negative impact on your daily activities. They can look into the causes and rule out other reasons. They can order scans of the urine and imaging to determine the physical causes for fatigue, such as deficiency or infections in minerals or vitamins. They can also inquire about recent stressors, such as relationship issues or changes in employment.
The doctor will also consider the person's lifestyle and any past mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. They can interview and utilize questionnaires to better understand the patient's mood, behavior and personality. They will inquire if the patient feels tired or weak when they are tired, as this could indicate a different underlying reason.
The doctor will look at how the patient manages everyday tasks, such as paying bills, attending appointments, and following routines at home or at work. They will also determine if there are previous diagnoses of ADHD, and if 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 look at the severity of symptoms as described in DSM-5. They will also take into consideration the gender of the person since men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women.