Adult ADHD Symptoms
Whether you've lost your keys once more and feel you're always late or have trouble trying to keep track of bills and appointments, these symptoms could be signs of adult ADHD. Learn to discern them and what these symptoms can reveal about your personality.
In order to make an ADHD diagnosis, a doctor must conduct a thorough history. This is to ensure that there aren't any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People suffering from ADHD typically have trouble focusing on tasks or maintaining their attention. They might miss important details or not follow through with plans. They may also make naive errors that have a major impact on their career and their life.
The symptoms of ADHD are most prevalent in the early years however, they can last into adulthood. Many adults who never receive an official diagnosis of ADHD suffer from procrastination indecisiveness and difficulty focusing on projects and tasks at work or in their personal lives. They may be annoyed or embarrassed that they are unable to put things organized. They may even believe they are lazy or irresponsible.
Adults who are inattentional ADHD are often criticized for not paying attention to others or making mistakes that could result in serious consequences, including missing appointments, not paying bills on time or not returning friends' calls. They may suffer from a lack of self-esteem as well as a low sense of accomplishment due to these issues. They also are at risk of developing untreated health issues, such as anxiety, depression and chronic fatigue as well as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders.
Someone who exhibits inattention symptoms of ADHD is likely to have an ancestral history of the disorder. However, it's important to understand that these symptoms can also occur in those without a family history. A clinical evaluation can determine 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 such as a sleeping aid or antibiotics, or allergy medications.
An individual with inattention ADHD is often helped with psychostimulants, which help to improve brain signaling and help improve concentration and focus. Other treatments, including exercise and diet are also available to reduce symptoms of inattention ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
As we age the tendency to be impulsive and hyperactive is less likely to show up as fidgeting or rushing through tasks. However, they can still be a problem if a person is constantly agitated to the point of feeling overwhelmed by their own desires, needs or responsibilities. They could be in trouble at work by failing to adhere to rules and procedures, or not paying their bills on time. They may also be having issues managing their money and relationships.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often unable to recognize their symptoms. They may think that they're a normal part of their identity or that they've always been this way. If you notice that these issues are affecting your everyday life, it's time to consider getting a diagnosis.
During the interview, the health professional will be looking for signs and symptoms that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association. They will also look over the patient's medical, mental health and family history. They will also review the person's personal and work life to see how ADHD symptoms affect them.
People who aren't attentive ADHD tend to lose important items like keys, wallets, or phone. signs of adhd adults may also forget their assignments, forget to submit papers or miss appointments. They may also feel restless and uncomfortable if not able to stay in one spot for extended periods of time.
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD tend to talk before they think, blurt out comments that don't make sense, or interrupt other people during conversations. They might be tempted take or use things without permission, and often find it difficult to wait their turn.
3. Problems with Organization
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to feel like they're in a mess. The symptoms of this condition are difficult to manage, especially as they progress into adulthood, and it can cause difficulties in all aspects of life. People with this condition feel embarrassed or frustrated when they are unable to manage their lives or reach their maximum potential. Procrastination and disorganization can lead to anxiety, stress and depression.
A diagnosis of adhd 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 problems in life aren't caused by a lack of determination or intelligence, but to a chemical imbalance which can be addressed with treatment with medication and behavioral therapy.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in adults can be manifested as a multitude of small projects that are initiated but never finished, such as the vegetable garden that got planted but wasn't watered, or the brand new organization system that was assembled but was then abandoned. They can also manifest at work in the form of missed deadlines as well as unfinished documents or papers that are submitted for review and an urge to rush through tasks without taking the time to check them over -- their brain is eager to move on to the next thing instead.
It is important to remember that certain symptoms could be misinterpreted as signs of normal aging or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and it's advisable to speak with your doctor if you believe that this could be the situation for you. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist who can confirm or exclude the possibility of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
For people who are diagnosed with ADHD the in many cases, lack of motivation is the most prominent indicator. It can cause a amount of difficulties in the life of a person particularly in relationships. It can also cause a lot anxiety and stress in the workplace at home, at school, or with finances. It is essential to find ways to tackle this issue and seek help in the event of need.
People suffering from ADHD typically find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that are monotonous or boring and are easily distracted by things that seem more interesting, exciting, or fun. This can create an endless cycle where the person gets bored with their job, their responsibilities, and even their life generally. They become even less motivated.
Having a low level of motivation can also be a sign of an underlying mental health issue such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. It could also be caused by physical ailments such as chronic fatigue syndrome or a brain tumor.
The beginning of a loss of motivation can be particularly hard on those who have been dealing with mental health issues for prolonged periods of time. It can be a warning signal that they're returning to their old patterns.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing a lack of motivation, getting a thorough diagnosis and treatment is the first step to being more at ease and functioning efficiently in your personal and professional lives. Talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing and request a referral to an experienced health professional who can conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. They might suggest you contact the local hospital at your university or graduate school to find an expert who is experienced in working with this age group.
5. Fatigue
People suffering from ADHD tend to be tired. Insufficient sleep, inactivity, or a poor diet could all contribute to this. It could also be an indication of health conditions and diseases, such as low sugar thyroid problems, thyroid disorders, or heart disease.
If a person has been feeling tired for a long time, and it has impacted their daily life you should speak to their doctor about it. They can look into the causes and rule out other causes. They can request imaging scans and urine tests to determine if there are physical causes, such as illnesses or deficiencies in minerals or vitamins. They can also inquire about recent stressors such as relationship issues or changes in your work.
The doctor will also look at the person's lifestyle as well as their past experiences with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. They can interview and utilize questionnaires to better understand the patient's mood and behaviour. They will ask if the person feels weak or drowsy when they are tired, as this could indicate an alternative cause.
The doctor will assess how the patient is able to manage everyday tasks such as paying bills, attending appointments and following routines at home or at work. They will also check for prior diagnoses of ADHD, and if the symptoms have changed over time. They will assess the inattention symptom to see how it affects the individual's life today. They will also take into consideration the severity of the symptoms as defined in DSM-5. They will also consider the gender of the patient as men are more prone to be diagnosed with ADHD.
