Adult ADHD Symptoms
If you've lost your keys again or feel that you're always late or have trouble trying to keep track of bills and appointments, these signs could be signs of adult ADHD. Learn to recognize these signs and what they can reveal about your own personality.
A doctor needs to collect the complete history to determine the cause of ADHD. This is to make sure that there aren't any other issues that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Many times, people with ADHD struggle with focus or keeping their attention on their tasks. They might lose track of details or fail to keep up with plans. They also make mistakes that have a significant impact on their career and life.
ADHD symptoms are most prevalent in the early years, but they can last throughout adulthood. Many adults who do not receive the diagnosis of ADHD have issues with procrastination, disorganization and difficulty following through on projects and tasks at work or in their personal lives. They may feel overwhelmed or embarrassed because they can't seem to get things together. They might even feel that they are irresponsible or lazy.
Adults with inattentive ADHD can be criticized for not paying attention to others, or for making careless mistakes that could have grave consequences. For instance they might miss appointments, fail to pay bills on time, or fail to respond to calls from friends. These issues can cause a lack in self-esteem or a feeling of failure. Untreated health issues, such as anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue and diabetes, heart disease and sleep disorders are also at risk.
Someone who is inattention ADHD symptoms is likely to be related to someone who has the disorder. It's important to recognize that these symptoms may also be experienced by people who don't have any family history. A clinical examination can help determine whether the patient has the disorder or if any other causes are responsible for their inattention like stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency hearing or vision issues cognitive decline, or medications like a sleeping aid and antibiotics, as well as allergy medications.
The person who suffers from inattentive ADHD can often be assisted with psychostimulants, which improve brain signals and improve concentration and focus. Other treatments, such as exercise and diet, are also available to help reduce symptoms of inattention ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
As adults people, hyperactivity and impulsivity are less likely to show up in the form of fidgeting or rushing through tasks. They could be a problem however, if a person is agitated and overwhelmed by their own desires, needs or responsibilities. They could get in problems at work because they fail to adhere to rules and procedures or not paying their bills on time. They may also have trouble managing their finances and their relationships.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to have difficulty recognizing their own symptoms. They may believe that their symptoms are a normal part of being an adult, or that this is the way they've always been. However, if add symptoms in adults impact their daily life it's essential to look into the possibility of 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 review the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history. They will also review the person's work and home life to determine how ADHD symptoms affect them.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to forget important things, such as their keys, wallet or even their phone. They can be unable to remember their work, forget to submit their papers or forget to make appointments. They might also feel agitated and uncomfortable if they're not able to stay in one place for extended periods of time.
People with hyperactive ADHD tend to talk before thinking and make statements that aren't logical or interrupt other people during conversations. They may be enticed to take or use things without permission, and often find it difficult to wait their turn.
3. Organizational challenges
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people feel like a mess. The symptoms of this disorder are difficult to manage, especially as they progress into adulthood, and it can cause issues in every aspect of life. People suffering from this condition typically feel embarrassed and frustration that they are unable to seem to get their life together or reach their full potential. They might also be suffering from anxiety, stress, and even depression 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 are a mess and aren't as good as other people. It can help them realize that their difficulties in life are not due to lack of effort or intelligence, but to a chemical imbalance which can be addressed with medications and behavioral therapy.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms in adults can manifest as a myriad of projects that are started and never finished, such as the vegetable garden that got planted but wasn't watered, or the new system of organization that was put together but was then abandoned. They may also show up at work as missing appointments, unfinished documents or papers that are submitted to reviews, and a tendency not to thoroughly check over tasks.
It's important to keep in mind that certain symptoms could be misinterpreted as signs of normal aging, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which is why it's best to talk to your doctor if you believe that this could be the case for you. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist who will be able to confirm or rule out the possibility of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
For those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, low motivation is often an important symptom. It can cause a great deal of difficulty in a person's life, especially in relationships. It can also cause many stress-related problems at work, home and school, or even when it comes to finances. It is important to find ways to tackle this issue and seek help when needed.
People suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to concentrate on boring or repetitive tasks, and can be easily distracted by other things that seem more exciting, fascinating 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 take action about it.
A lack of motivation could also be a sign of a mental health issue like bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. It can be caused by physical conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome or a brain tumor.
The beginning of a loss of motivation can be especially hard on those who have been dealing with mental health issues for long periods of time. It can be a warning signal that they're slipping back into their old patterns.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a lack motivation, getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is the first step towards being happier and functioning more effectively both in your professional and personal lives. Request your GP to recommend you to a health professional who can conduct an ADHD evaluation on adults. You may be advised to contact the local hospital or graduate program located at a university to find a specialist with expertise working with adults.
5. Fatigue
People suffering from ADHD are usually tired. This could be due to inadequate sleep, a lack of exercise or a poor diet. It could be a sign of physical illnesses and conditions, such as thyroid problems, heart disease, or infections.
Consult your doctor if tired all the time and it has a negative impact on your daily routine. They can evaluate symptoms and rule out other causes. They can request scans of urine and imaging to look for physical causes such as illnesses or deficiencies in vitamins or minerals. They can also inquire about recent stressors such as problems with your relationship or changes to your work.
The doctor will also consider the person's lifestyle and past history of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. They can interview and use questionnaires to better understand the patient's mood and behavior. They will ask if the patient is tired or weak when they are tired, as this could indicate the existence of a different reason.
The doctor will examine how the patient is able to manage daily tasks like paying bills, attending appointments and following routines at work or home. They will also look for any previous diagnoses and check whether symptoms have changed. They will assess the symptoms of inattention and determine how it affects the person's daily life. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms as defined in DSM-5. They will also take into account the gender of the individual, as men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women.