Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD can manifest in a variety of ways. If you're constantly running late, unable to keep up with appointments and bills or have lost your keys, it could be an indication. Learn to discern them and what these symptoms are telling you about your own personality.
To determine an ADHD diagnosis, a physician must conduct a thorough medical history. This is to ensure that there aren't other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Many times, people with ADHD struggle with focus or keeping their attention on tasks. They might forget important details or fail to follow through with plans. They may also make naive mistakes that can have a huge 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 have never received a diagnosis of ADHD struggle with procrastination, indecisiveness and difficulty focusing on tasks and projects at work or in their private lives. They may feel annoyed and ashamed that they are unable to put their lives in order. They might even think they are lazy or irresponsible.
Adults with inattention ADHD can be criticized for failing to listen to others, or for making careless mistakes that can lead to serious consequences. For example they might miss appointments and fail to pay bills on time, or respond to phone calls from friends. They may also suffer from low self-esteem and a feeling of a lack of achievement because of these issues. Untreated health issues like anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue and diabetes, heart disease and sleep disorders, are a risk.
Someone who exhibits inattention symptoms of ADHD is likely to have a family history of the disorder. It's important to recognize that these symptoms can also occur in people who don't have an ancestral history. A clinical evaluation will determine if a person suffers from attention deficit disorder or whether there are other factors that are causing their inattention. This includes stress and anxiety mineral deficiencies, hearing or vision issues cognitive decline, medication like sleeping aids, antibiotics or allergy medication.
Psychostimulants can be used to assist people suffering from inattentive ADHD. They can improve concentration and focus by changing brain signals. Other treatments like physical exercise and diet can also be used to reduce the inattentive symptoms caused by ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
As we age, hyperactivity and impulsivity are less likely to show up in the form of fidgeting or rushing through tasks. However, they can still be a problem if the person is constantly agitated to the point of being overwhelmed by their own desires, needs or duties. They could be in problems at work because they fail to follow the rules and procedures or not getting their bills paid on time. They may also have trouble managing their finances and their relationships.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to have trouble recognizing their own symptoms. They might think that they're a normal part of who they are or have always been this way. However, if they impact their daily life, it's important to consider 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 which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. The health care professional will also go over a person's medical history, including psychiatric issues and family history. The person's work and home life will also be reviewed to determine how ADHD symptoms affect them.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to forget important things, such as their keys, wallets or phone. They can be unable to remember their work, forget to submit their papers or miss appointments. They might also feel agitated and uncomfortable if they are incapable of staying in one place for long periods of time.
People with hyperactive ADHD tend to talk before thinking and make statements that don't make sense or interrupt others during conversations. They may be tempted to use or take things without permission and find it difficult to wait for their turn.
3. The difficulty with Organization
Many people who have undiagnosed ADHD are afflicted with the feeling that they're a mess. The symptoms of this disorder are difficult to manage, especially as they grow older and can create issues in every aspect of life. People suffering from this condition typically experience a sense of shame and frustration that they can't find a way to put their life together or realize their potential. Disorganization and procrastination can lead to anxiety, stress and depression.
An adhd diagnosis can bring relief to adults who have felt that they're not like other people. It can help them understand that their struggles in life are not due to a lack effort or intelligence but rather due to a chemical imbalance that can be addressed with medication and behavioral therapy.
Adults with inattention ADHD can manifest as a million small projects that never get completed, like the vegetable garden which were planted but never watered, or the brand new system of organization that was built but 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 note that some of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as signs of normal aging or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), so it's advisable to speak with your doctor if you suspect that this might be the situation for you. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist who will be able to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
For people who are diagnosed with ADHD, low motivation is often the most prominent sign. symptoms of add in adults can cause a amount of stress in a person's life particularly in relationships. It can also cause stress and problems in the workplace at home, at school, or in dealing with finances. It is important to find ways to tackle this issue and seek assistance in the event of need.
People with ADHD typically find it difficult to focus on tasks that are monotonous or boring and are easily distracted by things that seem more interesting, exciting or even enjoyable. This can result in an endless cycle where the person is bored of their job, their responsibilities and even their life generally. They are also less motivated.
A lack of motivation could also be a sign of a mental health issue like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. It could be caused by physical ailments such as chronic fatigue syndrome or brain tumors.
Lack of motivation is an indication that someone has relapsed into old patterns.
If you or someone you care about has trouble with motivation, a proper diagnosis and effective treatment are the first steps towards being more productive and feeling better efficiently in your professional and personal life. Talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing, and ask for the referral to a health care professional who can perform an ADHD assessment for adults. They may suggest you call the local hospital at your university or graduate school to locate someone who is familiar with working with this age group.
5. Fatigue
People suffering from ADHD are usually tired. Insufficient sleep, lack exercise or a poor diet may all contribute to this. It can also be a sign that you have physical ailments and conditions such as thyroid problems, heart disease, or infections.
Consult your doctor if you are exhausted all the time and it affects your daily activities. They can evaluate symptoms and rule out any other reasons. They can request imaging scans and urine tests to determine the physical causes for fatigue like deficiency or infections in vitamins or minerals. They can also inquire about recent stressors such as relationships or changes in your job.
The doctor will also look at the person's lifestyle and past history of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. They may conduct interviews 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, since this could be a sign of an alternative cause.
The doctor will examine how the person handles everyday tasks, such as staying on top of bills, attending medical appointments, or completing work and family routines. They will also check for any previous diagnoses and check whether symptoms have changed. They will evaluate the symptom of inattention and determine how it affects the individual's current life, and they will also take into account the severity of the symptoms as described in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. They will also consider the gender of the individual, as men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women.