Adult ADHD Symptoms
If you've lost your keys a second time and feel you're always late, or find it difficult to keep track of your bills and appointments, these signs may be symptomatic of adult ADHD. Learn to recognize them and what these symptoms can reveal about your own personality.
In order to make an ADHD diagnosis, a doctor must take a detailed history. This is to ensure that there aren't any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People with ADHD typically have trouble focusing on tasks or maintaining their attention. They might forget important details or fail to follow through with their plans. They can also make careless mistakes that can have a huge impact on their career and life.
The symptoms of ADHD are most prevalent in the early years but they can also persist throughout adulthood. Adults who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD are often plagued by indecisiveness and disorganization. They also have difficulty following through on projects and tasks at work and in their private lives. They may be overwhelmed or embarrassed because they can't seem to get things in order. They might even think they are naive or irresponsible.
Adults with inattention ADHD can be criticized for not listening to other people, or making rash mistakes that can lead to serious consequences. For example, they may miss appointments and fail to pay bills on time, or not return friends' calls. They may also suffer from low self-esteem and a low sense of accomplishment due to these issues. Untreated health problems, such as depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and diabetes, heart disease and sleep disorders are also a risk.
Someone who is inattention ADHD symptoms is likely to be related to someone who suffers from the disorder. It is important to recognize that these symptoms can occur in those without a family history. A clinical evaluation can determine whether a person suffers from the disorder or if other causes are responsible for their lack of attention such as stress or anxiety, mineral deficiency hearing or vision issues, cognitive decline or medications like a sleeping aid or antibiotics, or allergy medications.
An individual with inattentive ADHD is often assisted by psychostimulants that help to improve brain signaling and aid in improving focus and concentration. Other treatments, like 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 as the need to fidget or rush through tasks. But they can still be a problem if the person is agitated to the point of feeling overwhelmed by their own needs, desires or obligations. They could be in trouble at work if they fail to follow rules and procedures or don't pay their bills on time. They could have issues with managing their money and relationships.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to have trouble recognizing their own symptoms. They may believe that their symptoms are just something that happens to everyone who is an adult, or that this is how they've always been. If these problems are affecting your daily routine, you should think about seeking a diagnosis.
During the interview, the health professional will be looking for any symptoms mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. They will also go over the patient's medical, mental health and family history. The person's work and home life will also be examined to see how ADHD symptoms are impacting them.
People with inattentive ADHD often forget things that are important to them, such as their phone, keys or wallet. They might also forget their assignments, fail to turn in their papers or forget appointments. They're often unable to sit in one place for extended periods of time. Moreover, they may feel restless or uncomfortable.
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD tend to speak before thinking and make statements that don't make sense, or interrupt other people in conversations. They may be enticed by the opportunity to take or use things without permission, and find it difficult to wait for their turn.
3. Organizational problems
Many people with undiagnosed ADHD feel like they're a mess. The symptoms of this disorder aren't easy to manage, especially as they progress through adulthood. It can cause issues in every aspect of your life. People with this condition often feel embarrassed and frustration over the fact that they cannot seem to get their life together or reach their full potential. Disorganization and procrastination can cause stress, anxiety and depression.
A diagnosis of adhd can bring relief to people who feel that they're in a mess and aren't as competent as other people. It can help them understand that their struggles in life are not caused by a lack of determination or intelligence, but due to a chemical imbalance, which can be treated by medication and behavioral therapy.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms in adults can be manifested as a multitude of small projects that are started and never finished, such as the vegetable garden that got planted but didn't get watered, or the new system of organization that was put together but was then abandoned. These can also show up at work in the form of missed deadlines, unfinished papers or documents that are submitted for review and an urge to rush through tasks without being sure to review them thoroughly -- their brain is aching to jump to the next thing instead.
You should consult your doctor right away if you suspect that you may be suffering from a mild cognitive impairment or normal aging. 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
For adults diagnosed with ADHD the in many cases, lack of motivation is the most prominent sign. It can cause a lot of difficulty in a person’s life especially in relationships. It can also lead to lots of stress and issues at home, work or at school, as well as dealing with finances. It is essential to figure out ways to deal with this problem and get help when needed.
People suffering from ADHD typically find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that are boring or repetitive and are easily distracted by things that appear more exciting, interesting or even enjoyable. This can create a vicious circle where the person gets bored with their job, their responsibilities, and even their life in general. They are also less motivated.
A lack of motivation could also be a sign of mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. It can be a result of physical issues like chronic fatigue syndrome or brain tumors.
The first signs of a lack of motivation is particularly difficult for those who have suffered from mental health issues for prolonged periods of time. It could be a signal that they're slipping back into their old patterns.
If you or someone you know suffers from low motivation, a correct diagnosis and effective treatment are the first steps towards being more productive and feeling better effectively in both your professional and personal life. Talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing, and ask them for the referral to an expert in health care who can perform an ADHD evaluation for adults. You may be advised to contact a local hospital or graduate program based at a university to find a specialist with experience working with adults.
5. Fatigue
People suffering from ADHD often feel tired and depleted of energy. Lack of sleep, insufficient exercise, or a poor diet could all contribute to this. It could also be a sign of health conditions and diseases, such as low sugar thyroid issues, thyroid disorders, or heart disease.
Speak to your doctor if you feel exhausted all the time and it has a negative impact on your daily life. They can evaluate symptoms and rule out any other causes. They can conduct scans of the urine and imaging to check for physical causes for fatigue like deficiency or infections in minerals or vitamins. They may also ask about recent stressors, such as relationship issues or changes in employment.
The doctor will also consider the lifestyle of the patient, as well as any previous mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. They can use questionnaires and interview the patient to get a better understanding of their mood and behavior. They will ask if the person is drowsy or weak when they are tired, since this could indicate an alternative cause.
The doctor will assess the way in which the patient handles everyday tasks, such as keeping track of bills and attending medical appointments or following work and family routines. They will also look for any previous diagnoses of ADHD, and if the symptoms have changed over time. They will look at the symptom of inattention to see how it affects the individual's current life, and they will also consider the severity of the symptoms as described in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. add symptoms in adult women will also take into consideration the gender of the patient, as men are more prone to be diagnosed with ADHD.