ADHD Symptoms in Adulthood
People suffering from ADHD tend to have more difficulties as adults, especially those who have difficulties at work, school or relationships. They usually begin by discussing the person's history of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which includes looking over old report cards and speaking to family members.
Long-term treatment can help improve living conditions as well as personal and professional relationships. The symptoms of adult ADHD can be treated with psychotherapy and medication.
Inattentive Signs and symptoms
For many people suffering from ADHD, the first symptoms are inattention. People have trouble remembering details or focusing their focus on their tasks, which can lead to difficulties at school, work or at home. Some people forget important dates, have trouble keeping track of deadlines or have difficulty to keep a schedule. They may also experience difficulties managing their finances or spending habits. This can lead to health or financial problems.
Adults may have trouble recognizing ADHD symptoms due to them being more subtle than children. People who suffer from ADHD may also be more adept at hiding symptoms and making it more difficult to diagnose. For instance, a person who has always struggled with concentration may not realize that their symptoms are becoming more severe as they get older and have more responsibility. Some people suffering from ADHD cover up their inattention symptoms by using strategies like fidgeting or using a planner.
Inattentive symptoms can also include issues with self-regulation. This is the ability to control one's emotions and behavior. For instance, someone suffering from ADHD may have trouble avoiding distractions such as a cell phone or TV, even when they know that it's not appropriate to do so. They might have trouble sitting still in class or paying attention, or feel irritable or unfocused at night, when they should be sleeping.
Adults with ADHD may also struggle to manage anxiety and stress. They may experience sleep problems which can lead to various other issues like low mood and a tendency to eat too much. People with ADHD might also have issues at school or at work because they are unable to follow directions and deadlines, or manage time and priorities. They may also experience difficulties at home with household chores or chores, which can cause conflicts in relationships and lead to financial problems.
It is important to remember that other conditions like anxiety and depression can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a physician prior to making a diagnosis. If you're looking to evaluate your own symptoms, take a look at the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-5) which is a brand new tool that will help you recognize possible signs and symptoms of ADHD.
Hyperactive symptoms
People suffering from ADHD often have difficulty regulating emotions, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. These symptoms can also impact school or work performance. Many people with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms by engaging in therapy such as psychotherapy or strategies to cope and lifestyle adjustments which are referred to as accommodations. Certain adults find that they can focus their attention on things they are passionate about which can make them extremely efficient and knowledgeable in a specific area.
If you suspect that you have ADHD symptoms should seek out a diagnosis. A health care provider or mental health professional may use a variety of tools to assess ADHD such as standardized behavior ratings scales and checklists as well as psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning capabilities (such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, as well as reasoning skills. Additionally the health care provider or mental health professional may inquire about the person's childhood behavior and experiences, and discuss with the person problems at work or in the family they have experienced.
Certain people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they are adults. This is because the symptoms of ADHD may be mild or the person might not experience any problems until later in life. There are some who may be misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD may be overlapping with other disorders, such as depression, anxiety or physical illness.
The symptoms of ADHD can differ from individual to individual and can change as time passes. They may be mild, moderate, or severe, and some adults with ADHD don't have any hyperactive or impulsive symptoms at all. However, for others the symptoms are more evident and can cause problems with their daily lives.
The stigma associated with neurodevelopmental disorders can deter adults from seeking help. However, the reality is that effective treatment can dramatically improve a person's life and increase their productivity.
Impulsive Symptoms
While it's just about 22 percent of the official ADHD symptoms, impulsivity is responsible for proportionally much more problems than any other symptoms. It's the reason why people who suffer from ADHD often get misdiagnosed and remain untreated in adulthood. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have an academic history of issues or work issues, as well as failed relationships.
Inability to control emotions and actions is impulsivity. In particular it's the inability to delay the gratification of one's actions and think before acting, or follow instructions or a plan. Children who are impulsive are more likely to interrupt others or speak in a non-stop manner. They may also steal objects from others, struggle to discern social boundaries in a particular situation and respond with feelings of anger or impatience.
Adults can exhibit impulsive behavior as forgetfulness, carelessness, or financial inefficiency. They might also forget birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates. They might fumble or forget things like wallets, keys, cell phones, or pens out. They may not be able to recognize the social signals of a situation and may make inappropriate, hurtful or indiscrete comments.
These symptoms could have serious consequences for those who are trying to manage a job as well as raise a family and keep a household running smoothly. Inconsistent miscommunications, misunderstandings and rages can quickly damage a person's reputation, self-esteem as well as emotional stability and social standing.
An inability to control impulses can also lead to sloppy or erratic work and also issues adhering to company guidelines and completing deadlines. It can also cause various health issues, such as weight and eating disorders and chronic stress, anxiety or depression and poor sleep patterns.
Anyone suffering from ADHD symptoms should see with a physician. While some experts believe ADHD is a result of genetics or differences in the brain's structure and chemistry, some people are diagnosed with it by accident without a family background of the condition. In a majority of cases the primary care physician can diagnose the condition and suggest treatment. A specialist counselor for ADHD can show you how to control the impulsive behavior, increase productivity at work, improve the organization skills of employees, lessen stress and tension and learn to recognize emotions such as anger or frustration.
Social Symptoms
Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty understanding social cues. They may have difficulty interpreting facial expressions or body language and can appear as if they are isolated. They also have trouble with group conversations, as they are unable to staying focused on a single subject and are easily distracted by other people's remarks. They may find it difficult to wait their turn during activities or conversations. They are also more likely to interrupt or insert themselves in the conversation without realizing they could be considered rude.
Adults with this subtype of ADHD usually have at least six symptoms of inattentive ADHD and six symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. These signs can cause major issues at school and at work, and they can also interfere with social interactions and relationships. ADHD adult symptoms are often struggling with tasks and completing daily routines, which can result in frustration and discontent. Others may view them as unprofessional or inconsiderate, and they feel like their lives aren't in order.
People with ADHD do not outgrow it, but they do manage it. In the long run, treatment can lessen the number of difficulties they face at home as well as at work, which can bring them closer to their families and professional goals.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD live their lives being irritated, embarrassed and depressed by the way their symptoms impact their daily life and relationships. Over time, some may have come to believe their ADHD is a personal failing or a character flaw. When they finally receive an diagnosis of ADHD they may feel a sense of relief and optimism for the first time in their lives. They realize that their challenges are not caused by a character flaw or failure but rather a brain disorder. They can begin to begin to address their symptoms and implement changes in their life by using a planner or smartphone applications for managing their daily routines and activities as well as seeking treatment like psychotherapy or adaptation strategies (tools and lifestyle adjustments to help manage a problem, for example, a step stool helps a person who's shorter than average reach higher places). Research has demonstrated that some of these strategies, called accommodations, can help adults suffering from ADHD.