Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD can manifest itself in a variety of ways. If you're constantly running late, unable to keep up with your appointments and bills or lost your keys, it could be a sign. Learn to recognize these signs and what they're telling you about yourself.
A doctor needs to collect a complete history in order to diagnose ADHD. This is to ensure that there aren't any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Many times, people with ADHD struggle with focus or focusing their attention on their tasks. They may forget important details or not adhere to 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 an official diagnosis of ADHD suffer from procrastination disorganization and difficulty following through on projects and tasks at work or in their personal lives. They may be frustrated and embarrassed that they can't seem to get their lives together. They might even believe that they are lazy or unreliable.
Adults who are inattentional ADHD are often accused of not listening to others or making mistakes that could result in serious consequences, including missing appointments or not paying bills on time, or not answering calls from friends. These issues can cause an insecurity about their self-worth or a feeling that they are failing. They are also at risk of untreated health issues, such as anxiety, depression and chronic fatigue and diabetes, heart disease, and sleep disorders.
An individual with inattention ADHD symptoms is likely to have a family member with the disorder. However, it's important to understand that these symptoms can manifest even in people with no family history. A clinical evaluation can determine whether a person suffers from the disorder or if other factors are to blame for their inattention like stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing or vision problems cognitive decline or medication such as sleeping aids or antibiotics, or allergy medications.
Psychostimulants are a way to assist people suffering from inattention ADHD. They improve concentration and focus by changing brain signals. Other treatments such as physical exercise and diet can be utilized to help reduce the symptoms of inattention that are associated with ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
Adults are less likely than children to fidget or rush through tasks. But they can still be a problem when the person is constantly agitated to the point of being overwhelmed by their own needs, desires or duties. They could get in trouble at work if they fail to adhere to the rules and procedures or don't pay their bills on time. They might also be having trouble managing their money and relationships.
Adults with ADHD are often unable to recognize their symptoms. adhd symptoms adults may think that their symptoms are just a normal part of being an adult, or that this is how they've always been. If you are experiencing problems that affect your everyday life, it's time to think about seeking a diagnosis.
During an interview, the health care specialist will be looking for symptoms that are listed in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will also go over the person's medical, psychiatric and family history. They will also discuss the person's home and work life to see how ADHD symptoms affect them.
People who have inattention ADHD often forget things that are important to them, such as their keys, phones, or wallet. They may be unable to remember their assignments, forget to submit their papers or miss appointments. They may also feel restless and uncomfortable if they are not able to stay in one spot for long periods of time.
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD tend to talk before thinking, blurt out comments that don't make sense, or interrupt other people in conversations. They may be tempted to take or use things without permission and find it difficult to wait for their turn.
3. Problems with Organization
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people feel like a mess. The symptoms of this disorder aren't easy to manage, especially as they progress through adulthood. It can cause problems in almost every area of your life. People with this condition often feel a sense of embarrassment and frustration that they can't seem to get their life together or realize their potential. In the long run, a lack of organization and procrastination could result in stress, anxiety and depression.
Adults who feel that they're not enough can get relief from an adhd diagnosis. It can also help people realize that the difficulties they've had in their lives were not due to a lack of effort or intelligence but rather a chemical imbalance that can be corrected by medication and behavioral therapy.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in adults may manifest as a myriad of projects that are initiated but never finished, such as the garden that was planted but didn't get watered, or the brand new system for organizing that was created but then abandoned. They can also manifest at work through delayed appointments, incomplete documents or papers that are submitted to reviews and a inclination not to take the time to review tasks thoroughly.
It is important to remember that certain symptoms can be confused with signs of normal aging, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and it's advisable to speak with your doctor if you think that this could be the situation for you. Your doctor may refer you to an expert who will be able to confirm or rule out the possibility of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
Motivation issues are an atypical symptom of people suffering from ADHD. It can cause a lot of difficulty in the life of a person, particularly in relationships. It can also cause stress and problems in the workplace, at home, at school, or with finances. It's important to try to figure out ways to deal with this issue and seek help if needed.
People with ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate on monotonous or boring tasks, and can be easily distracted by other things that appear more exciting, fascinating or even enjoyable. This can lead to an endless cycle where the person gets bored with their work, their responsibilities and even their life in general. They become even less motivated.
Low motivation can also indicate a mental health issue such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. It may also be caused by a physical condition such as chronic fatigue syndrome, a brain tumour, or an undiagnosed thyroid disorder.
Lack of motivation is a sign that someone has fallen back to old habits.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a lack of motivation, getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is the first step towards being more at ease and functioning efficiently in your personal and professional lives. Ask your GP to refer you to a health professional who can conduct an ADHD assessment on adults. They might suggest you contact your local university-based hospital or graduate school to find someone who is familiar with working with this age group.
5. Fatigue
People suffering from ADHD often feel depleted of energy. This could be due inadequate sleep, lack of exercise or a diet that is unhealthy. It could also be an indication of a physical condition or illness like low sugar thyroid issues, thyroid disorders, or heart disease.
Consult your doctor if you are exhausted all the time and it is affecting your daily life. They can assess the symptoms and rule out other reasons. They can request scans of the urine and imaging to check for physical causes of fatigue such as infections or deficiencies in vitamins or minerals. They may also ask about recent stressors like issues with relationships or job changes.
The doctor will also consider the person's lifestyle as well as their past history of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. They can use questionnaires and interview the patient in order to get more information about their mood and behavior. They will ask if the person is drowsy or weak when they're tired, as this could indicate the existence of a different reason.
The doctor will look at how the person deals with everyday tasks, such as staying on top of bills and attending medical appointments or adhering to family and work routines. They will also check for previous diagnoses and see if symptoms have changed. They will assess the symptom of inattention and determine how it affects the person's current situation, and they will also take into account the severity of the symptoms as described in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. They will also take into consideration the gender of the individual since men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women.