Adult ADHD Symptoms
Whether you've lost your keys again, feel like you're always late, or struggle to keep track of bills and appointments, these signs could be signs of adult ADHD. Learn how to spot them and what they're telling you about yourself.
In order to make an ADHD diagnosis, a doctor must take a detailed history. This is to make sure that there aren't any other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Many times, people with ADHD struggle with focus or focusing on their tasks. They might forget important details or not follow through with plans. They may also make careless mistakes that have a significant impact on their life and work.
ADHD symptoms are most prevalent in the early years, but they can last throughout adulthood. Many adults who do not receive an official diagnosis of ADHD struggle with procrastination, difficulties in focusing on tasks and projects at work or in their personal lives. They may feel frustrated and embarrassed that they can't seem to organize their lives. They may even believe they are naive or irresponsible.
Adults who are inattentional ADHD are often accused of not listening to others or making rash mistakes that can result in serious consequences, such as missing appointments or not paying bills on time, or not returning friends' calls. These issues can lead to feelings of self-worth loss or a feeling that they are failing. They are also at risk of developing untreated health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue and heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders.
An individual who has inattention symptoms of ADHD is likely to have a family history of the disorder. However, it's important to recognize that these symptoms can also occur even in people with no family history. A clinical examination can help determine if the person has the disorder or if any other factors are to blame for their lack of attention like stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency or hearing or vision issues cognitive decline, or medications like a sleeping aid and antibiotics, as well as allergy medications.
Psychostimulants are a way to assist people suffering from inattentive ADHD. They can improve concentration and focus by rerouting brain signals. Other treatments, such as diet and physical exercise can also be used to reduce the symptoms of inattention that are associated with ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
Adults are less likely than children to flutter around or flit through tasks. They could be a problem however, if a person is restless and feels overwhelmed by their own wants and demands or responsibilities. They could be in trouble at work if they don't adhere to the rules and procedures, or if they don't pay their bills in time. They might have issues with managing their finances and relationships.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to have difficulty recognizing their own symptoms. They might think that their problems are a normal part of being an adult or is how they've always been. If you are experiencing problems that affect your daily life, you should think about seeking a diagnosis.
During the interview, the health professional will be looking for symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association. They will also look over the person's medical, psychiatric and family history. They will also talk about the person's work and home life to see how ADHD symptoms affect them.
People with inattentive ADHD frequently forget things that are important to them, like their phone, keys or wallet. They might also forget their assignments, fail to turn in their papers or forget appointments. They may also feel restless and uncomfortable if they are incapable of staying in one location for long periods of time.
People with hyperactive ADHD tend to speak before thinking and make statements that don't make sense or interrupt other people in conversations. They may be tempted to use or take items without permission and may find it difficult to wait for their turn.
3. Organizational difficulties
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people feel like a mess. The symptoms of this condition are difficult to manage, particularly as they grow older, and it can cause problems in virtually every area of life. People with this condition often feel embarrassed and frustration over the fact that they cannot seem to get their life together or fulfill their potential. They might also be suffering from anxiety, stress, and depression, which is caused by their procrastination and disorganization, forgetfulness, and impulsiveness.
Adults who feel like they're in a mess or don't feel good enough can be relieved by an adhd diagnosis. It can also help them understand that the issues they've faced in their lives aren't due to the lack of effort or intelligence instead, it was due to an imbalance in their chemical balance which can be addressed with medication and therapy for behavioral issues.
Adults with inattention ADHD can manifest as a million small projects that never get completed, like the vegetable garden that were planted but not watered, or the brand new organizational system that was built but abandoned. These can also show up at work in the form of missed appointments and unfinished documents or papers that are submitted for review, and a tendency to hurry through tasks without carefully checking them over -- their brain is aching to jump into the next task instead.
It is important to remember that some of these symptoms could be mistaken for signs of normal aging or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), so it's advisable to speak with your doctor if you think that this could be the case for you. Your doctor can refer you to an expert who can confirm or disqualify the possibility of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
For adults diagnosed with ADHD in the past, a lack of motivation is often an important indicator. It can cause a deal of difficulty in one's life particularly in relationships. It can also cause lots of stress and issues at home, work and school, or even with finances. It is essential to find ways to manage this problem and get help when needed.
People suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to focus on boring or repetitive tasks, and can be easily distracted by other activities that appear more exciting, interesting or even enjoyable. This can lead to an endless cycle where the person becomes bored with their job, their responsibilities, and even their life in general. They can become less motivated.
A low level of motivation can be a sign of an undiagnosed mental health problem like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. It could be a result of a physical condition such as chronic fatigue syndrome, a brain tumour, or an undiagnosed thyroid problem.
Lack of motivation is a sign that someone has fallen into old patterns.
If you or someone you care about suffers from low motivation, a proper diagnosis and effective treatment are the first steps to being more productive and feeling better efficiently in your professional and personal lives. Talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing and request a referral to an experienced health professional who can conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. They might suggest you contact your local university-based hospital or graduate school to find an expert who is experienced in working with people of this age.
5. Fatigue
People with ADHD are usually exhausted. Insufficient sleep, inactivity, or a poor diet can all contribute to this. It can also be a sign of physical ailments and diseases such as low blood sugar, thyroid disorders, heart disease, or infections.
Speak to your doctor if you feel constantly tired and it is affecting your daily routine. They can evaluate symptoms and rule out other causes. They can order urine tests and imaging scans to check for physical causes of fatigue such as illnesses or deficiencies in vitamins or minerals. They may also ask about recent stressors like relationship issues or changes in employment.
The doctor will also consider the person's lifestyle, and any mental health issues that have occurred in the past such as depression or anxiety. They may interview and utilize questionnaires to better understand the patient's mood and behavior. They will ask if the patient is drowsy or weak when they are tired, since this could be a sign of a different cause.
adhd in men symptoms will look at how the person handles daily tasks, like paying bills on time and attending medical appointments or following work and family routines. They will also look for prior diagnoses of ADHD and determine if the symptoms have changed over time. They will evaluate the symptoms of inattention to determine how it impacts the person's daily life. They will also consider the severity of symptoms as described in DSM-5. They will also consider the gender of the person since men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women.