Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD can manifest in many ways. If you're always late, struggling to keep up with appointments and bills or have lost your keys, this may be an indication. Find out how to recognize them and what they're telling you about yourself.
To determine an ADHD diagnosis, a physician must take a detailed history. This is to ensure that there aren't any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Often, people who have ADHD struggle with focus or focusing on their tasks. They might miss important details or not adhere to plans. They also make mistakes that can have a huge impact on their professional and life.
ADHD symptoms are most prevalent in childhood, but they can also persist into adulthood. Adults who have never been diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with the inability to focus and lack of organization. They also have trouble getting their projects completed and assignments at work as well as in their personal lives. They might feel overwhelmed or embarrassed because they can't seem to get things organized. They might even believe that they are lazy or irresponsible.
Adults with inattention ADHD are often accused of not listening to others, or making rash mistakes that can have grave consequences, like not showing up for appointments and not paying bills on time, or not answering calls from friends. These problems can lead to a lack in self-esteem or a feeling of being unworthy. Health problems that are not treated such as anxiety, depression chronic fatigue as well as heart disease, diabetes and sleep disorders are also an issue.
Someone who is inattention ADHD symptoms is likely to be related to someone who suffers from the disorder. It's important to recognize that these symptoms can also occur in people who do not have a family history. A clinical examination can help determine whether a person suffers from the disorder or if other factors are to blame for their lack of attention such as stress or anxiety, mineral deficiency or hearing or vision issues, cognitive decline or medications such as a sleeping aid and antibiotics, as well as allergy medications.
Psychostimulants can be used to help a person with inattention ADHD. They help improve concentration and focus by rerouting brain signals. Other treatments such as physical exercise and diet can be utilized to lessen the symptoms of inattention that are that are associated with 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 be a problem if a person is restless to the point of being overwhelmed by their own desires, needs or duties. They could get in trouble at work by failing to follow rules and procedures, or not getting their bills paid on time. They could have issues with managing their finances and relationships.
It's not unusual for adults with ADHD to have difficulty recognizing their own symptoms. They may think that their problems are something that happens to everyone who is an adult, or that this is how they have always been. However, if symptoms of adult adhd interfere with everyday living it's crucial to think about a diagnosis.
During an interview, the health care professional will look for the symptoms that are listed in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will also review the person's medical, psychiatric and family history. The person's work and personal life will also be discussed to see how ADHD symptoms are affecting them.
People with inattention ADHD frequently forget things that are important to them, such as their keys, phone or wallet. They might also forget their assignments, forget to send in their work or even miss appointments. They're not able to sit still for extended periods of time. Moreover, they might feel anxious or uncomfortable.
People with hyperactive ADHD tend to speak without thinking, make comments that are not rational or interrupt other people during conversations. They may be enticed to take or use things without permission, and often have a hard time waiting their turn.
3. Organizational challenges
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people feel like they're in a mess. The symptoms of this disorder aren't easy to manage, especially as they grow older. It can cause issues in every aspect of your life. People with this condition often feel embarrassed and frustration that they can't seem to get their life together or reach their full potential. In the long run, a lack of organization and procrastination could result in stress, anxiety and depression.
Adults who feel like they're not good enough can get relief from an adhd diagnosis. It can help them understand that their problems in life are not caused by a lack of determination or intelligence, but due to a chemical imbalance, which can be addressed with medications and behavioral therapy.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms in adults can manifest as a myriad of projects that are initiated but never completed, like the garden that was planted, but was not watered, or the new organization system that was assembled but was then abandoned. They may also show up at work through missed appointments, unfinished documents or papers that are submitted for reviews, and a tendency not to thoroughly check over tasks.
It's important to keep in mind that certain symptoms could be misinterpreted as signs of normal aging, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and it's best to speak to your doctor if you think that this could be the case for you. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who will be able to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
For people who are diagnosed with ADHD the low motivation is often the most prominent sign. It can cause major difficulties in the life of a person, particularly in relationships. It can also cause lots of stress and issues at home, work and school, or even dealing with finances. It is crucial to discover ways to deal with this issue, and to seek assistance if needed.
People suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate on monotonous or boring tasks, and can be easily distracted by other activities that seem more exciting, fascinating, or fun. This can create a vicious cycle in which the person becomes bored with their work, responsibilities and the world in general, and then becomes less motivated to do anything about it.
Having a low level of motivation can also be a sign of an undiagnosed mental health problem like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. It could also be a result of physical issues such as chronic fatigue syndrome or a brain tumor.
The beginning of a loss of motivation can be particularly difficult for people who have been dealing with mental health issues for prolonged periods of time. It could be a sign that they're slipping back into their old patterns.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with a lack motivation, obtaining a correct diagnosis and treatment is the first step in being happier and functioning more efficiently both in your professional and personal lives. Ask your GP to refer you to a medical professional who can conduct an ADHD assessment on adults. You might be advised to call the local hospital or graduate program based at a university to find a specialist who has expertise working with adults.
5. Fatigue
People suffering from ADHD are usually exhausted. This could be due to insufficient sleep, lack of exercise or a diet that is unhealthy. It can also be a sign that you have physical ailments and conditions such as low blood sugar, thyroid problems, heart disease, or infections.
Talk to your doctor if you feel constantly tired and it affects your daily routine. They can assess the symptoms and rule out other reasons. They can request scans of urine and imaging to look for physical causes such as infections or deficiencies of minerals or vitamins. They may also ask you about recent stressors such as relationships or changes in your job.
The doctor will also consider the lifestyle of the patient, as well as any past mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. They may use questionnaires or interview the patient in order to get an understanding of their mood and behavior. They will inquire if the patient feels tired or weak when they are tired, as this could be a sign of a different cause.
The doctor will assess how the patient handles daily tasks like paying bills, attending appointments and maintaining routines at work or home. They will also look for any previous diagnoses and check whether symptoms have changed. They will evaluate the inattention symptom to see how it affects the person's life today. They will also look at the severity of symptoms as defined in DSM-5. They will also take into account the gender of the person since men are more prone to be diagnosed with ADHD.