Symptoms of ADHD in an Adult
If you're constantly losing things, inability to finish your task and are easily distracted, you could be suffering from ADHD symptoms which are causing stress.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe. They can cause problems in more than one setting such as at home, school as well as at work.
1. Trouble focusing
Many people suffering from ADHD find it hard to concentrate and find it difficult to sit still. These symptoms can be seen in adults as well as children, and can impact a person's everyday life at home, at school and at work.
Having trouble with focusing can be difficult, especially as it's an ongoing problem and can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness and feeling of failure. It can also cause health issues, like missing doctor's appointments, not taking prescribed medication, and drinking or eating excessively fast food. It can lead to financial issues too, with the cost of paying bills late or overdrafts getting out of control due to impulse spending.
Hyperfocus is a term used to describe the ability of people with ADHD to focus their attention on tasks they find interesting. This can be useful in certain situations, however it can be difficult to deal with when you are doing everyday tasks like paying bills, buying groceries, or filing documents.
In addition, people who suffer from ADHD can be very impulsive and can easily get distracted by calls, text messages or social media, TV and music. This can make it difficult to finish tasks at school or at the workplace and can affect relationships with family friends, colleagues and other family members.
To determine if a person is suffering from ADHD, the health professional will inquire about their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will then conduct an interview with the person and their parents, if they are able to gather additional information. They will utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior ratings scales to assess how the symptoms affect the lives of adults. They will also conduct physical and psychological tests that can help identify medical conditions that cause similar symptoms.
2. Inattention to Specifics
People suffering from ADHD are often so immersed in their activities that they fail to notice the people around them. They may also forget important details or not follow up after an interaction, which could result in them misinterpreting relationships. They also tend to make quick decisions without considering the consequences. This can include risky behaviors, failure to study for exams, affairs, quitting jobs, spending too much money and even aggressive actions like hitting or throwing things.
It's not enough for mental health professionals to diagnose adult ADHD simply by noting that the symptoms manifest in a variety of settings and that they are affecting school, work or social activities. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD an adult must meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This includes having five or more symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms should be present for at least six month and interfere with the person's ability to function in various environments. A healthcare professional may ask the person's partner or a person close to them for a medical history.
symptoms of ADHD in adults women of primarily inattentive ADHD are more frequent and can be summarized as attention lapses, trouble keeping track of tasks, forgetting details and losing things. Those with this type of ADHD usually show these symptoms throughout their lives, but they are not as prominent as the symptoms of predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.
Adults with ADHD may be able to cope better by identifying and adapting their environment, habits and lifestyle to overcome their challenges. They can also seek out assistance from a medical professional and improve their social skills. There are numerous resources for adults with ADHD to develop and maintain strong relationships and support groups for peers.
3. Losing Things
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to locate things such as keys phones, wallets, and keys. They also find it difficult to locate paper or other materials that are needed for school or work. This can be a hassle.
The main reason that losing things is common among people with ADHD is because the disorder affects how the brain processes information. In the end, the working memory that helps you to manage new information alongside older, stored information is impaired. It's easy to lose track of what you just heard, how to follow a recipe, or the grocery list when this occurs.
In addition, some people with ADHD struggle to stay focused on tasks at work and ensuring their finances are in order. This can lead to poor performance reviews, tensions in relationships with coworkers and financial difficulties due to missed payments or over-spending. It is possible to consider a range of options for managing symptoms, such as psychotherapy and medications.
Certain experts believe that dietary changes can help reduce ADHD symptoms, particularly when high-protein foods are included. Sugary foods and beverages can trigger mood swings and make it difficult to remain focused. Meditation or mindfulness techniques can be effective in improving concentration. These techniques haven't been proved to be effective in treating ADHD.
4. Forgetting Things
People with ADHD often forget to do things. They may miss appointments, fail to get food items, or leave the house without their keys. This could have a huge impact on their day-to-day life and their relationships. People around them may think that the person isn't well-organized or uncaring. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty sustaining their attention or following directions at work and at school, which could lead to missed deadlines and mistakes.
If you suspect you have ADHD It's a good idea to talk to your GP about an appointment with a health care provider who can conduct evaluations for adults suffering from ADHD. A specialist will look at aspects like your mood and medical history as well as whether you have any other issues that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD like anxiety or addiction to substances.
For someone to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they must prove that their ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two different areas of their lives--like school, work and home--and that their issues aren't better explained by other conditions, like anxiety or depression. A doctor will look into the person's behavior in the past, talk about their problems with them and watch them at work. They may also seek feedback from their family members.
Adult ADHD diagnosis can bring hope and relief to adults. It can help people realize they're not a failure or an insignificant person, and it can teach them strategies to manage their ADHD including learning to prioritize tasks and remain organized. This can help them achieve their goals and make positive changes in their lives, as in establishing an effective support system.
5. Inattentiveness
Although hyperactivity isn't a sign of inattentive ADHD adults suffering from this type may struggle with low focus and difficulties staying on task. They might find it difficult to finish college assignments or stay attentive in business meetings. They might be sloppy at home or forget to pay their bills. Their lives may be disrupted because they fail to meet deadlines and by losing their job. Inattention ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with family relationships.
Many people suffering from inattention ADHD have suffered for years before being diagnosed. People around them may view them as lazy or irresponsible. Procrastination and disorganization can cause them to feel overwhelmed. The inability to complete their tasks on time and frequent errors could result in problems with their finances, work or even legal problems.
A doctor must verify that the symptoms began before the age of 12. The doctor must also determine that the disorder is causing problems in two main settings, such as work and school. The signs of impairment include not attending important meetings at work or not paying bills on time, having difficulty academically in college, not being able to finish household chores and getting themselves into debt due to excessive spending.
In an ADHD evaluation, the health care professional will go over a person's medical history and may also conduct other tests, including hearing tests or eye exams, to rule out physical conditions. The health care professional could interview the patient regarding symptoms, lifestyle, work and family life. They might also request old reports and family conversations to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood.