Adult ADHD Symptoms
If you've lost your keys once more, feel like you're always late, or struggle to keep track of bills and appointments, these symptoms may be symptomatic of adult ADHD. Learn how to spot these signs and what they're telling you about yourself.
To make an ADHD diagnosis, a physician must conduct a thorough history. This is to make sure that there aren't any other medical conditions that might be causing similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Often, people who have ADHD struggle with focus or keeping their attention on tasks. They might lose track of details or fail to keep up with plans. They can also make careless errors that have a major impact on their career and personal life.
The symptoms of ADHD are most prevalent in childhood however, they can last into adulthood. Many adults who never receive a diagnosis of ADHD suffer from procrastination difficulties in focusing on projects and tasks at work or in their private lives. They may be annoyed and ashamed that they are unable to put their lives in order. They might even feel that they are irresponsible or lazy.
Adults with inattention ADHD are often criticized for not paying attention to others or making careless mistakes that have grave consequences, including missing appointments or not paying bills on time, or not returning friends' calls. They may also suffer from low self-esteem as well as a low sense of achievement due to these problems. They also are susceptible to developing health problems, such as depression, anxiety and chronic fatigue and heart disease, diabetes and sleep disorders.
An individual with inattention ADHD symptoms is likely to be related to someone with the disorder. It's important to recognize that these symptoms can also occur in people who don't have an ancestral history. A clinical assessment will determine if a person has attention deficit disorder or if there are other factors that are causing their inattention. This includes stress and anxiety mineral deficiencies hearing or vision issues, cognitive decline, or medication like sleeping aids, antibiotics or allergy medications.
The person who suffers from inattentive ADHD can often be assisted with psychostimulants, which improve brain signals and improve focus and concentration. Other treatments, such as diet and physical exercise may also be used to reduce the inattentive symptoms that are associated with ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
As we age people, hyperactivity and impulsivity are less likely to show up as fidgeting or rushing through tasks. However, they can be a problem if a person is constantly agitated to the point of feeling overwhelmed by their own desires, needs or duties. They could be in trouble at work by failing to follow rules and procedures or not paying their bills on time. They might also have issues managing money and their relationships.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to have trouble recognizing their own symptoms. They may believe that they're a normal part of their identity, or that they have always been this way. However, if they impact their daily life, it's important to consider a diagnosis.
During the interview the health professional will be looking for signs and symptoms that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. They will also go over the person's medical, psychiatric and family history. They will also talk about the person's work and home life to determine how ADHD symptoms affect them.
People with inattention ADHD tend to lose important items, such as their keys, wallet or even their phone. They may also forget their assignments, fail to turn in their papers or forget appointments. They might also feel agitated and uncomfortable if they are not able to stay in one spot for long periods of time.
People with hyperactive ADHD frequently speak without thinking, make remarks that aren't logical, or interrupt other people in the course of a conversation. They might be enticed to use or take things without permission and are unable to wait for their turn.
3. The difficulty with Organization
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people feel like a mess. The symptoms of this disorder can be difficult to manage, especially as they grow older. It can cause problems in all aspects of your life. People who suffer from this condition frequently experience a sense of shame and frustration that they can't find a way to put their life together or reach their full potential. Procrastination and disorganization can result in stress, anxiety and depression.
The diagnosis of adhd can bring relief to adults who have felt that they're an mess and aren't like other people. It can also help them to understand that the difficulties they've had in their lives weren't due to a lack of effort or intelligence instead, it was due to a chemical imbalance that can be corrected with medication and therapy for behavioral issues.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in adults can manifest as a myriad of projects that are conceived but never finished, such as the vegetable garden that was planted, but was not watered, or the new system of organization that was put together but never implemented. They may also show up at work in the form of missing appointments, unfinished documents or papers that are submitted for reviews and a inclination not to take the time to review tasks thoroughly.
It's important to note that some of these signs could be misinterpreted as signs of normal aging, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), so it's best to talk to your doctor if you believe that this might be the situation for you. Your doctor can refer you to an expert who can confirm or rule out the diagnosis of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
For people who are diagnosed with ADHD in the past, a low motivation is often a key indicator. It can cause great difficulty in the life of a person especially in relationships. It can also cause stress and problems in the workplace or at home, school, or with finances. It's important to try to find ways to manage this problem and get help when needed.
People suffering from ADHD often find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that are boring or repetitive and can become easily distracted by things that seem more interesting, exciting or even enjoyable. This can create an endless cycle of the person becomes bored with their work, responsibilities, and the world in general, and is then less motivated to do anything about it.
Being demotivated or lacking motivation can also be a sign of an underlying mental health issue such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. It could also be caused by physical ailments like chronic fatigue syndrome or brain tumors.
The onset of a lack of motivation can be particularly difficult for those who have been dealing with mental health issues for prolonged periods of time, and could be a sign that they're falling back into their old cycles.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with low motivation, a proper diagnosis and effective treatment are the first steps to getting better and performing more efficiently in both your personal and professional life. Ask your GP to refer you to a health professional who can conduct an ADHD evaluation of adults. They may suggest that you contact the local hospital at your university or graduate school to find someone who is familiar with working with this age group.
5. Fatigue
People suffering from ADHD are often exhausted. Insufficient sleep, lack exercise, or a poor diet may all contribute to this. It could also be an indication of a physical condition or illness like low sugar thyroid problems, thyroid disorders, or heart disease.
Speak to your doctor if you feel exhausted all the time and it has a negative impact on your daily activities. They can assess the symptoms and rule out other reasons. This Internet page can order urine tests and imaging scans to determine the physical causes for fatigue, such as illnesses or deficiencies in vitamins or minerals. They can also inquire about recent stressors such as problems with your relationship or changes to your work.
The doctor will also consider the patient's lifestyle and history of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. They may conduct interviews and utilize questionnaires to better understand the patient's mood and behavior. They will ask if the patient is drowsy or weak when they're tired, as this could be a sign of the existence of a different reason.
The doctor will look at the way in which the patient handles everyday tasks like paying bills on time or attending medical appointments or adhering to family and work routines. They will also look for any previous diagnoses and check if symptoms have changed. They will evaluate the symptoms of inattention and determine how it affects the person's daily life. They will also consider the severity of symptoms as defined in DSM-5. They will also take into consideration the gender of the patient as men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.