Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. These conditions can make it difficult to identify ADD symptoms.
The American Psychiatric Association changed the name of the condition to "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," and added a new definition with three subtypes. Adults who exhibit the inattentional manifestation of the disorder may also exhibit signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty keeping track of tasks as well as staying organized and managing demands at home or at work. These issues can lead to stress and low self-esteem. They may have a difficult time maintaining relationships and friendships. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or driving routes. People who have ADHD are also more likely to become overwhelmed by emotions like depression or anxiety.
Inattentive ADHD (also known as Combined) is the most commonly used type of ADHD. In order to be diagnosed with this subtype, you must exhibit at least six inattention symptoms and one hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom. Some of these signs include forgetting important dates, missing deadlines or being unable to finish schoolwork on time. Additionally, you could often interrupt or interfere with other people's conversations or activities. You might also have trouble reading social boundaries and frequently blurt out answers before others are finished asking questions.
People with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD tend to have more problems than adults with inattentive ADHD. They have a difficult time staying in a seated position and remain focused. They also tend to fidget with their feet or hands, and are agitated and apprehensive. They are unable to wait their turn in a discussion and are unable to play or engage in leisure activities without a pause. They can't control their impulses and could leave when it is inappropriate or behave without thinking about the consequences.
Experts don't know for sure what causes ADHD but they believe that it is due to brain structure differences and brain chemistry. They also are aware that the disorder can be passed down through families, and that some individuals develop it spontaneously without a family history. They have also discovered that hormones play a role in ADHD.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Indecisiveness can be a major issue in your life, whether trying to decide what to eat at lunch or how to handle an issue at work. Often, the cause of indecisiveness is a lack of knowledge and confidence, however it can also be a sign of mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
People suffering from ADHD have a harder time making decisions because their brains process information differently. They have difficulty breaking down complicated tasks or following instructions. They also have trouble keeping track of the time and meeting deadlines. Additionally, they are easily distracted and may struggle with their organizing skills. This can affect their work performance and make it difficult to keep their attention on task. In one study, half of the adults with ADHD employed full-time. It is possible to find a job that works for those who suffers from ADHD. Research suggests that those with ADHD can excel in careers like sales, acting as well as the military, athletic coaching, and certain trades.
Consider seeking counseling if you are concerned that your indecisiveness is negatively impacting your life. A counselor can help you discover new ways to evaluate situations and make decisions. They can also help you determine if indecisiveness could be an indication of other issues.
It's not uncommon to have difficulty making decisions however, it can be difficult to overcome by yourself. You can reduce stress and increase your confidence by making a few small changes, such as taking a mindful approach, seeking help from friends or family members, and avoiding second-guessing yourself. It's also important to remember that even if you were not diagnosed with ADHD as an infant, that doesn't mean you don't have symptoms as an adult. Adults suffering from this condition may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy, medications as well as other treatments.
3. Trouble managing attention
You may find it difficult to manage your time or manage your obligations when you suffer from ADHD. For instance, you might be late for appointments or forget to do homework and work assignments. These problems can impact your life at home, school and work. For adults, they can cause relationship and financial challenges.
Additionally, those with ADHD have trouble recognizing social boundaries and intrude on others' conversations, games or activities. The signs include a tendency to not wait your turn, blurting out answers before the questions are answered and stepping out of your seat when sitting down is the norm. In at least 1 in 4 cases of ADHD, people have a combination presentation and show both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD because their symptoms don't stand out as much as the high levels of impulsivity and hyperactivity that boys are more likely to display. This makes it harder for them to receive a diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD can manifest differently in different people dependent on gender age, gender, and other factors. Many healthcare providers still use outdated stereotypes about how the disorder looks in men and boys. These stereotypes can make it easier to diagnose ADHD in children and boys who were assigned male at birth. However, they can also mask the issue and make it more difficult to treat in girls and women.
ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults with ADHD are at greater risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as eating disorders. These issues may be the result of the underlying causes or differences in brain chemistry that happen when you suffer from ADHD. Psychotherapy and other forms of talk therapy can help people with ADHD to better understand their behavior and develop coping skills. Drugs can help concentration and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. Most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Nonstimulants, such as Clonidine and atomoxetine, are sometimes used in situations where stimulants aren't effective or cause side effects.
4. The difficulty of managing impulses
Having difficulty managing emotions can lead to poor choices, mistakes and repercussions. Adults with ADHD might have trouble delaying the moment of satisfaction and may act more based on their emotions.
Impulsive behavior can include running or climbing in a way that is inappropriate, interrupting people or shouting out their thoughts before they have completed speaking or taking things from other people without permission, grabbing objects from them, and generally being 'on-the-go'. This kind of ADHD is defined by an inability to focus and talk too much or talk in a rambling manner and also have difficulty following the directions.
The impulsive aspect of ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life, including work, relationships, finances and self-esteem. It can be a significant source of frustration and shame for people with this condition, who might feel like they are constantly disappointed by themselves or that they are unreliable or lazy.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can provide relief and hope for the first time, letting people know that they're not to blame for all their issues. They will learn that their slacking off, lack of organization and lack of follow-through are not the result of an individual flaw, but rather a consequence of their ADHD.
There are a range of strategies that can assist adults with ADHD to manage their impulses and improve their overall functioning. Setting up a routine for their day for example helps people lessen the effects of ADHD by aiding them to plan their day and structure it. A good night's sleep can have a positive impact on the impulsivity. Achieving a healthy sleep routine is essential, including an energizing routine before bed and avoiding screens before going to going to bed.
5. It is difficult to manage emotions
People suffering from ADHD have trouble controlling their emotions. This can cause problems at school, work, and in relationships. When emotions are too intense, it can be hard for them to find their emotional equilibrium or to move past an issue. Emotional dysregulation can also make it difficult for people to manage stress and anxiety. In some instances, this can lead to feelings of despair, sadness and depression. These symptoms can also make them feel exhausted or unable to function normally. In some instances, they might even develop thoughts of suicide.
A study conducted in 2021 revealed that those who struggle managing their emotions are at greater risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. They could also be more prone to abuse substances like alcohol or other drugs. Women with ADHD may have a tougher time getting diagnosed or treated, as they can conceal their symptoms better than males.
It's essential to talk to your physician about any difficulties you're having at work, school or at home. They'll want to know if the issues have been present since you were at least 12 years old. They'll also want to know if the problems have happened in more than one setting and if they've continued for six months or more.
Your doctor can assist you in finding strategies that can assist you to manage your ADHD symptoms. They might recommend lifestyle changes that include a regular daily routine and regular exercise. They might also prescribe medication, such as stimulants, to decrease impulsivity and improve functioning. Some adults experience relief from their symptoms through psychotherapy or a combination of these and other treatments. If you have other conditions such as a learning disability, anxiety or another disorder of the mood, or addictions, your physician will take into consideration these when suggesting treatment.