Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Adult symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to identify. They may be mistaken by others as flaws in character or personal characteristics, making it difficult to find help.
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at school, work and in relationships. It can also result in health issues, like missed doctor appointments or unpaid bills from the impulse to spend.
1. You Can't Focus
If you aren't able to concentrate it can be a frustrating. You might find that you are unable to remember important tasks or fail to finish work on time. You might also have difficulty making decisions or weighing the pros and cons of various options. The lack of concentration and attention can make it difficult to complete daily tasks like paying bills or scheduling appointments and could have a an adverse impact on your relationships too.
ADHD can affect all areas of your life. Adults who were not diagnosed with ADHD as children typically find out they have it once they are older and find they're unable to cope with their job, family and everyday routine.
The hallmark symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity. These problems can manifest in many ways, but are usually more evident in adulthood. You may be suffering from ADHD if you find it difficult to stay organized or if you are always stressed due to procrastination.
Adults suffering from ADHD may experience anxiety, which makes it difficult to sleep or relax. They might also have difficulty switching their focus, such as when playing video games or making meals. They may also struggle with emotional regulation. This means that they could experience extreme mood swings or have trouble regulating their behavior.
Some signs of ADHD can be subtle enough to be misinterpreted for other factors like fatigue or drinking too many cups of coffee. But, if your symptoms are affecting your life and having a negative impact on your relationships, it is recommended to take a look at a psychiatric assessment to determine whether you have ADHD. An evaluation will involve the description of your symptoms, a psychiatric and medical history, interviews with caregivers and teachers, a review of your environment and upbringing, and tests to rule out other issues.
2. You're always moving
If people with ADHD are restless typically, it's due to situations where they ought to be down, for instance, while watching a movie or working. Fidgeting with your hands or feet, attempting to move around, and even getting up in instances where remaining seated is appropriate could be signs of restlessness.
People with ADHD also have trouble completing tasks and can result in feelings of task paralysis, a state in which you are so overwhelmed and reluctant to start the task that you put it off or lapse into a trance and fail to finish it. This can occur at work, in school or even when working on home projects. People with ADHD might also have trouble keeping track of important information such as appointments, deadlines and other information. This can lead to missed opportunities and failure to keep track of tasks.
Difficulties with organisation can become more noticeable in later life, as the structure and support from parents that helped them handle their responsibilities as children is less present. Difficulties with organising can lead to issues in relationships, work and with friends and also difficulties with money management and the ability to recall details that are essential to daily life.
Another sign of adult ADHD is impulsivity, in which you make decisions without thinking about the consequences of your actions. This can cause you to do things like quit your job suddenly or engage in sexual activities that are not protected or buy something on impulse.
If you have these symptoms, a mental health professional can assess your symptoms and recommend treatments that include medication, psychotherapy focused on improving organisation and mindfulness or acceptance-commitment therapy strategies for anxiety and mood issues. They can also suggest self-care practices that might aid, such as the color-coding technique to highlight important dates in your calendar, writing lists and notes-to-self and trying the Pomodoro method where you set a timer to 20 minutes of work and then take breaks after each cycle.
3. You Have a Difficult Time Listening
A lack of listening skills can end relationships. People who do not understand the message can feel misunderstood and like their opinion is being ignored. It can lead to miscommunications, conflicts and misunderstandings in the workplace that are difficult to solve. And in symptoms of add of a romantic relationship it can cause confusion and frustration for the person who isn't being heard.
It is difficult to focus on what others are saying. This is an indication that you have ADHD. This can be caused by numerous factors, like being distracted by the sights and sounds of your surroundings, being easily bored by a conversation, having a million thoughts in your head while someone else is talking or feeling defensive when they are criticised.
Adult ADHD symptoms may be more subtle than the symptoms of children. For example, an adult with ADHD is likely to appear constantly rushed due to the fact that they're overwhelmed by tasks and are always late. They could also appear to be in a hurry and interrupt others or jump into games, even when it's not appropriate.
Listening is a skill that you can learn and improve with practice. It's important to learn to listen better since communication is important in every aspect of your life, such as friendships, work and love. It is important to check in with yourself and consider how you could be affecting others around you. You can then make a commitment to change your habits.
4. You're Always Remembering Details
If you find yourself forgetting important details, such as dates, deadlines and cooking timers, or even phone numbers that are crucial, it could be a sign that ADHD is affecting memory. If you are having trouble remembering information that you've heard, try going back to the context where it was first stored. This will help you retrace the flow of your thoughts and may help you find the missing information.
Adults with ADHD are less active than children, and instead exhibit more subtle restless behaviors such as fidgeting, or moving their feet or hands in situations they should not. Some people aren't sure how long it will be before they are finished with the task or project, which can result in delayed work and missed opportunities.
People with ADHD are also more easily annoyed. If you frequently fly off the handle in a rage or frustration and find yourself constantly apologizing, this can suggest that you may have ADHD according to a study published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD will go through their entire life battling with symptoms that have gone unrecognized. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be life-changing. It can help alleviate feelings of anger, failure and self-doubt that result from living with ADHD. It can also provide insight into how you react to certain situations, and strategies to manage ADHD.
Although the hallmark symptoms of ADHD differ in adults do not let this deter you from seeking treatment. The truth is that the majority of the symptoms of ADHD are easily treatable through lifestyle changes, therapies and medications.
5. You Have Anxiety
Although being anxious from time to time is normal, persistent anxiety, a difficult time staying calm or a pounding heartbeat could be a sign that you're suffering from anxiety disorder. People who experience these symptoms are often afraid they'll hurt themselves or others, have panic attacks or lose control of their emotions. This may cause people to isolate themselves from friends and family and avoid certain locations or behaviours, and avoid from work. Avoiding situations only makes anxiety worse.
People with anxiety may also have trouble staying focused on tasks and tend to overthink negative aspects of the situation. They may worry about the health of a loved one or about money, or embarrassing experiences at school or at work. Other signs include difficulty sleeping or a feeling restlessness. If you have these problems, talk to your doctor.
Anxiety is caused by a variety of factors including physical conditions or illnesses, as well as traumatizing childhood experiences. Stress is the most common reason. If you are suffering from severe anxiety, talk to your primary health care provider. Your provider may recommend you to a mental health professional. These specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health counselors.
Your doctor will assess your condition for ADHD by analyzing your description of your symptoms and the impact they've had on your life. They will also ask questions about your childhood behaviors and collect information from your teachers and parents. They will be looking for signs that existed prior to the age of 12, like difficulties at home, at school and at work. They'll also inquire about your relationships and if you feel you may have anxiety or depression.