Symptoms of ADHD in an Adult
If you find yourself constantly losing things, are unable to finish your work, and easily distracted, then you may have ADHD symptoms which are causing stress.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe. combined ADHD symptoms in adults can cause problems in multiple settings such as at school, home and at work.
1. Trouble focusing
ADHD can cause problems to focus and stay focused. These are symptoms that can be observed in both children and adults, and can impact a person's everyday life at home, school and work.
Focus issues can be a frustrating experience, particularly because it's a persistent issue and can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of despair and feeling of failure. It can also cause problems with health like missing appointments with doctors, not taking medication as prescribed, and consuming unhealthy habits like fast food or drinking. It can also cause financial issues too, with the cost of paying bills in late or overdrafts slipping out of control due to impulsive spending.
Hyperfocus is a term used to describe the ability of those with ADHD to focus their attention on things they find interesting. This can be useful in certain situations, but it is more difficult to manage when you are doing everyday tasks like paying bills, purchasing groceries, or filing documents.
In addition, people who suffer from ADHD are often extremely impatient and easily distracted by text messages, calls and television, social media and music. This can make it hard to complete tasks in the classroom or at work and may impact relationships with family members as well as colleagues, friends and family.
To determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD the health care provider will ask about their childhood behaviour and school experiences. They will then interview the person and their parents, if possible, to gain additional information. They will employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior ratings scales to assess how the symptoms affect the life of an adult. They will also conduct physical and psychological tests to identify medical conditions that cause similar symptoms.
2. Not paying attention to specifics
People suffering from ADHD can be so absorbed in their work that they forget about the people around them. They can also forget important details, or not follow up after a conversation, which can lead them to misunderstand relationships. They tend to make decisions quickly without considering the consequences. This can include risky behaviors in the absence of studying for tests, abandoning jobs, financial overspending and aggressive actions like hitting or throwing things.
A mental health professional cannot diagnose adult ADHD simply by noting that symptoms are evident in different settings and are interfering with work, school, or social activities. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD an adult must meet the criteria set forth 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 must be evident for at minimum six months, and they must hinder the person's ability to function in a variety of situations. Most often, a healthcare professional will interview the person's life partner or someone close to them and request a medical record.
The symptoms of primarily inattentive ADHD are more frequent and can be summarized as a lack of focus to tasks, ignoring particulars and loosing 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 suffering from ADHD may be able to overcome their difficulties by identifying and adapting their surroundings, habits and lifestyle to accommodate their issues. They can also seek out help from a healthcare provider and enhance their social skills. Adults with ADHD are also able to access numerous sources to help them make and maintain strong friendships, such as a peer support group.
3. Losing Things
Many people who have ADHD struggle with losing things, particularly keys, wallets and cellphones. They also tend not to locate paper or other materials required to attend school or work. This can be a hassle.
The main reason for losing things is common among adults suffering from ADHD is because the disorder affects the way the brain processes information. Working memory, which helps you to manage old and new information is weakened. In this situation it's easy to forget what you've just learned, the steps in recipes, or the grocery list.
In addition, some adults with ADHD have difficulty staying focused on their work and keeping their finances in check. This can result in poor performance evaluations, strained relationships with coworkers, and financial problems due to late payments or over-spending. It may be helpful to look into a variety of options for managing symptoms, including psychotherapy and medication.
Some experts believe that diet changes can help reduce ADHD symptoms, especially when high-protein foods are included. Sugary drinks and foods can trigger mood swings and make it difficult to remain focused. The practice of meditation or mindfulness techniques can also improve concentration. However, these techniques haven't been scientifically confirmed to cure ADHD.
4. Forgetting Things
Many times people suffering from ADHD forget what they need to accomplish. They might miss appointments, forget to grab groceries, or leave without their keys. This can have a big impact on their day-to-day life and relationships. People in their lives might believe that the person is not well-organized or uncaring. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have difficulty maintaining their focus or following directions in work and at school, which may result in missed deadlines and errors.
If you suspect you may have ADHD then you should speak with your GP to get a referral to a provider of medical care who can examine adults suffering from ADHD. A professional will assess factors like your mood and medical history, as well as whether you suffer from other issues that could cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD such as anxiety or addiction to substances.
In order to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they must show that their ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment in at least two settings of their lives, such as school, work or family. They must also prove that their issues aren't more easily explained by other conditions, like anxiety or depression. A healthcare professional will review a person's behavior in the past, talk about their problems with them and observe their work. They may also ask for feedback from their family members.
For adults diagnosed with adult ADHD can bring relief and a sense of hope. It can help people realize that they aren't a failure or a bad person. It can also teach them strategies to manage ADHD including learning how to prioritize and stay organized. This can help them achieve their goals and make positive changes in their life, as well as develop a stronger support system.
5. Inattentiveness
While hyperactivity isn't the sole symptom of inattention ADHD, adults with this kind of disorder may experience poor focus and difficulty staying on task. They might find it difficult to complete college assignments or remain attentive during business meetings. They might be sloppy at home or fail to pay their bills. Their lives could be thrown off course because they fail to meet deadlines or losing their job. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also cause issues with family relationships.
Many people with inattention ADHD struggle for years before getting diagnosed. They could be labeled irresponsible or lazy by friends and coworkers. Inattention and a lack of organization can cause them to feel overwhelmed. The inability to complete their tasks on time and frequent mistakes can lead to problems with finances, work or even legal problems.
A healthcare provider must confirm that the symptoms first started before the age of 12 years old. He or she also must determine that the disorder causes impairments in two major settings, such as school and work. Impairment can be caused by being absent from important meetings at work and not paying bills on time, having difficulty academically in college, not being able to finish chores or tasks at home and then putting themselves in debt through reckless spending.
In an ADHD evaluation, the health professional will go over the medical history of the person and conduct other tests such as eye or hearing tests to rule out physical ailments. The health care professional will also talk to the person about their symptoms, lifestyle, and home life. He or she may also ask for old reports and conversations with family members to determine if the symptoms were present since childhood.