Symptoms of ADHD in an Adult
If you are constantly losing things, inability to finish your work, and easily distracted, you may have ADHD symptoms which are causing stress.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to severe. They can cause problems in multiple settings, including at home, school, and work.
1. Trouble focusing
Many people with ADHD struggle to focus and have difficulty sitting still. These symptoms can affect both children and adults alike, and may have a an adverse impact on the daily routine of a person at school, work, and home.
It can be a hassle to be unable to concentrate, especially when it's a problem that persists. It can also cause low self-esteem and feelings of failure and hopelessness. It can also lead to health problems, such as missed doctor's appointments, not taking prescribed medication and eating or drinking excessive amounts of fast food. It can cause financial problems too, such as bills being paid in late or overdrafts slipping out of control due to impulsive spending.
adult female ADHD symptoms suffering from ADHD often have trouble to stay on task but they might be able to concentrate focused on tasks that appeal to them - something called hyperfocus. This can be helpful in certain situations but it's a challenge to deal with when doing everyday tasks and responsibilities, such as paying bills, buying food items, or filing paperwork at work.
In addition, people with ADHD are often extremely indecisive and easily distracted by calls, text messages, television, social media and music. This can make it hard to complete tasks in the classroom or at work and can affect relationships with family friends, colleagues and other family members.
To determine if a person suffers from ADHD To determine if someone is suffering from ADHD, the health professional will inquire about their childhood behavior and school experiences. They will then interview the person and their parents, if it is possible to obtain additional information. They will employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behaviour ratings scales to determine the extent to which symptoms impact the lives of adults. They will also conduct psychological tests and a physical examination, which will help determine if there are medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
2. Not paying attention to specifics
People with ADHD are often so immersed in their work that they fail to notice the people around them. They might also fail to follow up on a conversation or miss important details which can lead to relationship misunderstandings. They are prone to make decisions quickly without thinking about the consequences. This can lead to risky actions in the absence of studying for tests, abandoning jobs, spending too much money and aggressive actions such as throwing or hitting objects.
It's not enough for a mental health professional to diagnose adult ADHD simply by noting that the symptoms manifest in multiple settings and they hinder work, school or social activities. To be diagnosed with ADHD in adults they must satisfy the criteria laid out by 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 least six months and must interfere with the person's functioning in a variety of settings. Often, a healthcare provider will speak with the person's partner or someone close to them and request a medical record.
Predominantly inattentive ADHD is more prevalent. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, 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 with ADHD can learn to cope by identifying their particular challenges and adapting their surroundings and lifestyle to address the challenges they face. They can also seek help from a healthcare provider and develop their social abilities. There are many resources for adults with ADHD to establish and maintain strong relationships and support groups for peers.
3. Losing Things
Many people who have ADHD struggle with losing items, especially keys, wallets and cellphones. They also have a tendency to lose papers and other items needed for work or school. This can be very frustrating.
The main reason that losing things is common among adults with ADHD is because the disorder affects the way the brain processes information. Working memory, which allows you manage old and new information, is weakened. It's easy to lose the track of what you've just heard, how to follow a recipe, or even the grocery list if this happens.
In addition, some adults with ADHD are unable to focus on their work and ensuring their finances are in order. This can lead to poor performance evaluations, strained relationships with coworkers and financial difficulties due to missed payments or over-spending. It can be helpful to look into different options for managing symptoms, such as psychotherapy and medication.
Some experts believe that changes in diet including high-protein foods, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Sugary drinks and foods can cause mood swings, and make it difficult to remain focused. Engaging in mindfulness or meditation techniques can also help improve concentration. These techniques haven't been proven to be effective in treating ADHD.
4. Forgetting Things
Most often, people with ADHD forget things they have to accomplish. They might forget to go to appointments, not pick up groceries, or leave the house without keys. This could have a huge impact on their everyday life and relationships. The people in their lives might view this as a lack in care, or they might assume it's because the person isn't organized. People with undiagnosed ADHD may also have difficulty paying attention or following directions at school or at work which can lead to delays in deadlines and errors.
If you suspect you have ADHD you should talk to your GP about an appointment with an health professional who can conduct evaluations for adults with ADHD. A professional will assess factors like your mood, medical history and whether you suffer from other issues that can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD, such as stress or substance misuse.
To meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they must prove that their ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment in at least two settings of their lives--such as work, school and family--and that their problems are not better caused by other conditions such as depression or anxiety. A provider will review the person's previous behavior, talk with them about their struggles and observe them in the course of their actions. They may also solicit their loved ones' feedback.
Adult ADHD diagnosis can bring relief and hope to adults. It can help people realize they're not a failure or an utter failure, and can help them develop strategies to manage their ADHD including learning to organize their tasks and stay organized. This can help them achieve their goals and make positive changes in their life, as well being able to build a stronger support system.
5. Inattentiveness
While hyperactivity isn't a symptom of inattention ADHD adults suffering from this type of disorder may have inability to focus and difficulty staying on task. They might find it difficult to finish college assignments or stay attentive in business meetings. They may be unorganized at home or forget to pay bills. Their lives might be thrown off course by failing to meet deadlines or losing their job. Inattention ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with family relationships.
Many people with inattentive ADHD endure for a long time before being diagnosed. Coworkers and friends may judge them as lazy or irresponsible. They might feel overwhelmed by their indecisiveness, procrastination and impulsiveness. Inability to finish tasks on schedule and their frequent mistakes can lead to problems with finances, work or even legal problems.
A doctor must verify that the symptoms started before the age of 12 years old. He or she must also determine that the disorder causes impairment in two main situations (like school and at work). The impairment could be as simple as missing important meetings at the office or not paying bills in a timely manner or struggling with college, failing to finish chores or tasks around the house and racking up debt due to impulsive purchases.
In an ADHD evaluation, the health care professional will look over the medical history of a person and will perform other tests, such as eye or hearing tests to rule out any physical conditions. The health care professional will also interview the person about their symptoms, their lifestyle, and family life. The health care professional may also ask for old reports and conversations with relatives to determine if symptoms were present since childhood.