ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience
Do you have trouble staying organized, often forget important tasks, or often lose your keys or wallet? You could have ADHD.
Your doctor will consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) to make a diagnose. The symptoms have been present for more than six months, and are appropriate for your developmental stage.
1. Inattention
Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble staying focused and staying on task, often at school or at work. This can result in not being able to finish work, a lack of completion of projects at work or with chores missed appointments and a general sense of disorganisation. These issues can also create problems in relationships with family and friends.
Symptoms of inattention are typically less obvious in adults, but they can be difficult to manage. Adults with inattention ADHD often have trouble to concentrate in conversations or lectures and to read long documents, as per the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They may miss important details and often make erroneous mistakes at work. Inattention ADHD sufferers might be unable to remain in a seated position for long periods of time and may need to chew gum, tap their feet or keep up with meetings.
Inattentive ADHD may be misdiagnosed as a health issue like anxiety, depression or physical illnesses such as stress. This can mean that people do not receive an ADHD assessment or find their issues mixed up with another issue, which could mean they are never treated.
In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. These can include trouble being unable to sit still, experiencing a sense of restlessness and interrupting others, as well as doing things on impulse without thinking about the consequences. This can create problems within the family at work, at home, and with friends. It can also lead to inappropriate behavior such as excessive spending or sexual activity. This type of ADHD is more likely to be seen in school settings where teachers are able monitor and provide support.
2. Hyperactivity
ADHD can affect adults in many ways. Hyperactivity or restlessness is one of them. It can be a feeling that you are constantly "on the go" or having difficulty playing or taking part in leisure activities at a relaxed pace. It could also mean that you are not able to wait for your turn during conversations or games. Some people with ADHD have difficulty to determine how long tasks will take. It can be difficult to determine how much time to devote on homework, or preparing for an important meeting at work.
Adults who are hyperactive are more likely to pace or fidget, talk excessively and have difficulty sitting still. They also may have trouble following instructions and making decisions. Adults may have difficulty getting up or out of their bed in the morning. They are late for work or school, and often lose their keys. This could lead to uneasy relationships and poor performance in school or at work.
Although we don't know the exact cause that causes ADHD research suggests that genetics play a role. Also, the environment and problems with the brain's central nervous system at key moments in development may increase a person's risk of having the disorder.
If you or a loved one suffers from ADHD, it's important to seek assistance from your doctor. Your doctor can refer you to mental health professionals who specialize in treating adults ADHD. If you're unsure where to start, NIMH offers tips for talking with your health professional about ADHD. You can also learn more about ADHD by studying the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5TR). It is available for download online.
3. Impulsivity
Although impulsivity is less prevalent than hyperactivity or inattention, it may still be present in a few adults with ADHD. People who act without considering the consequences could have issues with their relationships, work, and at school. They might not be able to wait their turn or talk in a loud manner, or interrupt others frequently. They may also find it difficult to stop themselves from making decisions that later prove to be regrettable. They could spend money or time on things that aren't needed, quit at the last minute or go out without thinking about the consequences.
In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present before age 12 and persist into adulthood. The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments, such as school, home, working, with friends or family members, or in other activities. These symptoms must indicate an issue that is significant and impact the quality of school, social, or work functioning.
Adults who were not diagnosed with ADHD as children might discover that their symptoms continue throughout adulthood, causing problems in relationships or at work. In these instances the health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person's symptoms, which could include looking through old reports and talking to relatives about childhood problems.
People with ADHD usually respond well to treatment using psychotherapy, changes in lifestyle and medications referred to as stimulants. Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine which enhance attention and focus. These medications may cause adverse effects, but are generally regarded as safe when taken under medical supervision. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, may also be beneficial. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from participation in an online support group for peers.
4. Disruptiveness
When people with ADHD have trouble managing their emotions or paying attention to the details of an event, they could become very disruptive. This can affect their performance at work, make them difficult to coexist with in their personal relationships, and even lead to separation or divorce.
Talking too much, blurting out answers before others have finished their questions, interrupting others or acting on impulse without thinking about the consequences are indicators of adult ADHD. These behaviors can also affect their home life, and their relationships with their family and friends. They might forget social obligations, birthdays or anniversaries and struggle to finish household chores or stick to a budget.
In addition, adults with ADHD tend to become easily bored and have difficulty getting bored or waiting for others to arrive. They often feel restless and fidgety, a symptom that can be hard to distinguish from anxiety or depression. People with ADHD are also prone to being angry and short-tempered, particularly when they are overly tired or angry.
If you think you have a disorder like ADHD, talk to your GP or a licensed psychologist. They may refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities. They will also inquire about any other health issues you suffer from. Certain medications, such as those for depression, high blood pressure and high blood sugar can interact negatively with stimulants.
It may take a while to assess someone for a condition like ADHD and sometimes there are waiting lists. However, the process is based on NICE guidelines. Your GP will talk to you about your issues and, if it is possible you can ask for a discussion with your family/whanau or employer. If they agree that you exhibit symptoms of ADHD they will refer you to the appropriate service for an assessment.
5. Anxiety

If you have ADHD, you may experience anxiety. You can manage your symptoms by utilizing the appropriate treatment. Anxiety is an emotional reaction. It can also become an issue if it develops into a chronic. The first step is identifying what triggers your anxiety. extreme ADHD symptoms adults could be certain environments or tasks, or even relationships. You can also use self-awareness to discover the ways in which your ADHD symptoms could be contributing to or exacerbating your anxiety.
People suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble staying focused on a task or an activity. This makes it difficult to meet deadlines at school or work, and to meet other expectations. They are often unable to prioritize and causing miscommunication and missed opportunities. This can lead to problems with family members or friends.
Anxiety can be debilitating and is an important source of stress. It causes a variety of physical reactions, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating and a general feeling of apprehension. It can also cause difficulty concentrating and even depression.
Anxiety is often a comorbid disorder that can be a result of ADHD. In fact, people with the disorder are more likely to have an anxiety or mood disorder than those who do not suffer from ADHD. They also have higher rates of addiction, smoking or consuming alcohol eating disorders, and issues with their families.
The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders and ADHD is a combination of therapy and medication. severe ADHD symptoms adults (CBT) can help you recognize and change unhelpful mindsets, beliefs and ways of thinking will assist you in changing your behavior. Your doctor can also recommend different types of therapy like family or marriage counseling for managing anxiety and improving relationships with your loved ones. You can also keep a diary or meditate to help ease your anxiety.