Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid mental health issues, like depression and anxiety. These mental health problems can make it difficult to identify ADD.
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 suffer from an inattentive form of the disorder may display signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
1. Problems with Focusing
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty keeping track of tasks, staying organized and handling demands at home or at work. These issues can cause anxiety and low self-esteem. They may find it difficult to maintain relationships and friendships. They may be unable to remember appointments or driving places. People with ADHD are also more likely to be overwhelmed by emotions, such as anxiety or depression.
Inattentive ADHD (also called Combined) is the most prevalent 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, not completing deadlines or being unable to finish schoolwork in time. Additionally, you may frequently interrupt or interfere in other people's conversations or activities. You may also have difficulty understanding social boundaries and often blurt out answers to questions before others are completed.
People with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD tend to have more problems than adults with inattentive ADHD. These adults have difficulty staying seated and focused. They also fidget with their feet or hands and are agitated and apprehensive. They aren't able to sit still for their turn in a conversation and are incapable of engaging in leisure activities with a calm. They aren't able to control their emotions and could quit when they feel it's inappropriate or act without thinking about the consequences.
Experts aren't 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 run in families and that some people develop it without any family history. They've also found that hormones play a role in children suffering from ADHD.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
When you're trying decide what to eat for lunch or how to deal with an issue at work being unable to decide can cause you to be miserable. Indecisiveness can result from a lack in information and confidence. It can also be an indication of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
People suffering from ADHD have a harder time making decisions as their brains process the information in a different way. They are often unable to break down complex tasks and following instructions and keeping track of time, or setting deadlines. Additionally, they are susceptible to distractions and could have trouble with organizational skills. ADHD symptoms adults male can impact their job performance, making it hard to remain focused. In one study only half of the adults with ADHD were employed full-time. It's possible to find a career that works well for someone with ADHD however. Research suggests that people with ADHD might be successful in jobs like acting, sales as well as the military, athletic coaching, and certain trades.
If you're struggling with indecisiveness and feel that it's affecting your life, you should consider seeking out a counselor. A counselor can help you develop new ways to assess situations and make choices. They can also help you determine if indecisiveness could be an indication of other issues.
It is not uncommon to have difficulty making decisions but it can be a challenge to overcome yourself. You can reduce your stress and improve your confidence by making small changes, such as taking a mindful approach, seeking assistance from family or friends members, and not second-guessing yourself. Even if you didn't get diagnosed with ADHD as a child, that does not mean that you will not be affected as an adult. Adults with this condition can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, medication as well as other treatments.
3. Attention Management Problems
You may find it difficult to manage your time or track your obligations when you suffer from ADHD. For instance, you could not attend appointments or fail to complete homework or work assignments. These problems can impact your daily life at home as well as at school and at work. For adults, they can cause relationship and financial challenges.
Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD struggle to discern social boundaries and intrude on other people's conversations, games or other activities. Symptoms can include difficulty waiting for your turn, rush to answer questions before they're done and leaving your seat even though it is expected to remain seated. In at least 1 in 4 cases of ADHD, people have a combination presentation and show both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Girls and women are more likely to be diagnosed with the inattentive form 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 more difficult for them to receive an assessment and treatment.
The way that ADHD appears in people differs based on gender, age and situation. Many healthcare professionals still rely on outdated stereotypes about how the disorder appears in men and boys. These stereotypes can help in diagnosing ADHD in children and boys who were assigned male at birth. However, they could also conceal the issue and make it harder to treat women and girls.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be victims of anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs. These problems may be caused by underlying conditions or changes in brain chemistry due to ADHD. Psychotherapy and other forms of talk therapy can help people with ADHD better comprehend their behavior and develop strategies for coping. Medication can also improve focus and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. The most popular medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or Clonidine can be used if stimulants don't work or cause adverse side effects.
4. The difficulty of managing impulses
Being unable to control impulses can result in poor choices, mistakes and consequences. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty putting off their desires and acting more in accordance with their emotions.
Impulsive behavior could include running around or climbing inappropriately, interrupting people a lot or blurting out answers before people have finished speaking or taking things without permission, grabbing items from others and generally being 'on the move'. People suffering from this kind of ADHD also have trouble staying still for long periods of time and are likely to fidget a lot and talk a lot or over-talk and are unable to follow instructions.
The impulsive side of ADHD can cause problems in all areas of life, from work and relationships to finances and self-esteem. It can be a source of embarrassment and frustration for those with ADHD, who may feel that they are constantly letdown by themselves or are naive or uncaring.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can bring hope and relief to those who have been diagnosed for the first time. They will know that they are not the cause of their problems. They will find out that their indecisiveness and procrastination are not personal flaws but rather the result of their ADHD.
There are many techniques that can be used to assist adults suffering from ADHD manage their impulsivity and improve their overall performance. For instance, having regular routines for the day can help reduce the impact of impulsivity by assisting people to structure their days and plan ahead. A restful night's sleep can also help to reduce the risk of impulsivity. It is essential, including a calming routine at bedtime and avoiding screens prior to going to the bed.
5. Trouble managing emotions
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble regulating their emotions. This can lead to problems at work, school and in relationships. When emotions get excessively intense, people may find it difficult to maintain their emotional balance or move on from an incident. The disorder of emotional regulation can make it difficult for people to manage anxiety and stress. In some instances, this can lead to feelings of despair, sadness and depression. These symptoms can also make people feel tired or in a state of not being able to function normally. In some instances, they may even develop suicidal thoughts.
People who have trouble managing their emotions are more likely to face mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety According to a 2021 study. They are also more likely to abuse substances like alcohol or other drugs. Women with ADHD may have a tougher time getting diagnosed or treated because they are able to hide their symptoms better than males.
It is important to talk to your doctor if experiencing problems at work, school or at home. They'll want to know if the problems have been present since you were at least 12 years old. They will also want to be aware of if you've had these problems in multiple locations and if they've lasted more than six months.
Your doctor can suggest strategies that will work for you in managing your ADHD symptoms. They may recommend changes to your lifestyle that include a regular routine for your day and regular exercise. They may prescribe stimulants to lessen the amount of impulsivity or to improve functioning. Psychotherapy or a combination with other treatments can help adults reduce their symptoms. Your doctor will also take into consideration other conditions such as a learning disorder, anxiety or another mood disorders, or addictions, when recommending treatment.