Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD can manifest in a variety of ways. If you're constantly running late, unable to keep up with your appointments and bills or lost your keys, it could be a sign. Find out how to recognize them and what they're telling you about yourself.
In order to make an ADHD diagnosis, a doctor must conduct a thorough history. This is to ensure that there aren't any other issues that could be causing similar symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
People with ADHD typically have trouble focusing on their work or keeping their focus. They may forget details or fail to keep up with plans. They can also make careless errors that have a major impact on their career and personal life.
ADHD symptoms are most common in childhood, but they can also persist throughout adulthood. Many adults who do not receive a diagnosis of ADHD have issues with procrastination, indecisiveness and difficulty focusing on projects and tasks at work or in their personal lives. They may be frustrated and embarrassed that they are unable to organize their lives. They may even believe they are lazy or unreliable.
Adults with inattention ADHD can be accused of failing to listen to others, or for making careless mistakes that can lead to serious consequences. For instance, they may miss appointments or fail to pay their bills on time, or respond to phone calls from friends. These issues can cause a lack in self-esteem or a feeling of being unworthy. Untreated health issues, such as depression, anxiety chronic fatigue as well as heart disease, diabetes and sleep disorders, are at risk.
A person with inattentive ADHD symptoms is likely to have a family member who has the disorder. It's important to note that these symptoms can be experienced by people who don't have a family history. A clinical examination can help determine whether the patient has the disorder or if any other factors are responsible for their lack of attention, such as stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency or hearing or vision issues, cognitive decline or medications such as sleeping aids, antibiotics or allergy medication.
An individual with inattention ADHD is often assisted with psychostimulants, which streamline signals to the brain and help improve focus and concentration. Other treatments such as physical exercise and diet can be utilized to help reduce the inattentive symptoms caused by ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
Adults are less likely than children to be distracted or flit through tasks. However, they can be a problem when the person is agitated to the point of being overwhelmed by their own desires, needs or duties. They could get in problems at work because they fail to adhere to rules and procedures, or not paying their bills on time. They may also be having issues managing their money and relationships.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to be unable to recognize their own symptoms. iampsychiatry.uk might think that they're just a part of who they are or that they've always been this way. If these issues affect their daily lives it's crucial to think about the possibility of a diagnosis.
During the interview the health professional will be looking for signs and symptoms that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association. The health care professional will also go over the medical history of a patient including psychiatric disorders and family history. They will also discuss the person's personal and work life to see how ADHD symptoms impact them.
People who have inattention ADHD often forget things that are important to them, such as their keys, phone or wallet. They may also forget their assignments, fail to send in their work or even miss appointments. They may also feel restless and uncomfortable if they are incapable of staying in one location for extended periods of time.
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD frequently speak without thinking, make remarks that aren't logical, or interrupt other people during conversations. They might be tempted use or take things without authorization, and they usually aren't able to wait their turn.
3. Problems with Organization
A large number of people who have undiagnosed ADHD feel like they're a mess. The symptoms of this condition are difficult to manage, especially as they grow older and can cause difficulties in all aspects of life. People suffering from this condition typically experience a sense of shame and frustration over the fact that they cannot seem to get their life together or fulfill their potential. Procrastination and disorganization can cause stress, anxiety and depression.
Adults who feel that they're a mess or aren't adequate enough may get relief from an adhd diagnosis. It can also assist them to understand that the difficulties they've had in their lives weren't due to the lack of effort or intelligence, but rather a chemical imbalance that can be corrected with medication and therapy for behavioral issues.
Adults who have inattention ADHD can manifest as a myriad of small projects that never get completed, like the vegetable garden that were planted but not watered or the new organizational system which was created but not used. They may also show up at work as missing appointments, unfinished documents or documents that are submitted for reviews, and a tendency not to take the time to review tasks thoroughly.
It's important to note that some of these signs could be mistaken for signs of normal aging, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), so it's best to speak to your doctor if you suspect that this could be the situation for you. Your doctor can refer you to an expert who will be able to confirm or rule out the possibility of ADHD in older adults.
4. Lack of Motivation
For people who are diagnosed with ADHD, in many cases, lack of motivation is an important sign. It can cause a amount of difficulties in the life of a person particularly in relationships. It can also create a lot of anxiety and stress at work or at home, school, or when dealing with finances. It's important to try to figure out ways to deal with this issue and seek assistance when needed.
People suffering from ADHD typically find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that are boring or repetitive and are easily distracted by things that seem more exciting, interesting or enjoyable. This can result in an endless cycle where the person becomes bored with their job, their responsibilities, and even their life generally. They become even less motivated.
Low motivation can also indicate a mental health problem like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. It can also be caused by physical conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome or brain tumors.
The first signs of a lack of motivation can be especially difficult for those who have dealt with mental health issues for long periods of time. It could be a sign that they're returning to their old cycles.
If you or someone you know is struggling with low motivation, a clear diagnosis and effective treatment are the first steps to feeling better and performing more effectively in both your personal and professional life. Talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing, and ask for a referral to a health care professional who can conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You might be advised to call the local hospital or graduate program located at a university in order to find a specialist with experience working with adults.
5. Fatigue
People with ADHD often feel depleted of energy. This could be due inadequate sleep, inactivity, or an unhealthy diet. It can also be a sign that you have physical ailments and conditions, such as thyroid problems, heart disease, or infections.
If a person is experiencing fatigue for a long period of time, and it has impacted their the daily routine, they should talk to their doctor about it. They can look into the causes and rule out any other reasons. They can order scans of urine and imaging to determine if there are physical causes, such as illnesses or deficiencies in vitamins or minerals. They may also ask about recent stressors, such as relationship issues or changes in employment.
The doctor will also take into account the person's lifestyle, and any mental health issues that have occurred in the past like anxiety or depression. They can use questionnaires and interview the patient to gain more information about their mood and behavior. They will ask whether the patient feels tired or weak when they're fatigued, as this can be a sign of a different cause.
The doctor will look at the way in which the patient handles daily tasks, like staying on top of bills, attending medical appointments, or following work and family routines. They will also look for prior diagnoses of ADHD, and if the symptoms have changed over time. They will evaluate the symptoms of inattention to see how it affects the person's current situation, and they will also consider the severity of the symptoms as defined in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. They will also consider the gender of the individual, as men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women.