Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults with ADHD have a variety of mental health issues, like depression and anxiety. These issues can make it difficult to identify ADD symptoms.
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 exhibit the inattentional manifestation of the disorder can be afflicted with symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
1. Problems with Focusing
Adults with ADHD can experience trouble working on their tasks, staying organized and handling demands at home or at work. These issues can lead to anxiety and a loss of self-esteem. They may have difficulty to maintain relationships and friendships. They may have trouble remembering appointments or driving places. People with ADHD are also more likely to become overwhelmed by emotions such as anxiety or depression.
The most commonly used type of ADHD is inattentive (also called Combined). In order to be diagnosed with this subtype, you must exhibit at least six inattention symptoms and one hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom. These symptoms could include forgetting important dates or deadlines or failing to finish schoolwork on time. You may also interrupt or interfere with others' conversations and activities. You might also have trouble understanding social boundaries and often blurt out answers to questions before others have done.
People with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD tend to have more problems than adults with inattentive ADHD. Along with having difficulty staying focused or sitting still they often play with their feet or hands and appear agitated and rambling. They aren't able to sit still for their turn in a conversation, and are not able to play or engage in leisure activities without a pause. They are not able to control their impulses. They may abandon a situation when they feel they're not thinking about the consequences.
Experts don't know for sure what causes ADHD but they believe it's related to differences in brain structure and brain chemical composition. They also recognize that the disorder may run in families and that some people develop it spontaneously without a family history. They also have discovered that hormones play a role in ADHD.
2. Trouble Making Decisions
If you're trying to decide what to take for lunch or how to handle a work conflict Indecisiveness can cause you to be miserable. Often, the cause of indecisiveness is a lack knowledge and confidence, however it can also be a sign that you have mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to be unable to making decisions than others because their brains process information differently. They are often unable to break down complicated tasks and following instructions, keeping track of time or making deadlines. In addition, they're easily distracted and may have trouble with the ability to organize. This could affect their job performance, making it hard to stay focused. In one study only half of those with ADHD were employed full time. It is possible to find a job that works for someone who suffers from ADHD. Research suggests that those with ADHD can excel in careers such as acting, sales as well as the military, athletic coaching and some trade professions.
If you are struggling with indecisiveness, and you feel it's impacting your life, consider seeking help from a counselor. A therapist can help you learn new ways to analyze situations and make choices, and determine if your indecisiveness could be an indication of an underlying issue.
It is not uncommon to experience difficulties making decisions but it can be a challenge to overcome yourself. You can ease stress and improve confidence by making small adjustments. For instance you can work on mindfulness, seek help from family or friends, and refrain from doubting yourself. Even if you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as an infant, it does not mean you won't experience symptoms as an adult. Adults who suffer from this condition could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, and other treatments.
3. Difficulty Managing Attention
It can be difficult to manage your time or manage your obligations when you have ADHD. For instance, you could not attend appointments or fail to complete homework or work assignments. These issues can affect your daily life at home, school and work. In adults, they also can cause financial and relationship problems.
Additionally, those with ADHD struggle to discern social boundaries and intrude on other people's conversations, games, or activities. Symptoms include frequent trouble waiting your turn, mumbling answers before questions are completed and leaving your seat in situations where sitting down is the norm. In at least 1 in 4 cases of ADHD, people have a combination presentation and show both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Females and females 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 a diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD can manifest differently in different people depending on their gender and age as well as their specific circumstances. Many healthcare providers still use outdated stereotypes of how ADHD manifests in both men and boys. These stereotypes make it easier to diagnose ADHD in boys and children assigned male at birth (AMAB), but they can disguise the issue in women and girls, and make it difficult to treat.
People who suffer from ADHD are more susceptible for depression, anxiety and substance abuse, as well as eating disorders. These issues could be caused by the underlying condition or changes in brain chemistry that are associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy and other forms of therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD recognize their behavior and learn coping skills. Additionally, medication can improve focus and reduce impulsiveness. Most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or Clonidine can be used if stimulants don't work or cause side-effects.
4. The difficulty in managing impulses
Having difficulty managing impulses can lead to poor choices, mistakes and consequences. Adults with ADHD typically find it difficult to put off gratification for long periods of time, and they may be more likely to react to their emotions than those who do not have the disorder.
Impulsive behavior could include running or climbing in an unintentional manner interrupting others or blurting out their answers before they've completed speaking and taking things from others without permission, grabbing objects from them and generally being 'on-the-go'. This type of ADHD is defined by the tendency to fidget and talk too much, or over-talk and struggle to follow the directions.
The impulsive side of ADHD can create problems in all areas of life, from work and relationships to finances and self-esteem. ADHD symptoms in adult men can be a major source of anger and shame for people with this condition, who might feel they are constantly slighted by their own actions or feel they are unreliable or lazy.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can bring relief and hope for the first time, and let people know that they aren't to blame for their problems. They will discover that their procrastination, indecisiveness and lack of commitment to action are not a result of an insecurities in their character but an effect of their ADHD.
There are many techniques that can be used to help people suffering from ADHD manage their impulsivity and improve their overall performance. For example, establishing an established routine for their day can reduce the effects of impulsivity by helping people organize their day and plan for the future. Sleeping enough can be beneficial to impulsivity. It is essential to focus on good sleep hygiene, such as a calming bedtime routine and staying away from screens prior to the bed.
5. It is difficult to manage emotions
People with ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This can cause problems at work, school, and in relationships. When emotions become too intense, it may be hard for them to find a balance in their emotions or move on from the conflict. An inability to regulate their emotions can make it difficult to deal with anxiety and stress. This can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness, depression and hopelessness. These symptoms can also make it more difficult to sleep or function normally. In some cases they may even develop thoughts of suicide.
People who have trouble managing their emotions are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, according to a study in 2021. They are also more likely to use substances like alcohol or other drugs. Women with ADHD can have particular difficulty getting diagnosed or treated because they are more adept at hiding their symptoms than males.
It's important to talk with your doctor about any difficulties you're having at work, school or at home. They'll want to know if the issues have been present since you were at least 12 years old. They will also want to know if you have had these issues more than one location and if they've lasted longer than six months.
Your doctor can help find strategies that work for you to manage your ADHD symptoms. They might suggest lifestyle changes such as a regular routine and regular physical exercise. They may prescribe stimulants to lessen the amount of impulsivity or to improve functioning. Psychotherapy, or a combination of other treatments can help adults manage their symptoms. If you suffer from other ailments, such as an anxiety disorder, a learning disability or another mood disorder, or addictions, your physician will be aware of these issues when suggesting treatment.