Symptoms of Adult ADHD

Are you chronically late to work, social events and meetings? Are you often prone to forgetting or ignoring tasks at home? If you answered"yes" to these questions, you may have undiagnosed adult ADHD.

There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you suffer from inattentive ADHD, your symptoms center on being disorganized and forgetful.

1. Disorganization

A person with ADD may have trouble managing time, completing tasks, or keeping deadlines. They also may find or lose things necessary for daily activities (e.g., keys, books, tools, wallets, eyeglasses or cell phones). If a person experiences these symptoms frequently and their doctor is able to evaluate them for ADD. The doctor may request the patient and family members for detailed information to help diagnose ADD.

2. Hyperactivity

People with ADD frequently have trouble being seated or paying attention at work or at school. They may also struggle to keep track of their appointments and schedule. Many times they lose things or lose their wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, or mobile phones. They might have messy workspaces or homes, and struggle to complete tasks that require a sustained mental effort. They also have a weak working memory and are easily distracted by external stimuli. These are the characteristics of what was previously called ADD or Predominantly inattentive Type ADHD.

Children with hyperactive ADHD appear to be "driven by motor" and are always on the move. They have trouble sitting still, especially in classrooms that are focused on expectations of neurotypical children. They will often climb or run around, even when it's not appropriate. They rush to answer questions before they've done. They also have difficulty waiting for their turn and often interrupt or interfere. In adolescence and adulthood, these symptoms may diminish, but they are usually still present.

The symptoms of ADD are often difficult to detect in adults since they are less overt than those that are seen in children. Family doctors are in a unique position to recognize ADD and begin treatment. They can also refer their patients to mental health services if necessary. In many cases, family doctors are the first to notice a patient's difficulty focusing on schoolwork, or in business meetings, as well as their inability to organize. By employing routine interviewing techniques and gathering specific information from the patients and their families, family physicians can help determine an ADD diagnosis and formulate a comprehensive plan for managing. Here are a few most common signs of adult ADD.

3. Attention

Inattentive ADHD symptoms manifest as difficulties in concentration and focus and can cause problems at school or at work. They can manifest as incomplete work or homework messy homes, unorganized desks or failure to pay bills or return phone calls in time. People with inattentive ADHD can also lose things that are essential for daily tasks, such as keys and wallets. They may have difficulty listening to others and miss the main point of conversations. Or they can be bored by meetings and presentations. They might zone out while listening, daydreaming about their hobbies or replaying media content in their minds.

Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. Many family doctors do not recognize ADHD in their patients or because they're not familiar with the condition in adults or because comorbid problems mask its presence. A trained doctor can diagnose ADHD by asking specific questions about symptoms and past history.


The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD includes having a variety of inattentive symptoms and five or more persistent symptoms that interfere with, or diminish the quality of one's social, school or work functioning. The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months and be unsuitable for the patient's developmental stage.

In addition to behavioral therapy, the most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. There are a myriad of medications to choose from and it's crucial to find the right one for you. It's a good idea start with one drug and carefully monitor its effectiveness, as symptoms can get worse with time. It is recommended that you visit your doctor at least once per year. It is often essential to adjust the dosage of your medication to ensure it is working properly.

4. Impulsivity

One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is impulsivity, which means that people suffering from the condition tend to act without thinking before. They might utter a few answers before they have been asked, interrupt others or engage in reckless behaviors which can result in serious consequences. Impulsive behavior can also impact interpersonal relationships and exacerbate the symptoms of other psychiatric conditions, such as mood swings and anxiety disorders. Research suggests that impulsive behavior in people suffering from ADHD stem from reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in deciding and impulse control. It's also linked to an abnormal regulation of dopamine which influences reward processing and the ability to control impulsivity.

Impulsivity can lead to financial difficulties. The rush of dopamine that results from buying something new may override the practicality, cost or logic behind the purchase. It can also affect self-care by causing impulsive choices that lead to unhealthy eating habits or poor lifestyle choices. This pattern can be hard to break however there are ways to decrease it. One option is to create a list of instances in which you tend to behave recklessly. When you are tempted to say or act impulsively put your lips on the table for a few moments and pretend to lock yourself inside. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults will give you time to think about whether it's a good decision.

Breathing techniques can also aid in feeling more grounded and focused. A few studies have demonstrated that it can help regulate the autonomic nerve system and reduce negative emotions that trigger impulse-driven behaviors. Making lists and focusing on mindfulness can be helpful. Trying to predict the times and circumstances that you might act impulsively can help you take action to mitigate the risk of this behavior, like bringing fidget toys to meetings or keeping reminders in your wallet that count to 10 before responding.

5. Fidgeting

Fidgeting is a habit that involves repetitive movements to calm the nervous system and increase focus. It can be a sign of ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention. People who suffer from ADD often fidget to stay engaged in an activity or lecture but it could also affect social interactions and cause other health problems.

Fidgeting is typically thought of as a negative behaviour which should be avoided, but researchers have found that it actually helps increase concentration. This type of fidgeting involves movements with your body, rather than an object. Examples include tapping your feet or pressing a pencil.

In a study of schoolchildren who were known to fidget in class experienced increased attention spans and concentration when they started using stress balls during lessons and self-work sessions. They found that manipulating the balls helped them focus and also allowed interaction with their students and teachers.

Fidgeting shouldn't be seen as a sign that a child suffers from mental illness. It's a normal part of everyday life and shouldn't be a cause for concern. If your child's fidgeting is disruptive to the classroom or their home, it is recommended that you work with their physician to determine if they suffer from an underlying condition that can be treated, like restless leg syndrome (RLS).

There are many methods to improve your focus and decrease ADHD symptoms as well as taking medications. For instance, you could use a timer to break down lengthy tasks into smaller manageable chunks or set aside a specific room for working when you are distracted by other things around you. You can also use mindfulness techniques to quiet the mind and improve your attention as well as attempt to find a new activity which will keep your hands busy. For instance, knitting can be a great way to improve your focus while taking pleasure in the feeling of accomplishment that comes with creating an hat or blanket.