Adult ADHD Signs and Symptoms

You may be suffering with adult ADHD if are constantly forgetting things at work or struggling to finish tasks. You could be suffering from adult ADHD symptoms.

These issues can affect your home, work and family relationships. Your doctor will gather information from your family and school use checklists and rating scales to review your symptoms.

1. Inattentiveness

Inattentive ADHD sufferers have difficulty focusing on tasks and following instructions. They may be late for appointments or lose important papers. They have trouble remembering important details, and they frequently make careless mistakes that can cost them money in the workplace or at school. These mistakes may appear to be minor when they are children, but they can become more serious when they reach adulthood.

Children and adults with inattentional behaviors can easily get lost in the shuffle. While hyperactivity and impulse-driven ADHD symptoms are more apparent (they are prone to flitter, run around, or interrupt others) people with inattentive behavior can easily be overlooked. They might have trouble staying organized and appear lazy or unmotivated to parents or teachers. They may daydream or draw during class. They might have difficulty focusing on leisure or sports, and be "on the on the move."

Women may exhibit different symptoms of inattentive ADD than men, making it more difficult to recognize. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms and may depend on tools to help them stay focused and organized. Women are also more reluctant to admit that they struggle to stay focused. This could prevent them from receiving the care they require.

If your inattentive ADHD symptoms affect your schoolwork, work or relationships, it's recommended to discuss them with an expert. They might recommend counseling to help you comprehend your issues and figure out ways to deal with them, as well as medication. It is also possible to ask for accommodations at school or at work. If your supervisors, coworkers or teachers are accommodating and understanding this can make all the difference in your performance at work or in school.

2. Hyperactivity

Everyone loses their keys to their car or phone at least once in a while. Inattentive ADHD people, on the other hand frequently do this and it can have a negative effect on their daily activities. They may also experience difficulty finishing their schoolwork and other work tasks. They might forget important deadlines or events and may have difficulty keeping up with conversations and activities.

While people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have difficulty in particular professional or academic situations, their overall intelligence and education levels are typically higher than average. They are often plagued by mood fluctuation, low self-esteem depression and anxiety eating disorders relationships, alcohol abuse and risky behavior.

The symptoms must be present at least 6 months old and not be in line with the person's stage of development. They must also be more severe than other mental health conditions and physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. The health professional will examine the person's mood, history, and current symptoms. He or she will use typical ADHD symptom checklists, questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine if the patient has the characteristics of this disorder.

Many people with inattentive ADHD also have hyperactivity-impulsivity, which makes it difficult to sit still and play or do leisure activities quietly. They are always moving and act as if they're "driven" by motors and are unable to wait for their turn. (For example they may finish other people's' sentences, or can't wait until their turn to speak; or adolescents and adults may begin using other peoples' things without permission). People with hyperactivity-impulsivity often fidget, squirm or leave their seat even when it's appropriate.

3. Impulsivity

If you suffer from ADHD you may be having trouble controlling your emotions or making good decisions. This could cause problems at school or work. It also may affect your relationships as well as your health. For example, you might be unable to keep yourself from interrupting people or shouting at people when you're angry. It's important to seek help for any impulsive behavior that can cause problems for you or for others.

The signs of ADHD start in childhood, but they can last through teen years and even into adulthood. The criterion for a diagnosis is based on the age of the person: Children up to age 16 must show at least six indicators of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity to be diagnosed with ADHD.


Men and boys are more likely to have inattentive type ADHD, while girls and adults are more likely to have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Some experts believe this is due to the fact that inattentive symptoms don't usually disappear as you grow older however the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms do decrease.

Therapy and other methods can aid many people suffering from the disorder of impulsive behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you comprehend the way your thoughts and feelings influence your behavior. It can also teach you ways to manage stress and anxiety which can trigger an impulsive behavior. Calm's tools for free, such as this Guide to Overcome Yourself-Criticism, can assist you replace negative self talk with positive messages which promote self-compassion.

If you suffer from ADHD symptoms and haven't been diagnosed as a child, you should ask your doctor to conduct an evaluation. Your GP can recommend the most appropriate services for your needs, such as a Community Mental Health Service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service. A thorough examination by a health professional or a mental health professional can determine the root of your symptoms, make a diagnosis and identify effective treatment options. Your provider will look at your mood, any other health conditions you have and your family history.

4. Anxiety

People suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty recognizing their own feelings, and in particular anxiety. This can lead to a lack in empathy or an excessively critical self-perception. It may result in self-medicating using drugs or alcohol, which can worsen the symptoms of ADHD. If the issues persist, getting an assessment of adult ADHD is a source of relief and hope. It will also help them realize that the issues they face are not their own fault.

About 25 to 40 percent of adults suffering from ADHD have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and ADHD have many common symptoms, including problems with concentration, restlessness, difficulty reaching deadlines, and a tendency to concentrate on small issues. The primary difference between anxiety and ADHD is that anxiety typically has a target. add symptoms on the other hand is more fluid and unpredictable. It can be difficult to differentiate between depression and anxiety since they may have similar symptoms.

When anxiety is paired with ADHD it's known as "anxious ADD" or "ADHD w/ anxiety." Anxiety symptoms may interfere with daily activities, relationships work, and school. A doctor might suggest a treatment program that includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), meditation and medications. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, along with non-stimulant medication like the antidepressant bupropion or atomoxetine could be used.

A primary care doctor can provide a first evaluation for ADHD. If your doctor suspects that you have it, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. The professionals will inquire about your family history and other factors that might cause ADHD. They will also ask about your symptoms, including how they affect your work, school and home.

5. Boredom

While it is true that boredom could indicate the presence of ADHD but it is important to keep in mind that this feeling can occur in people without ADHD. Boredom is an everyday human emotion and can happen due to the brain needing to take a break from a particular activity or a lack of stimulation. Certain personality traits, like sensation-seeking and extraversion, may cause feelings of boredom. Ultimately, boredom is a common condition that can be treated in various ways.

While boredom may lead to a lack of motivation however, it is also followed by feelings such as satisfaction and happiness. Many therapists believe that learning how to manage boredom can improve your emotional well-being and encourage creative expression.

If someone is diagnosed with ADHD is a matter of know that boredom could be caused by stress, which can worsen symptoms and cause problems at home, work or school, as well as other social activities. If a person is bored often, it may be time to see the doctor for an assessment.

Other disorders, including anxiety and depression, can have similar symptoms. It is essential to be aware of any medication, especially if stimulants are being used to treat other ailments.

You or someone you love may be suffering from ADHD when they are easily irritable, impulsive or easily distracted. Women who have ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed than men, since their symptoms differ from typical signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They may also be afflicted by chronic tardiness and have a tough time keeping track of their finances or making appointments.