Severe ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Extreme ADHD symptoms in adults aren't always easy to recognize. Read Even more could be interpreted as your personality traits.

If these traits cause issues at work or at home it could be an indication of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in health care or mental health expert about your symptoms and issues they can cause.

1. Focusing Problems

For people suffering from ADHD, focus can be an uphill struggle. They may have trouble finishing college courses or staying focused during business meetings. They may not remember important dates or misplace things frequently. Their house could be in messy or their work performance could be affected due to their inability to stay on task. This is a hallmark and frequently overlooked symptom of ADHD particularly in women, which can cause the disorder to go undiagnosed, or even mistreated.

While it is normal to make a mistake or struggle to finish tasks on time, when these issues are persistent and impede your daily life, a mental health professional should be sought out. It is essential to determine if there are other possible causes of the problem, including stress or a medical condition.

Many adults suffering from ADHD are forgetful and do not remember the ADHD symptoms they had as children. A mental health professional should conduct an interview with family members and close family members to learn about the child's behavior. The person with ADHD is also asked to take tests that are standardized and measure working memory, executive function and visual-spatial abilities.

Fields's inability to concentrate and stick to her commitments was affecting her relationships, her job performance, as well as her social life. She felt criticized, labeled "lazy" and "irresponsible," which added to her sense of frustration and made it harder to seek assistance from others. The undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of ADHD can have severe consequences in the workplace and at school, as well as in relationships with family members as well as financial stability. They can lead depression, low self-esteem, and impulsive risks that could lead to addiction.

2. Disregarding Others

It can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to maintain contact with their loved ones due to impulsive behaviors, forgetfulness, and difficulty in managing their emotions. These behaviors are often interpreted as impatience, rudeness and other negative personal traits by those who aren't familiar with the disorder. In some cases, they can even affect professional relationships.

For instance, some people with ADHD struggle to adhere to corporate policies and meet deadlines at work, or stick to a schedule at home. Many people with ADHD have a difficult time managing their finances. This could lead to excess spending and unpaid bills. ADHD sufferers also have trouble remembering to take their medication or to keep doctor appointments. This can lead to mental and physical issues.

Some people who suffer from ADHD can interrupt other people in conversation without even thinking about it. This can make loved ones feel that their opinions are not valued or are dismissed. Some people with ADHD may become anxious or depressed when they feel their impulsive behavior is affecting their relationships.

Other common symptoms of adult ADHD include an inability to relax, such as tapping feet or biting nails. These actions can interfere with the ability to concentrate in meetings and can cause someone to be unable to comprehend important information. If a person with ADHD has a history of relationship problems, or if they are constantly changing jobs, then they may also need to be diagnosed and treated for their ADHD.

To determine the presence of ADHD in adults, a certified mental health professional can conduct an evaluation that includes an assessment of the patient's history, medical records, and an examination of the mind. In addition, the individual will be asked to fill out an assessment of their ADHD symptoms and behavior. Talking with family members or evaluating your own behavior can help you learn more about adult ADHD.

3. Impulsivity

Adults with ADHD often have trouble making and keeping commitments. They can delay projects or find it difficult to complete them, leaving them feeling overwhelmed by the lack of completed projects and obligations. This can lead to stress, feelings of inadequacy or shame, and problems in relationships. If left untreated and undiagnosed the effects of ADHD can cause major problems in work, school and everyday life. If left untreated, ADHD can result in people deeming those suffering from the condition lazy or irresponsible. This is not right because there are many solutions available to help people suffering from ADHD overcome these issues and live happy, productive lives.

In adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity are less prevalent than in teenagers and children with ADHD. This is not always true and it is crucial to get a correct diagnosis when you are experiencing symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD are also more likely to have co-existing conditions like oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorders, anxiety, depression and disorder of the tic (including Tourette syndrome), learning disabilities, sleep disorders as well as alcohol and drug use and other psychiatric disorders.

A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a comprehensive evaluation, using standardized behavioral rating scales and symptoms checklists. The examiner will look over the person's personal, medical and psychiatric history that dates back to childhood. He or she may also take into account the person's driving abilities, drug usage, and social interactions. The examiner will go over the criteria for ADHD defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the individual meets the criteria to be diagnosed with the disorder.

If you think you have ADHD should ask about clinical trials, where participants are offered various treatments or medications to see how well they perform. They should discuss it with their doctor who will explain to them the risks and benefits when participating in a trial.

4. Problems in Making Decisions

It is common for those with ADHD to have trouble making decisions. You might spend too much time analyzing the menus in a restaurant, or you may take several hours to decide whether you want to attend an event. These issues can affect all areas of your life from work to relationships. You may also feel hopeless or frustrated. You may also feel sad, angry, or depressed.

It's possible that you'll have trouble keeping your promises, or remembering to pay your bills or keeping appointments. You are more likely to lose your wallet or glasses. You might be agitated or anxious when you're sitting down. In addition to these behavioral indicators, people suffering from ADHD often experience emotional troubles. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and may become bored or excited on a whim.


Women with ADHD usually have different symptoms than men. For instance, women who have undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to experience inattention symptoms, such as forgetfulness and disorganization. People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are likely to suffer a large amount of shame and anger because they are often seen as irresponsible, lazy or dumb. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can ease this burden, as it can provide a reason for your struggles and give you hope that you won't need to live with them indefinitely.

If you suspect you may have adult ADHD or other disorders, you can ask your doctor to recommend a health professional who is competent to conduct an evaluation. You can also call a hospital affiliated with a university or medical school for recommendations. Some insurance plans also have lists of specialists. Joining an ADHD support group is a beneficial idea. You can also receive advice and moral support from others who have the same issues.

5. Inattention

You're always late for events with your family, work or you misplace your keys. You're also constantly missing important details, such as the time for meetings and you are prone to underestimate how long it will take to complete tasks. These problems can lead to stress and tension in your personal and professional life. While some people blame these problems on the lack of organizational skills or stress, the truth is that ADHD can be a factor in these problems.

In adults, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD appear much differently than those of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD. Inattentive ADHD is a condition that can persist into adulthood, despite the fact that the signs that are most prevalent in adolescents and children (such as fidgeting or escaping) often disappear with age. This can cause issues with school, work and relationships.

Individuals suffering from ADHD are easily distracted by their racing thoughts and hyperactive imagination, making it difficult to remain focused at work or school. Additionally, they might not realize their mistakes or be able to remember to do something crucial. Adults suffering from ADHD can reduce the symptoms by using the concept of a "parking area," a place to keep thoughts from becoming a problem until a better time.

If you suspect you suffer from ADHD and are concerned, consult your doctor or psychiatrist. The doctor or psychiatrist will perform a thorough evaluation that may include looking at the person's mood as well as medical history, speaking to family members, teachers and acquaintances, and examining the individual's current and, if it is possible childhood behavior and experiences. Stress, sleep disorders and anxiety, along with other illnesses or physical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. A health specialist will also look at these factors.