Symptoms of ADHD in an Adult

If you're constantly losing things, can't manage to get your work done, and are easily distracted, you may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD that cause stress in your life.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe. inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms can result in impairments in multiple settings, including at school, home and at work.

1. Problems with Focusing

Many people with ADHD have trouble staying focus and have difficulty sitting still. These symptoms are seen in both children and adults and can impact a person's everyday life at home, at school and at work.

Having trouble with focusing can be a frustrating experience, particularly as it's an ongoing problem and can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of despair and feeling of failure. It can also cause health problems, such as absence from doctor's appointments, or not taking prescribed medications, and eating or drinking excessively fast food. It can also result in financial issues, like late payments of bills or an increase in overdrafts due to impulsive purchases.

Hyperfocus is a term that's used to describe the ability of those with ADHD to concentrate on things they find interesting. This can be beneficial in some circumstances but it can be difficult to deal with daily chores and responsibilities like paying bills, shopping for food items, or filing paperwork at work.

Additionally, those who suffer from ADHD are also prone to being indecisive and easily distracted by calls, text messages or television, social media and music. This can make it difficult to finish tasks at school or in the workplace and may impact relationships with family members, friends and colleagues.

To determine if a person suffers from ADHD, the health care professional will ask about their childhood behaviors and school experiences. They will then interview the individual and their parents, if it is possible to obtain additional information. They will utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standard scales for assessing behavior to determine how symptoms affect the life of an adult. They will also conduct psychological and physical tests to rule out medical conditions causing similar symptoms.

2. Inattention to Specifics

People suffering from ADHD can become so absorbed by an activity that it is difficult to notice those around them. They might forget to follow up on conversations or overlook important details, which can result in relationships that are not working. They are prone to make decisions in a hurry without thinking about the consequences. This can lead to risky actions, failure to study for exams, affairs, quitting jobs, financial overspending and aggressive actions like throwing or hitting objects.

A mental health professional can't diagnose adult ADHD by merely noting that symptoms are present in different settings and interfere with school, work, or social activities. To be able to identify ADHD in adults they must meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This includes having five or more symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Symptoms must be noticeable for at minimum six months and interfere with the person's functioning in a number of settings. A healthcare professional can request the person's spouse or a relative of them for a medical record.

A predominately inattentional ADHD is more prevalent. The symptoms include difficulties in paying attention, ignoring details, and losing things. Those with this type of ADHD usually show these symptoms throughout their lives, but they are not as prominent as the symptoms of predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.

Adults suffering from ADHD might be able to be more successful by identifying and adjusting their environment, habits and lifestyle to compensate for their difficulties. They can also seek help from a healthcare provider and develop their social abilities. Adults suffering from ADHD can also find many resources to help them build and maintain friendships, including a peer support group.

3. Losing Things

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to locate items particularly keys phones, wallets, or keys. They also tend not to locate papers or other items that are needed for work or school. This can be very frustrating.

The primary reason why losing things is common among people with ADHD is that the disorder affects the way the brain processes information. Working memory, which allows you manage old and new information, is impaired. It's easy to lose track of what you just heard, or how to follow a recipe or the grocery list when this happens.

Some adults suffering from ADHD are also having trouble staying focused at work or managing their finances. This can lead to poor performance evaluations, strained relationships with coworkers, and financial issues due to missed payments or spending too much. It is beneficial to explore various options for managing symptoms, including medication and psychotherapy.

Some experts believe that diet changes can help to reduce ADHD symptoms, especially when high-protein foods are included. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can cause mood swings and make it difficult to remain focused. Meditation or mindfulness techniques can be effective in improving focus. However, these techniques haven't been scientifically proved to treat ADHD.

4. Forgetting Things

Often people with ADHD forget things they have to complete. They might not remember to attend appointments, not get food items or leave the house without keys. This could have a significant impact on their daily life and relationships. People in their lives might believe that the person isn't organized or careless. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have trouble staying focused or following directions at work and at school, which may lead to missed deadlines and errors.

If you think you have ADHD, you should talk to your GP to get a referral to a provider of health care who can evaluate people suffering from ADHD. A specialist will assess factors like your mood, medical history and if you suffer from any other issues that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD like alcohol or stress.

In order to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they must prove that their ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment in at least two areas of their lives, such as school, work or family. They must also prove that their issues aren't better caused by other conditions like anxiety or depression. A provider will review a person's past behavior and talk to them about their issues and observe them in action. They may also ask for feedback from their loved ones.

Adult ADHD diagnosis can bring comfort and hope to adults. It can help people realize that they aren't a failure or a bad person. It can also teach how to manage ADHD like understanding how to prioritize and stay organized. This will help them reach their goals and make positive changes in their lives, as well being able to build the foundation for a stronger support system.

5. Inattentiveness

While hyperactivity isn't the sole symptom of inattention ADHD, adults with this type may struggle with low focus and difficulties staying focused. They may have difficulty to complete college assignments or remain attentive during business meetings. They may be unintentionally negligent at home or forget their bills. They may lose their jobs or fail to meet deadlines, which could throw their lives off course. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with family relationships.

Many people with inattentive ADHD endure for a long time before they are diagnosed. They may be branded unreliable or lazy by their friends and coworkers. Disorganization and procrastination can make them feel overwhelmed. Their failure to complete tasks on time and their frequent mistakes can result in financial issues and work issues or even legal troubles.


A healthcare provider must confirm that the symptoms started before the age of 12. They must also determine that the disorder causes difficulties in two primary situations, like school and work. Impairment can be caused by being absent from important meetings at work or not paying bills on time, having difficulty academically in college, not being able to finish chores or tasks at home and putting themselves into debt with excessive spending.

In an ADHD evaluation, the health professional will go over the medical history of the person and will perform other tests, like eye or hearing tests to rule out any physical ailments. The health care professional will also speak to the patient about his or her symptoms, their lifestyle, and home life. They will also look for evidence that symptoms have been present since childhood, like old report cards and conversations with family members.