ADHD Symptoms Adults May Experience

Are you struggling to stay organized? Do you often forget important tasks or frequently lose your keys or wallet? Then you may have ADHD.

Your health care provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) criteria to establish a diagnosis. The symptoms have been present for more than six months, and are appropriate for your developmental stage.

1. Attention

Many people who struggle with ADHD have difficulty staying focused and staying on task, often at school or at work. This may result in incomplete classwork, work projects or chores left hanging or forgotten appointments, as well as an overall feeling of disorganization. These challenges can cause issues with relationships with friends and family.

The signs of inattention are generally less obvious in adults, but they can still be debilitating. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, adults with inattention ADHD have difficulty concentrating during lectures or conversations and reading lengthy documents. They might miss crucial information and frequently make mistakes at work. Inattentive ADHD sufferers may not be able to remain in a seated position for long periods of time. They may need to chew gum or tap their feet to move around during meetings.

Inattentional ADHD may be misdiagnosed as other health issues such as depression, anxiety or physical ailments like stress. This can mean that individuals do not receive an ADHD assessment or have their challenges confused with a different issue. This could mean they're not treated.

In addition to inattention, some adults with ADHD might also have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. They may have trouble staying still, being restless and interrupting others, as well as acting on impulse without considering the consequences. It can cause issues in the home at work, at home, and with friends. It can also lead to inappropriate behaviors such as impulsive spending or unprotected sexual activities. This kind of ADHD is more likely to manifest in school settings where teachers are able monitor and provide assistance.

2. Hyperactivity

ADHD can affect adults in many ways. The term "restlessness" or hyperactivity" is one of them. This can include feeling like you're constantly "on the move" or having difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace. It could also mean that you are in a hurry to get your turn in conversations or games. Some people who suffer from ADHD aren't able to gauge how long it will take to complete a task. For instance, it might be difficult to figure out how long to spend on homework or preparing for a work meeting.

Adults with hyperactivity tend to fidget or pace their feet, talk too much and have trouble sitting still. They may also have difficulty following directions and making decisions. Some adults may have trouble getting up or out of their bed in the morning. They are late for work and school, and often forget their keys. This symptom may also lead to uneasy relationships and poor performance in the workplace or at school.

While we don't know what causes ADHD research suggests that genetics are a factor. Additionally the environment and issues with the brain's central nervous system at key moments in development may increase the risk of developing the disorder.

It is essential that you or someone you care about seek help from a doctor in the event of ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to mental health specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. NIMH provides advice on how to talk to your doctor about ADHD in case you're not certain where to start. You can also learn more about the disorder by reading the American Association for Psychiatric Research's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). This is available for free online.

3. Impulsivity

Although impulsivity is less prevalent than inattention and hyperactivity However, this characteristic may be present in certain adults suffering from ADHD. People who act on impulse without considering the consequences often have trouble with relationships, work and school. They might not be able to wait their turn or talk in a loud manner, or interrupt others often. They might be unable to control their impulses, and may make decisions they regret later. They could spend money or time on things that they don't need, quit a job on a whim or have unprotected sex without thinking about the consequences.

In extreme ADHD symptoms adults for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present before age 12 and persist into adulthood. The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments such as at home, school, or at work, with friends and family members, as well as during other activities. These symptoms must be a significant problem and affect the quality of social, school or work performance.

Adults who were never diagnosed with ADHD as children might find that their symptoms persist throughout adulthood, causing problems at work or in relationships. In these instances the health care professional will evaluate symptoms. This may include reviewing old reports and talking to family members about childhood issues.

People suffering from ADHD respond well to psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and stimulant medications. The stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine that help increase focus and concentration. These drugs can cause side effects but are generally considered safe when used under medical supervision. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, may also be beneficial. Certain adults suffering from ADHD benefit from joining a support group.

4. Disruptiveness

People with ADHD are often disruptive when they have trouble managing their emotions and paying attention to details. This can affect their work performance, make them difficult to get along with in their personal relationships, and even result in divorce or separation.

Talking too much, uttering answers before others have finished their questions, causing disruption to other people or acting out on impulse without considering the consequences can be signs of adult ADHD. These behaviors can also impact their home life, and their relationships with family and friends. They may not remember social obligations birthdays, anniversaries or birthdays and struggle to complete household chores or meet their budget.

In addition, those with ADHD tend to become easily bored and have trouble getting bored or waiting for others. They can feel restless or fidgety, which is an indication that is difficult to differentiate from depression and anxiety. People suffering from ADHD can also be irritable and short-tempered, particularly when they are overly tired or upset.


If you suspect you may have a disorder like ADHD, talk to your GP or a licensed psychologist. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health for an evaluation. They will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities. They will also ask you about any other health issues you may be suffering from. Certain medications, such as those for depression, high blood pressure and high blood sugar can interact negatively with stimulants.

Sometimes, it takes some time to identify the condition, such as ADHD. There are also waiting lists. However, the process follows NICE guidelines. Your GP can discuss your issues with you and ask to speak to your family members/whanau as well as employers (if possible). If they believe you have ADHD symptoms they will refer you to the most appropriate service to assess you.

5. Anxiety

If you have ADHD you may suffer from anxiety. It is possible to manage your symptoms with the proper treatment. Anxiety is a normal reaction to emotions. Chronic anxiety can be an issue that is serious. The first step is to determine the factors that trigger anxiety. This could be certain environments, tasks, or relationships. You could also use your self-awareness in order to determine how your ADHD symptoms could be contributing to, or exacerbating your anxiety.

People with ADHD often have difficulty staying focused on a task or activity. This makes it difficult to keep deadlines at school or work and also to meet other requirements. They often have trouble prioritizing which can lead to confusion and missed opportunities. This can also cause problems with friends or family members.

Anxiety can be crippling as well as an important source of stress. It can trigger a range of physical reactions, like a rapid pulse, sweating and a general feeling anxiety. It can also cause trouble concentrating or even depression.

Anxiety is a common disorder that is a comorbidity with ADHD. People with ADHD are more likely than those with ADHD to suffer from a mood disorder or anxiety disorder. They also have higher rates of addiction, smoking, impulsivity eating disorders, and issues with their families.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is the combination of medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you recognize and change unhelpful mindsets, beliefs and ways of thinking will assist you in changing your behavior. Your doctor may also suggest other types of therapy, such as family or marriage counseling, to reduce anxiety and improve relationships with loved one. You can also keep a journal or meditate to help alleviate your stress.