Symptoms of ADHD in an Adult

If you're constantly losing things, can't find the time to get work done and are easily distracted, you might be suffering from symptoms of ADHD that cause stress in your life.

The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to severe. They can result in impairments in multiple settings such as at school, home, and work.

1. Difficulty Focusing


Many people with ADHD struggle to concentrate and find it difficult to sit still. These are symptoms that can be seen in children and adults and can impact the daily life of a person at home, school and work.

Having trouble with focusing can be frustrating, especially because it's a persistent issue and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and despair and feeling of failure. It can also lead to health issues, like missing doctor's appointments, not taking prescribed medication and eating or drinking excessive amounts of fast food. It can lead to financial problems too, such as the cost of paying bills late or overdrafts getting out of control due to impulse spending.

People suffering from ADHD often have trouble to remain focused however, they might be able to focus very intensely on the tasks that are important to them - a phenomenon known as hyperfocus. This is a great benefit in certain situations, however it can be difficult to handle when you are doing everyday chores like paying bills, shopping for groceries, or filing documents.

Additionally, those who suffer from ADHD can be very impatient and easily distracted by text messages, calls or television, social media and music. This can make it difficult for them to complete work at school or at work and can impact their relationships with friends, family and colleagues.

In order to assess whether someone suffers from ADHD their health care provider will ask about their childhood behaviors and school experiences. If possible, they will interview the patient and their parents to gather additional details. They will use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to look at how the symptoms of an adult impact their daily life. They will also conduct physical and psychological tests that can help identify medical conditions that cause similar symptoms.

2. Ignoring Specifics

People suffering from ADHD are often so immersed in their work that they ignore those around them. They might also fail to follow up on conversations or overlook important details, which can result in relationship misunderstandings. They tend to make decisions in a hurry without thinking about the consequences. This can be a result of aggressive behavior, such as throwing objects and hitting them or failing to study for tests.

A mental health professional cannot diagnose adult ADHD simply by observing that symptoms are present in different settings and interfere with work, school, or social activities. To be diagnosed with ADHD in adults, they must meet the criteria outlined by 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. The symptoms must be apparent for at minimum six months and affect the person's performance in a variety of situations. In most cases, a healthcare professional will meet with the person's life partner or someone who is close to them and request a medical record.

Inattention-deficient ADHD is more prevalent. It is characterized by problems with attention, memory loss, 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 with ADHD may be able to overcome their difficulties by identifying and adjusting their environment, habits and lifestyle to accommodate their issues. They can also seek help from a healthcare provider and enhance their social abilities. There are numerous options for adults suffering from ADHD to build and maintain strong relationships, including peer support groups.

3. Losing Things

Many people who have ADHD struggle to find items, especially keys, wallets and cellphones. They also are prone to misplace papers and other items required for school or work. This can be extremely frustrating.

The main reason for losing things is a common occurrence in adults with ADHD is because the disorder affects the way the brain processes information. As a result, the working memory that lets you to manage new information alongside older, stored information becomes impaired. When this happens, it's easy to forget what you've just heard, the steps in a recipe or that grocery list.

In addition, some adults with ADHD struggle to stay focused on their work and ensuring their finances are in order. This can result in poor performance reviews, strained relations with coworkers, and financial issues because of late payments or excessive spending. It is possible to explore a variety of options to manage symptoms, such as therapy and medication.

Some experts believe that diet changes can help to reduce ADHD symptoms, particularly when high-protein foods are incorporated. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can cause mood swings, and make it difficult to focus. Taking up meditation or mindfulness techniques can also improve concentration. These methods have not been proved to be effective in treating ADHD.

4. Forgetting Things

Often people suffering from ADHD forget things they have to do. They might forget to go to appointments, not get food items or leave the house without keys. This can have a big impact on their daily lives and their relationships. The people around them might perceive this as a lack of care or may think that the person is unorganized. People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD can also have trouble staying focused or following directions at school or at work, leading to errors and missed deadlines.

If you think you might have ADHD It's a good idea to talk to your GP about getting a referral to an health professional who can conduct evaluations for adults with ADHD. A professional will examine factors like your mood and medical history, as well as whether you have other problems that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, such as alcohol or stress.

To meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must prove that their ADHD symptoms result in significant disability in at least two different areas of their lives including school, work, and family life, and that their difficulties cannot be explained by other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. A provider will review the person's previous behavior and discuss their struggles and observe them in the course of their actions. They can also request feedback from their family members.

For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD can bring relief and a sense of hope. It can help people understand that they aren't an insignificant or bad person. It can also teach how to manage ADHD including understanding how to prioritize and remain organized. This can help them achieve their goals and make positive changes in their life, as well in establishing the foundation for a stronger support system.

5. Inattentiveness

Although hyperactivity isn't a sign of inattentive ADHD adults suffering from this kind of disorder may experience low focus and difficulties staying on task. ADHD and adults symptoms may find it hard to concentrate in business meetings or complete college assignments. They might be sloppy at home or forget to pay their bills. Their lives might be disrupted by failing to meet deadlines and by losing their job. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with family relationships.

Many people suffering from inattention ADHD have suffered for a long time before being diagnosed. They could be labeled irresponsible or lazy by colleagues and friends. They might be overwhelmed by their procrastination, disorganization and impulsiveness. Inability to finish tasks on time and frequent errors might result in financial issues or work-related issues, or even legal trouble.

In order to be granted an inattention ADHD diagnosis, a healthcare provider must verify that symptoms began before age 12. He or she also must be able to determine if the disorder causes impairments in two major settings, such as school and work. The impairment can include missing important meetings at the office or not paying bills on time, struggling academically at college, failing to complete chores or tasks around the house and racking up debt through impulse purchases.

In an ADHD evaluation, a health care professional will go over the medical history of a patient and may also conduct other tests, such as eye exams or hearing tests, to rule out physical ailments. The health professional might also talk to the patient about symptoms, lifestyle, and family and work. He or she will also look for evidence that suggests symptoms have been present since childhood, such as old report cards or conversations with family members.