Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. These problems can make it harder to recognize ADD symptoms.

The American Psychiatric Association changed the name of the condition to "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," and added a new definition with three subtypes. Adults who have an inattentive type of the disorder can also exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

1. Trouble focusing

Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty focusing, staying organized, and managing their demands at work or home. These issues often cause anxiety and a loss of self-esteem. They may have difficulty maintaining friendships and relationships. They may be unable to remember appointments or driving locations. ADHD patients are more likely to be overwhelmed by emotions such as anxiety or depression.

The most common type of ADHD is inattentive (also called Combined). In order to be diagnosed with this subtype, you must exhibit at least six inattention symptoms and one hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom. Some of these symptoms include forgetting important dates, missing deadlines, or not being able to finish schoolwork in time. Additionally, you may frequently interrupt or interfere in the conversations of others or their activities. You may also have difficulty reading social boundaries, and may often utter responses to questions before others are finished.


People with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD tend to have more problems than adults with inattentive ADHD. They have a difficult time staying still and focused. They also fidget with hands or feet, and are restless and talkative. They are unable to wait their turn in a conversation, and are not able to play or engage in leisure activities quietly. They are unable to control their impulses. They might quit a situation if they're not taking into account the consequences.

Experts do not know what causes ADHD however, they believe that it is caused by differences in brain the brain's structure and chemistry. They also know that the disorder can run in families and that some people develop it without any family history. They have also discovered that hormones play a part in ADHD.

2. Trouble Making Decisions

Indecisiveness can take a toll on your life, whether you're trying to decide what you want to eat at lunch or how to resolve a conflict at work. Most often, the reason for indecisiveness is due to a lack of knowledge and confidence, however it can also be a sign of mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

People with ADHD are more likely to struggle with making decisions than other people due to the fact that their brains process information in a different way. They have a difficult time breaking down complicated tasks and following instructions and keeping track of time, or making deadlines. They are also easily distracted and may have trouble with organizational skills. This could affect their job performance, making it difficult to stay focused. In one study, half of the adults with ADHD employed full-time. It is possible to find a job that is suitable for someone who suffers from ADHD. According to research, people with ADHD are able to excel in careers such as acting, sales as well as the military as well as athletic coaching and certain trades.

what are ADHD symptoms in adults if you feel that indecisiveness is affecting your life. A therapist can help you learn new ways to analyze situations and make choices. They can also tell whether indecisiveness is an indication of other issues.

It is common to struggle with making decisions however, it can be difficult to overcome by yourself. You can ease anxiety and increase confidence by making small adjustments. For instance you can practice mindfulness, seek out assistance from your family or friends, and stop making assumptions about your decisions. Even if you didn't get diagnosed with ADHD as in your childhood, that does not mean that you will not be affected as an adult. Adults with this condition can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy, medications, and other treatments.

3. Trouble Controlling Attention

When you have ADHD it is difficult for you to manage your time and stay on top of the tasks. For instance, you might be late for appointments or forget to complete your homework and work assignments. These problems can impact your daily life at home as well as at school and at work. For adults, they can lead to relationship and financial challenges.

People with ADHD also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries, and they might interfere with other people's conversations, games, or activities. Some of the symptoms include difficulty waiting your turn, blurting out answers before the questions are answered and leaving your seat in situations where you are expected to remain seated. In at least 1 in 4 cases of ADHD, people have a combination presentation and show both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.

Women and girls are more likely than boys to be diagnosed as having the inattentive form of ADHD because their symptoms aren't as evident as hyperactivity or impulsivity. This makes it more difficult for those with these symptoms to be diagnosed and treated.

The way that ADHD shows up in people differs based on gender, age and. Many healthcare providers still use outdated stereotypes regarding how the disorder manifests in boys and men. These stereotypes make it easier to diagnose ADHD in boys and children assigned male at birth (AMAB) However, they can conceal the issue in girls and women and make it more difficult to treat.

People with ADHD are more at risk for anxiety, depression, substance abuse and eating disorders. These issues can be caused by underlying conditions or because of changes in brain chemistry that are associated in people with ADHD. Psychotherapy and other forms of talk therapy can help people with ADHD to better comprehend their behavior and develop the ability to cope. Medication can also enhance focus and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. The most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine, are sometimes used in situations where stimulants fail to work or cause side effects.

4. The difficulty in managing impulses

Uncontrollable impulses can cause you to make poor choices or to make mistakes that can lead to negative consequences. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty delaying gratification and act more in accordance with their emotions.

Impulsive behavior could include climbing or running in a way that is inappropriate interrupting others or shouting out their thoughts before they've finished speaking, taking things from others without permission, taking objects from their hands, and generally being 'on-the-go'. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have difficulty staying still for long periods of time and tend to fidget a lot and talk a lot or over-talk and have difficulty following directions.

The impulsive nature of ADHD can cause issues throughout your life including relationships, work financial and self-esteem. It can be a significant source of frustration and shame for people with this condition, who could feel that they are constantly let down by themselves or that they are lazy or irresponsible.

A diagnosis of adult ADHD can bring relief and hope for the first time, and let people know that they aren't to blame for all of their troubles. They will realize that their procrastination, disorganization and lack of follow-through are not the result of an individual flaw, but rather an effect of their ADHD.

There are a variety of strategies that can be used to help adults with ADHD manage their impulsivity and improve their overall performance. For instance, creating regular routines for the day can reduce the effects of impulsivity. It can help people plan their day and plan for the future. Getting enough sleep can also help reduce the impulsivity. It is crucial to prioritize good sleep hygiene, which includes an energizing bedtime routine and staying away from screens prior to bed.

5. Trouble in Managing Emotions

People with ADHD struggle to control their emotions. This can cause problems at work, school as well as in relationships. When emotions are too intense, they might struggle to maintain emotional balance or to move forward after a conflict. A lack of emotional control can also make it hard for them to cope with stress and anxiety. This can sometimes lead to feelings of depression, sadness, and hopelessness. These symptoms can make them feel tired or in a state of not being able to function normally. In some cases, they may even develop suicidal thoughts.

People who have trouble managing their emotions are more likely to face mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, according to a study in 2021. They are also more likely to abuse substances like alcohol or drugs. Women who suffer from ADHD are often having a hard time being diagnosed or treated since they are better at disguising their symptoms than males.

It's essential to talk to your physician about any issues you're experiencing at work, school or at home. They'll be interested to know if you've been experiencing these issues since you were twelve years old or older. They'll also want be aware of if you've had these issues more than one location and if they've been present for more than six months.

Your doctor can help discover strategies that will help you to manage your ADHD symptoms. They might suggest lifestyle changes such as a consistent daily routine and regular physical exercise. They might also prescribe stimulants to reduce the amount of impulsivity or to improve functioning. Psychotherapy or a combination of other treatments can help adults reduce their symptoms. Your doctor will consider other conditions, such as anxiety, a learning disorder or another mood disorders, or addictions when recommending treatment.