Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Many people with ADHD also have mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. These mental health issues can make it difficult to recognize ADD.

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 may show signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

1. Trouble focusing

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused, staying organized and managing their demands at work or at home. These issues can lead to anxiety and a low self-esteem. They may have a difficult time maintaining relationships and friendships. They may have difficulty remembering their appointments or driving directions. People who have ADHD are also more prone to becoming overwhelmed by emotions, such as depression or anxiety.

Inattentive ADHD (also known as Combined) is the most commonly used type of ADHD. In order to be diagnosed with this subtype, you must exhibit at least six inattention symptoms and one hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom. Some of these signs include forgetting important dates, not completing deadlines or being unable to finish schoolwork on time. In addition, you might frequently interrupt or intrude on the conversations of others or their activities. You might also have trouble understanding social boundaries and may blurt out answers before others have finished asking questions.

People with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD tend to have more problems than adults with inattentive ADHD. In addition to trouble staying seated or remaining focused, these adults frequently play with their hands or feet and seem restless and talkative. They have a difficult time waiting for their turn in conversation and struggle to play or participating in leisure activities quietly. They can't control their urges and can leave when it is inappropriate or act without thinking about the consequences.

Experts don't know for sure what causes ADHD but they believe it is related to differences in brain structure and brain chemical processes. They also are aware that the disorder can be passed down through families, and that some people get it without any family history. They have also found that hormones are a factor in ADHD.

2. Making a decision can be difficult.

Indecisiveness can be a major issue in your life, whether you're trying to decide what you want to eat at lunch or how to handle a conflict at work. The most common cause of indecisiveness is due to a lack of knowledge and confidence, however it could be a sign of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

People suffering from ADHD have difficulty making decisions as their brains process the information in a different way. They are unable to break down complicated tasks or following instructions. They also have trouble keeping track of the time and completing deadlines. In addition, they're easily distracted and may be struggling with the ability to organize. This can impact their job performance and make it difficult to keep their attention on task. In one study, only half of adults with ADHD were employed full-time. It is possible to find a job suitable for those who suffers from ADHD. Research suggests that people with ADHD might be successful in jobs like acting, sales in the military, athletic coaching, and certain trades.

If you're struggling with indecisiveness, and you feel it's impacting your life, you should consider seeking treatment from a counselor. A therapist can show you new ways to size up situations and make decisions and can determine if your indecisiveness could be a sign of an underlying problem.

It's common to struggle with making decisions but it can be difficult to overcome by yourself. You can lessen stress and improve confidence by making small adjustments. For instance you can practice mindfulness, ask for assistance from family members or friends, and stop doubting yourself. It's also important to consider that even if you didn't get diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child, that does not mean that you won't experience symptoms as you age. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available to those who suffer from this disorder, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and prescription medications.

3. Problems with managing attention

You may find it difficult to manage your time or manage your obligations when you have ADHD. You may forget about work or school assignments or not attend appointments. These problems can affect your life at school as well as at work and at home. For adults, they can lead to financial and relationship problems.

Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD struggle to discern social boundaries and may interfere in other people's conversations, games or activities. Symptoms can include difficulty waiting for your turn, hurrying to answer questions before they're finished and stepping out of your seat when it is expected that you remain in your seat. 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 are not as obvious as hyperactivity and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis and treatment.


ADHD can be different for each person depending on their gender age, gender, and other factors. Many healthcare providers still use outdated stereotypes about how the disorder looks in men and boys. These stereotypes help in diagnosing ADHD in boys and children assigned male at birth (AMAB), but they can hide the problem in girls and women and make it harder to treat.

People who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse, as well as eating disorders. These problems may be caused by the underlying condition or by changes in brain chemistry associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy and other forms of therapy for talk help people with ADHD learn to recognize their behaviors and develop coping skills. The use of medication can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. The most commonly prescribed drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate or. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or clonidine are sometimes used if stimulants do not work or cause side-effects.

4. The difficulty of managing impulses

A lack of control over impulses can lead you to make poor choices or make mistakes, which can have negative consequences. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty delaying their desires and acting more on their emotions.

The impulsive behavior may include climbing or running in an unintentional manner, interrupting people or shouting out their thoughts before they have finished speaking, taking things from others without permission, grabbing objects from them and generally being 'on-the-go'. ADHD symptoms adult female of ADHD is defined by a tendency to fidget, talk excessively or talk too much and have difficulty following instructions.

The impulsive nature of ADHD can cause problems throughout your life, including work, relationships, finances and self-esteem. It can be a significant source of anger and shame for those suffering from this condition, who may feel like they are constantly slighted by their own actions or feel they are incompetent or uncaring.

A diagnosis of adult ADHD can provide relief and hope for the first time, and let people know that they aren't responsible for all of their troubles. They will realize that their slacking off, lack of organization and inability to follow through are not due to a character flaw but a consequence of their ADHD.

There are many techniques that can be used to help adults with ADHD manage their impulsivity and improve their overall performance. Setting up a routine for their day for example can help reduce the effects of ADHD by helping them plan their day and organize it. A good night's sleep can be beneficial to the impulsivity. It is crucial to prioritize good sleep hygiene, which includes an energizing bedtime routine and staying away from screens prior to going to bed.

5. Trouble managing emotions

People with ADHD struggle to control their emotions. This can cause problems at school, work as well as in relationships. When emotions get too intense, it may be hard for them to find their emotional equilibrium or move on from an issue. Emotional dysregulation can also make it difficult for them to manage stress and anxiety. In some cases this can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness and depression. These symptoms can also make people feel tired or unable to perform normally. In some cases they might even experience suicidal thoughts.

A study from 2021 showed that those who struggle with managing their emotions are at higher risk of developing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. They are also more likely to misuse substances, like alcohol or other drugs. Women who suffer from ADHD may have a harder to be diagnosed or treated due to the fact that they hide their symptoms better than men.

It is important to talk to your doctor if experiencing issues at school, work or home. They will want to know if the issues have been present since you were at least 12 years of age. They'll also want to know whether the issues have occurred in more than one setting and if they have continued for a period of six months or more.

Your doctor can help find strategies that will work for you to manage your ADHD symptoms. They might recommend lifestyle changes, such as a consistent daily routine and regular exercise. They may also prescribe medication like stimulants to decrease impulsivity and improve functioning. Psychotherapy or a combination with other treatments can help adults manage their symptoms. Your doctor will also take into consideration other conditions like a learning disorder, anxiety or other mood disorders or addictions, when suggesting treatment.