ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults

Many adults struggle to keep up with their daily tasks. They often experience frustration and mood swings. If you think you might be suffering from ADHD check with your primary health care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment.

The criteria used to diagnose adult ADHD is similar to the criteria used for children ADHD: symptoms must be evident over 6 months and not be better explained by other medical conditions or mood disorders.

Attention-deficit Signs and symptoms

Many people with ADHD find it difficult to complete homework, work or household chores. They don't attend appointments, fail to pay their bills on time and struggle to maintain relationships with family and friends. They are more likely to lose things or make careless mistakes which can result in serious consequences.

Speak with your health care provider if you are having difficulty keeping track of personal or work issues. Your primary care doctor can evaluate your situation and recommend you to a mental health professional if appropriate.

The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD aren't always attentive when they are spoken to. They are easily distracted or get distracted by unrelated thoughts. They have difficulty staying focused on their work, and can make mistakes or fail to follow directions. They also have difficulty keeping their hands off their faces or appear unsteady or fidgety.

Inattentive symptoms may result in a failure at the workplace or at school, which can cause frustration and shame for the affected. They can also cause issues in relationships with friends, family members and co-workers.

The diagnosis of ADHD is based on the clinical assessment. This includes an interview with the patient and a review of past behavior. They often request that the person complete a symptom questionnaire and may also conduct tests to determine if there are mental or physical health conditions that share similar symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD must be consistent before the age of 12 for a diagnosis to be established.

Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medication such as behavioral therapy, family therapy and psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that assists patients learn new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating with others. Behavioral therapy can help reduce impulsive, self-destructive behavior, increase the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.

People with inattentive ADHD may find it helpful to discuss their struggles with a trusted family member or therapist. Teachers or supervisors, as well as colleagues may be able to offer accommodations. Accommodations are tools or changes in the work environment that allow a person with a disability to carry out tasks just like others, like using a step stool for people who are small.

Hyperactive Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of ADHD can be different in adults as compared to children. Adult symptoms are less obvious. While children can fidget and appear restless while adults tend to be less active. They might forget to complete tasks, lose track or take a wrong turn and make mistakes. They might also be overly active and struggle to sit still in a class or meal. They may interrupt other students or blurt out answers before they've been asked questions, and may have trouble waiting their turn in conversations or games.

These symptoms could be caused by a myriad of conditions. A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is necessary to determine the root of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatment. This includes psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. These could include a healthier diet, exercise and sleep schedules. They could also include changing school or work assignments and making use of aidive devices such as calendars, planners, and smartphone apps.

It is important to discuss your concerns with your family physician or your primary healthcare provider if you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD. There are some tips to talk to your health care provider regarding mental health issues on NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.

It's important to know that in order to be considered diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in two or more settings and significantly interfere with daily life. For them to qualify they must be present at least six month. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.

Alongside lifestyle changes and accommodations, there are medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These are referred to as stimulants. They function by reorganizing brain signals that affect your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe you the right dosage and will be able to keep track of your response. You could be prescribed a non-stimulant medicine in the event of a recurring adverse effects, or when the stimulant isn't working, or when combined with stimulants to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.

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People who are inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or cellphones. Whether it's doodling in class or losing track of the time in a meeting, those with inattention ADHD are more difficult to follow tasks or organize their materials. They also find it difficult to complete their projects. As adults, the result could be a million incomplete projects around the house, such as unpaid bills, messy homes and the garden that was planted but never watered.

The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, but particularly when it comes to relationships. People with impulsive ADHD tend to be anxious and seek immediate gratification. They might jump into social situations without thinking ahead, or take risks that could lead to negative consequences. In addition, impulsive individuals might react in a stressful or emotional situations. A person may become very annoyed or defensive when arguing with family members or friends.

To get diagnosed with one of the two forms of ADHD A health care professional specializing in mental disorders must examine a person's medical history and conduct an exam. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your relationships at work, in your family, and at home. In order to be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD the patient must have six or more of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms must be interfering with daily functioning for at least six months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).

Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. These medications target the way that certain chemicals communicate with each other in the brain to regulate behaviour. The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It was originally used to treat ADHD among children. It is important to speak with your doctor about your medication if are suffering from other health issues like depression or high blood pressure. In addition to medication, psychotherapy may help reduce impulsive and distracting symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping people recognize unintentional or irrational thoughts which may trigger negative behaviors and to develop strategies for self-regulation.

Combination symptoms

Adults who suffered from ADHD as children might experience symptoms that come back in adulthood. They may have mild, moderate or even severe symptoms that hinder school, work and social interactions. Other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, may also require treatment. Adults may also suffer from difficulties with learning, making it difficult to comprehend or follow instructions in offices and classrooms.

Adults may not be able to recognize the symptoms of inattentive ADHD however, it can be a problem for them to function at work and home. It's hard for people who suffer from this type of ADHD to sit quietly for college lectures or business meetings, and they might struggle to keep track of assignments and work-related tasks. They may often lose track of their belongings and forget deadlines or appointments. They may also have trouble keeping track of conversations or listening to music. They are more prone to being distracted by the people or activities in the vicinity than most people.


Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms are more common in adults than the inattentive type of the disorder, but they can be difficult to diagnose in adults, too. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) 4th edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes the criteria for diagnosing the disorder. This includes symptoms that appear before age 12 and occur in multiple settings and cause issues across multiple domains.

To qualify for a diagnosis of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, people must have six or more symptoms that have persisted for at least six months. The symptoms must have started before the age of 12 and continue to manifest at school, at home and in various work and social situations.

There is no cause for ADHD, but researchers are studying environmental and genetic factors that could have a role to play. Research suggests that the brains of those who suffer from ADHD have trouble regulating certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters that control attention, mood and behavior.

Speak to your primary healthcare provider if there are signs of ADHD. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and refer you for an evaluation by a mental health professional. Treatment for ADHD usually involves psychotherapy and medication, such as stimulants that increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, including vitamins or supplements. The FDA's medication site has information about approved medications, warnings, and patient information guides.