Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from issues that began in childhood. However, the symptoms must be severe and persistent to warrant a diagnosis in adulthood.

Mood disorders are common among adults suffering from ADHD. They may have bipolar disorder or depression. They might also suffer from anxiety disorders, including panic attacks.

1. Trouble concentrating

Adults with ADHD struggle to stay focused and on task. They also have a difficult time staying organized and managing time. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. The experience of each person will be different. For instance, those who are not attentive who suffer from ADHD might appear to be to be irritable or easily distracted by a passing thought, while hyperactive individuals might be prone to fumbling or talking too much.

Talk to a mental healthcare specialist or GP in case you are experiencing difficulty concentrating and suspect you may have ADHD. If your symptoms are severe or moderate and interfere with your daily activities Your GP might refer you to a specialist.

The first treatment for adults with ADHD is usually stimulant medication. However, not all medications work for everyone; some have side effects that render them unhelpful, or even harmful. Your GP will suggest the most effective drug or combination that is suitable for you and your particular needs. They will also look at the impact of other factors on your symptoms, such as physical conditions and mood disorders.

Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are usually quick-acting and last about four hours. After that, they can cause a rebound or crash effect, resulting in a dramatic decrease in energy levels and a hunger pang. They can also increase heart rate and blood pressure little, so it is important to inform your GP about any other medications you take.

If you find it difficult to stay still or focused, you can try meditation or exercise or an outdoor walk. You could also benefit from a program of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which helps you improve your ability to focus and control your emotions. CBT can also help improve your relationships by addressing issues such as lack of focus, ineffective time management and an impulsive behavior.

2. Inattention

People who aren't attentive ADHD are unable to stay focused on their tasks and committing blunders. They are often unable to follow instructions, fail to attend appointments, and fail to complete their schoolwork or work assignments. They may also have issues being attentive or be prone to daydream. This type of ADHD is usually seen in childhood, but may persist throughout adulthood and cause issues at work or in school.

Although everyone loses keys and phones occasionally, a pattern of losing important items frequently could indicate that someone isn't paying attention. People with inattentive ADHD can also be disorganized or sloppy and have trouble keeping track of their belongings. They may make a lot of mistakes at work or at school, like not proofreading the report or omitting important details on a project.

Many people who suffer from inattention ADHD are self-critical when they do not succeed. This can result in an unending cycle of self-esteem loss and depression. They may find it easier for them to mask their symptoms when they blame others or avoid social events. They might have a difficult time to achieve their goals at work or at home and are more likely than not to be criticized for being inattentive, lazy or sloppy by their coworkers.

The health care professional will ask the patient about their symptoms and the times they occur. They'll also use a rating scale to assess the extent to which ADHD affects daily life. They may also speak with people who knew the person as a child and ask questions about their development. They may also request information regarding other health conditions or emotional issues.

3. Impulsivity

Adults who have adhd may exhibit different signs as children. For example the child with ADHD may be fidgety or agitated in class, but an adult might impulsively interrupt others or start playing games or activities without permission. They might forget appointments, miss deadlines, or make an impulsive decision that causes problems with their coworkers or family members.

Adults with impulsive behavior might also have trouble with schoolwork or job performance, and might be at risk of causing accidents or legal issues. They are more likely to suffer from depression and other mood disorders. A GP or mental health specialist can help those suffering from impulse control learn to stop themselves from acting and consider the consequences of their actions. They might recommend medication like clonidine or guanfacine. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be beneficial.

In order for someone to be diagnosed with a condition that affects their ability to manage their impulses, they need to be suffering from chronic problems in multiple areas of their life. Adults aren't usually thought to be suffering from a medical condition unless they exhibit symptoms that are present since childhood or result in clinically significant impairments across a range of areas in their lives.

If the person's impulsive behaviors are interfering with their life it is recommended that they talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist. They could suggest psychotherapy or accommodations, which are tools and adjustments to the environment that could aid in managing the disorder. For example planning a schedule can be helpful, as could creating routines that are regularly followed, using smartphone apps to keep track of schedules and asking for help from teachers or colleagues. They might also suggest cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to help change how a person's mind is shaped by an event, which can possibly alter their behavior.

4. Hyperactivity

Many people with ADHD do not experience tension or fidgeting. However, they may have difficulty staying still for long periods, waiting for their turn, or following instructions in school and work. They are more likely to experience frequent mood swings, and have a lower tolerance for anger. This could lead to conflict between partners.

In order to diagnose ADHD at an adult age the symptoms must be present from before the age of 12 years old. They should be evident in at least two different settings and significantly impair their functioning. The diagnosis must be determined by a mental health provider or a primary care doctor with training in ADHD. A thorough evaluation should be conducted. This includes a description of symptoms by the individual and their caregivers, as well as interviewing the person regarding their behavior and experience at home, school and work, and analyzing psychiatric and medical history. A physical exam is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and sleep apnea, can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.

A comorbid disorder, such as anxiety or depression, may often coexist with ADHD and make it more difficult to manage the symptoms. If a comorbid disorder is identified, it must be treated to manage ADHD.

People with mild ADHD symptoms may find their medications and other treatments can help improve their lives. Moderate symptoms are more likely than those with severe symptoms to cause problems at work or in social situations. Individuals with severe symptoms may struggle to maintain relationships and work. In these cases therapy that teaches coping skills and classes that assist people learn to communicate better and couples therapy could be helpful.

5. Disruptive behavior

In certain cases, the symptoms of ADHD can lead to disruptive behavior. These include forgetting important dates or events or appointments, ignoring others and interrupting frequently or making irrational decisions or not observing rules and other problems that can strain relationships. Therapy that teaches you how to improve organization and reduce thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods can be beneficial. Mood stabilizers (antidepressants) can also help in these situations.


A health care provider may use an assessment checklist or a behavior rating scale to evaluate whether an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough assessment usually involves reviewing the person's past of childhood behaviors and the experiences. A mental health professional may request permission to speak with family and acquaintances about the person's past. A health care provider can also conduct medical and psychology tests to look for other conditions such as ADHD or co-existing conditions, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, low blood glucose, high blood pressure or low blood sugar, and addiction to drugs.

Adults with ADHD typically have at least six symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Those symptoms must be present in a variety of situations and result in significant impairment in clinical significance for at least 6 months before receiving an ADHD diagnosis. (American Psychiatric Association 2000).

adhd treatment for adults uk is possible that the signs and symptoms of ADHD may change as we age, and they may vary depending on the environment or the circumstances. Certain people may have to take medication for ADHD. Others may benefit from behavior treatment, such as counseling or parent training. Certain adults with ADHD will need to work closely with their teachers and school staff to ensure they receive the help they require at school.