Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Many adults suffering from ADHD have problems that first appeared in childhood. But the symptoms must be severe and persistent to be considered a diagnosis in the later years of life.

Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing mood disorders. They may have depression or bipolar disorder. They could also be suffering from anxiety disorders, like panic attacks.

1. It is difficult to concentrate

Adults suffering from ADHD are unable to stay focused and on task. They also have difficulty keeping track of their time. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Everyone's experience will vary. Inattentive people who have ADHD may seem forgetful or easily distracted, whereas hyperactive people tend to fidget a lot or talk a lot.

If you have problems with concentration in your life and think you might have ADHD, talk to a mental health professional or GP. A GP may refer you to an expert in the event that your symptoms are severe or moderate and impact your daily activities.

These medications are usually the first choice in treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain medications can cause adverse effects that render them unsuitable or even harmful. Your GP will recommend a medicine or combination that is best for you. They will also take into account other factors that could affect your symptoms such as mood disorders or physical conditions.


The stimulants used to treat ADHD are typically quick-acting and last for about four hours. After that, they could cause an effect of rebound or crash that can result in a sudden reduction in hunger and energy. They can also cause a slight increase in your heart rate and blood pressure It is therefore important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking.

If adhd treatment for young adults find it difficult to stay still or focused, try meditation or exercise or taking a walk in nature. You may benefit from a course of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that will help you increase your ability to concentrate and manage your emotions. CBT can also help you improve your relationships by addressing issues like forgetfulness, poor time management and an impulsive behavior.

2. Inattention

People with inattention ADHD are unable to stay focused on their work and committing blunders. They are prone to not following directions, ignoring appointments, or forgetting to complete schoolwork or work assignments. They may also have difficulty listening well or seem to be prone to daydream. This kind of ADHD typically manifests in the early years of childhood, but it can also persist throughout adulthood, causing issues at school or at work.

Although everyone loses phones and keys at times but a pattern of losing important things frequently can suggest that someone is having trouble paying attention. People with inattention ADHD are also likely to be lazy or unorganized and have trouble keeping the track of their belongings. They might make frequent mistakes at work or in school, such as failing to proofread an essay or leaving out crucial information on a task.

Most people with inattention ADHD are prone to blame themselves when they do not succeed. This can lead to an unending cycle of low self-esteem and depression. They may find it easier to hide their symptoms by blaming other people or avoid social activities. They may find it difficult to achieve their goals at work or at at home and are more prone than not to be judged for being inattentive, lazy or unprofessional by coworkers.

The health professional will inquire with the patient about their symptoms and when they happen. They will also use a rating scale to determine the extent to which ADHD affects daily life. They may also ask people who knew the child about their progress. They can also request information about any other medical or emotional issues.

3. Impulsivity

Adults who have adhd may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. For example children with ADHD might be fidgety or talkative in class, however, an adult may impulsively disrupt others or begin playing games or engaging in activities without permission. They might forget to keep appointments, or fail to meet deadlines, or make impulsive choices that strain relationships with friends or co-workers.

Adults with impulsive behavior might also have trouble with schoolwork or performance, and might be at risk of causing accidents or legal issues. They are more likely to be suffering from depression and other mood disorders. A psychiatrist or a GP specialist can help people with impulse control learn to stop themselves when they are impulsive and think about the consequences of their actions. They may recommend medications like Guanfacine or clonidine. Antidepressants known as selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be beneficial.

For someone to be diagnosed as having a condition that affects the ability to control impulses, there must be a persistent problem throughout their lives. Adults are typically not considered to have a medical problem unless the symptoms are present since childhood, or cause significant clinical impairment in multiple aspects of their lives.

If the person's impulsive behaviors are affecting their lives and their family, they should speak to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They could suggest psychotherapy or accommodations, which are tools and changes to the environment that can help manage an illness. For instance the use of a planner could be useful, as can setting up regular routines and using smartphone apps to keep track of schedules or seeking help from teachers or colleagues. They can also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in order to alter the way in which an individual views a situation. This could alter their behaviour.

4. Hyperactivity

In contrast to children, many adults do not experience issues with anxiety or fidgeting when they suffer from ADHD. But they may have trouble sitting still for long periods of time, waiting for their turn, or following instructions at work and school. They are also more likely to experience frequent mood swings and low tolerance for frustration which can cause conflicts in relationships.

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD at an adult age, the symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 years old. The symptoms must be evident in at least two different situations and have a significant impact on their functioning. A mental health professional or primary healthcare professional who is certified in ADHD must make the diagnosis. A thorough assessment must also be done. This includes a description of symptoms of the person and their caregivers, interviewing the person about their behaviour and their experiences at home, school and work, and examining the medical and psychiatric history. A physical exam is also crucial because certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders and sleep apnea that can cause signs and symptoms.

A comorbid disorder, such as anxiety or depression, may often be present alongside ADHD, making it more difficult to manage the symptoms. If a comorbid condition is discovered, it should be treated to manage the ADHD.

A few people who have mild ADHD symptoms find that medication or other interventions may be sufficient to enhance their lives. adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment are more likely than severe symptoms to cause trouble at work or in social situations. People who have severe symptoms may have difficulty to maintain relationships and work. In these situations, couples therapy, communication classes and therapy that helps teach people coping skills can be beneficial.

5. Disruptive behavior

ADHD symptoms can lead to disruptive behavior. doctors who treat adhd in adults near me include forgetting important dates or appointments, causing disruption to others, making uninformed choices, not following rules, and other problems. It could be beneficial to use therapy that teaches how to improve organizational skills and reduce mental distortions that can lead to mood swings. Mood stabilizers (antidepressants) may also assist in these situations.

A health care provider may use a behavior rating scale or checklist to determine if an adult has the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough evaluation usually includes reviewing the person's past of childhood behaviors and the experiences. A mental health professional could request permission to speak with family and acquaintances about the person's past. A health care provider may also conduct medical and psychological tests to identify other conditions that could cause or coexist with ADHD like anxiety, insomnia, depression and low blood pressure. high blood sugar levels or low blood sugar, and the use of drugs.

Adults with ADHD typically have at least six symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be present across a range of settings and result in clinically significant impairments for at minimum six months to receive an ADHD diagnose. (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

It is possible that the signs and symptoms of ADHD will look different as people grow older and also vary according to the environment or the specific situation. Some people might need to take medication to treat ADHD. Some people may benefit from behavioral treatment such as counseling or parent education. Some adults with ADHD may need to work closely together with their teachers and staff to receive the help they need at school.