Symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
A person suffering from ADHD might appear naive, make many mistakes, or forget important details. However, the same traits can bring amazing creativity, passion, energy and out-of-the-box thinking.
Family physicians can identify ADD symptoms by conducting an extensive interview, usually assisted by rating scales. They may ask to see old reports or talk to relatives to inquire about childhood behavior.
1. Lack of Focus
If people can't concentrate, they might make a mistake at work or forget important dates with their friends. In addition, a lack of concentration could be caused by a variety of mental and medical issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. These issues can be treated to improve focus.
Adults with ADHD often report that they experience fatigue, which makes it hard to stay focused for long periods of time. These things can aid in getting enough sleep as well as avoiding sugary foods and coffee, and taking time to unwind and relieve stress.
Adults with ADD typically feel that boredom or discontent is the primary reason for their inability to concentrate. These emotions can make it difficult to finish tasks, which in turn leads to poor performance on the job and poor relationships at home. Additionally, some adults with ADD struggle to remain engaged in hobbies or in recreational activities.
Adults can exhibit subtler signs of attention deficit disorder than children. Many people suffering from ADHD don't even realize they suffer from it until it becomes apparent in their professional or personal life. If add symptoms in adults find yourself consistently late, unorganized, or having difficulty meeting deadlines, it's important to seek out a professional diagnosis to see whether ADHD is the cause.
The positive side is that treatment can significantly reduce the symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder, allowing you to function more effectively at work and in your personal life. Treatment for ADD includes behavioral therapy as well as prescribed medications, such as stimulants. Controlling symptoms of this neuropsychiatric disorder can reduce problems both at home and at work, bringing you closer with your family and achieving your career goals.
2. Hyperactivity
Unlike the predominately inattentive type of ADHD (formerly known as ADD), people with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are fidgety, restless and often interrupt others. They might have trouble waiting for their turn at school or at work, or playing games or other leisure activities with excessive energy. They may also blurt out answers to questions before they're completely asked. In addition, they may be unable to focus on their tasks and are eager to finish them before they can begin something new.
Hyperactivity is the most recognizable symptom of ADHD in children, but it may be present throughout adulthood, too. Approximately 14.6% of adults who meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition criteria for ADHD have hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This percentage is slightly higher than that of adults with the inattention form of ADHD.
Inattention ADHD manifests as disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulties in staying focused at school or work. These issues can impact relationships and cause problems with work or school. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also be seen at home. The people with the disorder may have difficulty cleaning their homes or completing chores. They may frequently lose important items or be late to appointments or shifts at work.
While ADHD can be a problem however, it can also inspire passion energy, creativity, and out-of the-box thinking. With the right treatment and support people suffering from ADD can learn to manage their symptoms and meet their professional and personal goals. This can assist them in improving their lives and enjoy long, happy relationships. They can also benefit from receiving professional guidance in learning how to structure their lives, make behavioral changes and, if needed prescribe medication.
3. Impulsivity
A hallmark of the hyperactive-impulsive presentation of ADHD, impulsivity is a tendency to speak or act without considering consequences. It is caused by a decrease in activity in prefrontal cortex, and atypical regulation of dopamine. These factors impact the way we make decisions and process rewards. People suffering from ADHD tend to make impulsive decisions at work, within their relationships, and in their daily lives. These insufficiencies in impulse control can sabotage their budgets, lead to erratic health decisions, and can exacerbate comorbid mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Impulsivity isn't always a bad thing however it can be like an intense, fiery drive to do something and you'll burn up if you don't indulge the urge. It is important to determine the challenges and emotions that trigger impulsive behavior, so you can create strategies to overcome these issues.
For example, you may be triggered to shop online when you're bored or emotional because you get the immediate satisfaction of adding items to your cart. You may also find it beneficial to bring fidget toys along to meetings or notebooks to write in so that you can make use of these activities to release your impulsive energy.
In some cases it is possible that impulsivity is the only symptom that fits diagnostic criteria for ADHD. In that case the patient is suffering from inattention, and six or more of the nine signs of hyperactivity and/or impulsivity over at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with development level. It is crucial to understand that the symptoms of ADD cannot be explained by other mental disorders such as anxiety or mood disorders. They must be unique to ADD.1
4. Disorganization
People who aren't attentive ADHD frequently have trouble focusing and tackling organizational problems. They might lose their eyeglasses or forget important things such as their cell phone, or fail to meet deadlines. They might also have a messy work or home environment, procrastinate and underestimate the amount of time it will take to complete a task.
This kind of disorder doesn't always indicate ADHD. If you're struggling to stay organized at work or home, are often late for meetings or appointments, and struggle to stay on top of your personal or professional obligations, a psychiatric evaluation might be beneficial.
You may also be disorganized when you leave your keys on the kitchen table, don't wash your laundry away, or lose important documents. You might also forget to send an appointment reminder email or lose important information in conversations. Your lack of organization can affect your relationships with family members and friends, too.
Adults with inattentive ADHD may also have difficulty being seated for longer durations or listening to speaking to them. This is because their mind can wander and they could get distracted by a conversation with another person, a thought that pops into their head or the sound of a car horn.
It is possible to overcome disorganization and other symptoms of inattentive ADHD. Family physicians are essential in identifying the problem and initiating treatment as well as monitoring their patient's progress. They can assist patients to manage their symptoms using routines, planners and other tools. They can also teach patients to utilize strategies such as lists, color-coding and reminders to help them stay on track with their work. They can also provide advice to patients on how to select an environment that is supportive of their requirements and helps them remain productive.
5. Inorganizational issues
ADHD can make it difficult to manage documents and other tasks that are required on a daily basis. It can also be hard to manage finances and pay bills on time. This can lead to late fees and a debt. Inattentional ADHD is often characterized by missing deadlines or completing incomplete work. Children, adolescents and adults with inattentive ADHD often have difficulty completing activities that require sustained mental effort, including assignments for homework and projects. They might also forget important details or misplace items they need for work, school and home (e.g., backpacks tools, books, keys, wallets, eyeglasses, etc.).
People with ADD are often adept in hiding their symptoms. They may use strategies to deal with their problems, such as relying on reminders or notes to stay on top of their tasks. This can cause difficulties at work, school and in relationships. The signs of ADHD can contribute to a variety of social and health issues that include unstable relationships, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, and financial problems.
Many adults suffering from ADD are able to manage their symptoms with therapy and lifestyle modifications. Treatment can include medication, educational interventions and changes in behavior. Medication can help improve attention and reduce restlessness and impulsive behavior.
Although the development of ADHD symptoms usually begins in the earliest years of life, a diagnosis of adult ADHD is often missed, particularly by family physicians. Adult symptoms are distinct from childhood symptoms. They are often an array of interconnected issues that appear to be unrelated and are often caused by psychiatric disorders. Despite these issues family physicians are a crucial resource in detecting adult ADD and initiating treatment, as well as sending patients to mental health professionals whenever needed.