Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD (formerly known as ADD) can make it hard to keep up with school, work and personal life. The disorder usually begins in childhood. To be diagnosed, you must have had the symptoms for at least six months and they must interfere with your life in more than one setting.
1. Trouble focusing
Are you constantly distracted or agitated when you should sleep or work? You may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD. There are also signs of other mental health issues or physical ailments. It is important to get an in-depth assessment from a mental health professional.
Often, people with ADHD are late and fail to complete tasks because they struggle to stay focused, organising and staying on task. This can be a difficult situation for your family and you to handle. Stress can result from trying to manage your ADHD symptoms while also managing the demands of your daily life. This can exacerbate your symptoms.
Sarah, for example, had a 7 o'clock meeting. She knew that she had to leave early to go to work, but she underestimated how long it would take to get ready. This pattern continued over time, making her feel anxious and unproductive at work or in her relationships.
You can manage your ADHD symptoms with routines, structure and planning. Use a planner or calendar to schedule reminders, and break tasks down into smaller chunks. Use music with no lyrics or a white noise generator to minimize distractions and help you remain focused. Keep your workspace clean to prevent visual distractions.
2. The difficulty of staying organized
Are you inclined to forget important appointments or loosing track of your schedule? Are your office and home spaces cluttered and disorganized? Do you get sidetracked when you are working or reading which leads to a rush completion and a few errors? These difficulties could be signs of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD frequently struggle to keep their offices, homes and school environments in order. This is because their brains do not have the same structures as other people's brains and can impact executive functions (EFs). The EFs help people manage their behavior and emotions and organize information, resolve problems, solve puzzles and take decisions.
Many people with ADHD begin many projects, but never finish the tasks. They become masters of all professions, but aren't masters of any. Finding symptoms of adhd to stay organized can cause stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Managing ADHD symptoms in the workplace can be a challenge, but it's possible to create a structure into your daily routine to increase your productivity. Try setting alarms to remind you of important meetings, taking notes during conversations, and setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times.
It's also an excellent idea to limit screen time and avoid sugar, caffeine or alcohol prior to going to sleep. A regular sleeping pattern will keep you focused and less distracted during the day. You can also apply simple techniques of mindfulness to calm your mind prior to going to sleep.
3. Difficulty Making Decisions
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the process of making decisions even over the smallest of things like picking out clothes or what to have for dinner? If so, it may be a sign you have ADHD. Those with ADHD typically struggle with executive functions that allow them to plan to organize, manage, initiate tasks and work hard - all essential factors for making effective decisions.
The issue may appear as "analysis-paralysis," where the person is overwhelmed by too many options and is stuck. This can happen in situations that require complex thinking or a large amount of risk, such as the prospect of a new job or major life change.
In addition, people who suffer from ADHD tend to be perfectionists and may be unable to stop trying once they begin a project. This could lead to procrastination and missed deadlines, and workplace issues.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit several inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that have persisted since childhood and interfere with their daily functioning in two or more settings (e.g., school, work, with friends and family, or in recreational activities). The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. Each week, our Symptom Spotlight series is focused on a specific characteristic or symptom of adult ADHD. This week, we're focusing our attention on the challenge of making decisions. The next week, we'll look at another crucial aspect of ADHD management: self-regulation.
4. It is difficult to make decisions about relationships
Symptoms of adhd in adults can hinder social interactions and may even cause relationship issues. Many couples report that despite the difficulties, their relationships with people who have ADHD are thriving. Recognizing that the disorder can affect the relationship, looking into treatment options, and learning to manage symptoms can be helpful.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to people not understanding their partner's actions and words. Their blinking eyes during a conversation can be perceived by others as a deliberate attempt to dismiss or display indifference. Adults suffering from ADHD often overlook subtle nuances in communication, also known as subtext.
When a person with ADHD is impulsive and does not consider the consequences, it can lead to frustration and resentment within relationships. Chronic stress and a feeling of failure can also contribute to anxiety and depressive disorders. In combination with the impulsiveness of ADHD and other symptoms, they can make it difficult to find a healthy balance between work and family life.
One of the most important things a spouse has to do is to be honest with their partner about his or her ADHD symptoms and seek treatment. It is crucial to communicate with your spouse face-to-face as often as you can, as non-verbal signals communicate more than words. Eye contact and voice tone for instance can tell the person's mood. They can also assist spouses to understand what the other is saying. Notes written down and repeating words can help spouses follow the conversation.
5. The difficulty of making financial decisions
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty keeping track of their money and saving. They might also favor immediate rewards (such as a new purchase) over longer-term benefits, like the accumulation of funds or investing in retirement accounts. These issues can lead to a lack of financial security particularly for those who reside at home.
Communication issues can be a major issue for those with ADHD. This is particularly relevant in relationships. They have difficulty interpreting the emotional significance of others comments, like sarcasm and fear, which could lead to misinterpretations. They may also have trouble moderating their emotions, which could make them vulnerable to emotional outbursts.
Disorders of organization and clutter are commonplace in the homes of people with ADHD. They can easily misplace important documents or other items that could cause problems in the workplace and at school. They may also struggle to complete their tasks that could impact their performance at work or their self-esteem.
Talk to your doctor about the symptoms of ADHD and the issues they can cause. Your doctor will be able to provide support and strategies to manage your symptoms and prescribe medication. They may also suggest alternative treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help you change unhelpful behaviors and thoughts that lead to ADHD. They can show you how to improve your organizational abilities and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They can also give you suggestions to track expenses as well as budgeting and saving money.
6. Making decisions about health can be difficult
When it is about health, adults with ADHD frequently have issues. They might forget to attend appointments, or miss deadlines or make impulsive choices that can put their health in danger. They also have difficulty following healthy lifestyles like eating well, exercising regularly, exercise and taking enough time off.
People suffering from ADHD unlike children, do not always show excessive energy or impulsivity in public. In private, they could appear agitated or nervous. They might be seen twirling their hair or biting their nails, and they might frequently interrupt conversations or games.
Adults with ADHD often feel like not good enough and cannot make it through the day. This could lead to depression or anxiety over time. It is also normal for those with ADHD to develop comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If these symptoms aren't addressed, they may get worse and affect their self-esteem.
A mental health professional is able to assist adults to understand and recognize their symptoms, determine whether they suffer from ADHD and suggest effective treatment options. People suffering from ADHD are often benefited by stimulants that boost and regulate levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants, can also aid. Additionally therapy that focuses on mindfulness and communication can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD. Couples who share a home with someone with ADHD should also have a supportive partner. Support groups for spouses who suffer from ADHD are an excellent way to deal with the difficulties of living with someone suffering from ADHD.