Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD (formerly known as ADD) can make it difficult to keep up with work, school and personal life. The disorder typically begins in the early years of childhood. To get a diagnosis it is necessary to have the symptoms for at least six months, and they must affect your life in more than one way.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Are you constantly distracted or agitated when you are supposed to be working or sleeping? You may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD. You may also have symptoms of other mental health conditions or physical ailments. It is important to get a thorough assessment by a mental health professional.
People with ADHD often have trouble meeting deadlines and fail to complete tasks because they have difficulties staying focused, organized and on task. This can be a difficult situation for you and your family members to manage. In attempting to manage all the demands of your life while managing your ADHD symptoms can lead to stress, which can make the symptoms worse.
For example, Sarah had a meeting scheduled for 7 eight o'clock. She knew that she had to leave early for work, but she always underestimated the time it would take to get ready. This pattern continued over time, making her feel stressed out and unable to function at work or in her relationships.
You can manage your ADHD symptoms through routines, structure and planning. Use a planner, or a calendar to schedule reminders and break tasks into smaller chunks. You can listen to music without lyrics or with white noise machines to help you stay focused and cut down on distracting sounds. Keep your workspace tidy to avoid visual distractions.
2. Difficulty staying organized
Do you frequently lose track of your schedule or forget important appointments? Are your home or office areas messy and unorganized? Do you get sidetracked when you are working or reading which leads to a rush completion and a few mistakes? These issues could be a sign of ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD often struggle to keep their homes, offices and school settings organized. This is because their brains do not have the same structures as other people's brains, affecting executive functions (EFs). EFs help people manage their behavior and emotions, organize information, solve problems, solve puzzles and make decisions.
Many people with ADHD start many projects but rarely complete them. They are masters of many trades but masters of none. Having trouble staying well-organized can lead to stress, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It can be difficult to manage ADHD symptoms at work However, you can incorporate routines into your workday routine to boost your productivity. Set alarms to remind you of important meetings. Take notes during conversations. Set regular bedtimes.
Before bed, it's a good idea not to consume any sugar, caffeine or alcohol. A consistent sleep schedule will help you stay focused and less distracted throughout the day. You can also use some simple mindfulness techniques to relax your mind before you go to bed.
3. Making the right decision can be a challenge.
Have you ever been stuck in the process of making decisions even over the smallest of issues like choosing your clothes or what you'll eat for dinner? If this is the case it could be a sign that you have ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently struggle with executive functions that aid in planning, organize, initiate tasks and work hard - all essential components of effective decision-making.
The issue may be manifested as "analysis-paralysis," where the person is overwhelmed by too many options and is frozen. This may also happen when a task requires a lot of thinking or high risk, like the start of a new job or a major life changes.
People with ADHD tend to be perfectionists, and might find it difficult to stop once they start the task. This can cause them to procrastinate, miss deadlines, or suffer from 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 be present for at least six months. Our Symptom Spotlight series takes an in-depth look at a hallmark or overlooked symptom of adult ADHD each week. This week, we're looking at the difficulty making decisions. Keep an eye out for next week's episode, when we'll explore another essential aspect of managing ADHD: self-regulation.
4. Relationship Decision Making - Difficulties
The signs of adhd in adults can hinder social interactions and could result in relationship problems. However, many couples have reported that their relationships with those with ADHD prosper and flourish despite the difficulties. Recognizing that the disorder can affect the relationship, looking into treatments options, and learning how to deal with symptoms can be helpful.
Often, people with undiagnosed ADHD mistakenly interpret their partners' actions and words. Their eyes that are glazed over during a conversation could be interpreted by others as an attempt to ignore or show indifference. Adults with ADHD tend to miss subtle nuances in communication, often referred to as subtext.
When a person with ADHD is impulsive it can lead to frustration and anger within the relationship. Chronic stress and a feeling of failure can also cause anxiety and depression disorders. Combined with the impulsiveness of ADHD the symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to find the right balance between work and home life.
One of the most important things that a spouse needs to do is be honest about their partner's ADHD symptoms and seek treatment. It is important to talk with your spouse as much as you can, since non-verbal signals convey more than just words. For example eye contact, tone of voice and even the look of voice can tell a lot about how one feels. They can also be used to help spouses understand what each other is saying. Also making notes and repeating words will aid a spouse in following the conversation.
5. The difficulty in making money-related decisions
Adults with ADHD might have trouble managing their money and savings. They may also tend to prefer immediate rewards (such as a new purchase) over long-term benefits, such as building up funds or investing in retirement accounts. These issues can lead to an insecurity of finances particularly for those who reside at home.
Miscommunication is another challenge for people with ADHD particularly in relationships. They have difficulty understanding the emotional meanings of other peoples comments, like sarcasm and fear. This could lead to misinterpretations. They might also have trouble managing their emotions, which makes them more prone to emotional outbursts.
People suffering from ADHD tend to accumulate disarray and chaos in their homes. They are often unable to locate important documents or other items, which can lead to problems at work and at school. They may also have trouble finishing tasks, which can impact their job performance and negatively impact their self-esteem.
Discuss with your doctor the symptoms of ADHD and the problems they can cause. Your doctor will be able to provide assistance and strategies to manage your symptoms, as well as medications. They may also suggest alternative therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you overcome negative behavior and thoughts that can lead to ADHD-related difficulties. They can show you how to improve your organizational abilities and decrease the tendency to be an impulsive. They can offer tips on budgeting, tracking expenses and securing savings.
6. Making health-related decisions can be a challenge.
When it comes to health, adults with ADHD often experience difficulties. They may forget to keep appointments, fail to meet deadlines, or make impulsive choices which could risk their health. They also have trouble following healthy lifestyles like eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, as well as getting enough sleep.
People suffering from ADHD, unlike children, don't always display an impulsive or hyperactive behavior in public. However, they may appear restless or anxious in private. They may twirl their fingers or interrupt games and conversations.
Adults with ADHD often feel like they're an unfit person and aren't able to get their lives together. In time, this may lead to depression and anxiety. It's also common for those who suffer from ADHD to develop comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. If these symptoms aren't treated, they could get worse and impact their self-esteem.
A mental health professional is able to assist adults to understand and recognize their symptoms, determine if they have ADHD, and identify effective treatment options. The use of stimulants is often beneficial to those suffering from ADHD, as they boost and balance the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be helpful. Additionally therapy that concentrates on mindfulness and communication skills can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Being a partner who is supportive is crucial for couples who have someone with ADHD. Support groups for spouses of those who suffer from ADHD can be a valuable source for dealing with the difficulties that arise from being in a relationship with an adult who suffers from ADHD.