Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD (formerly known as ADD) can make it hard to keep up with work, school and personal life. The disorder usually begins in childhood. To be diagnosed, you must have had symptoms for at least six months and they should affect your life in more than one way.
1. Problems with Focusing
Are you easily distracted or unfocused when you are supposed to sleep or at work? You could be suffering from symptoms of ADHD. Other mental health conditions and some physical problems can trigger similar symptoms as those of ADHD, so it's important to get a thorough examination by a health care provider or mental health professional.
Often, people with ADHD are late and are unable to finish tasks due to their difficulty staying focused, organizing and staying on track. This can be difficult for your colleagues and family members to manage. In attempting to manage all of the demands of life while managing your ADHD symptoms can lead to stress, which could cause the symptoms to get worse.
Sarah for instance, had a meeting at 7 o'clock. She knew she needed to leave early to work, but she always underestimated how long it would take to prepare. This cycle continued over time, making her feel overwhelmed and unable to function well at work or in her relationships.
You can manage your ADHD symptoms by using routines, structure and planning. Use a planner or calendar to set reminders and break tasks down into smaller pieces. Use music that isn't accompanied by lyrics or white noise generators to minimize distractions and help you remain focused. Keep your workspace tidy to avoid visual distractions.
2. Difficulty Staying Organized
Are you prone to forgetting important appointments or loosing track of your schedule? Are your office or home areas messy and unorganized? Do you get sidetracked when working or reading, leading to a rushed finish and mistakes? These issues could be a sign of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD struggle to maintain their homes and offices tidy. It's because their brains aren't organized the same way as other people's which impacts executive functions (EFs). EFs aid people in managing their emotions and behavior, organize information, think about issues, solve puzzles, and make decisions.
Many adults with ADHD take on a variety of projects, but never finish these projects. They are masters of all trades, but are jacks of all trades. Stress can worsen ADHD symptoms if you have trouble keeping track of your time.
Managing ADHD symptoms at work 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, making notes during conversations, and setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times.
Before you go to bed, it's recommended to not consume caffeine, sugar or alcohol. A regular sleep schedule will keep you alert and less distracted throughout the day. You can also apply simple techniques of mindfulness to calm your mind before going to sleep.
3. Difficulty Making Decisions
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the decision-making process, especially over minor issues like picking clothes or what you'll have for dinner? If this is the case, it may be a sign you have ADHD. Those with ADHD frequently struggle with executive functions that allow them to plan to organize, manage, initiate tasks and exert effort - all vital factors for making effective decisions.
This difficulty can sometimes appear as "analysis-paralysis," where the person is overwhelmed with numerous options and becomes frozen. This can also happen in situations that require complex thinking or lots of risk, such as an interview or a major life alteration.
People who suffer from ADHD also tend to be perfectionists, and might find it difficult to stop once they start a project. This can result in procrastination, late deadlines, and workplace problems.
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. Each week we have our Symptom Spotlight series concentrates on a particular characteristic or symptom of adult ADHD. This week, we're turning our attention on the challenge of making decisions. The next week, we'll look at another important aspect of ADHD management: self-regulation.
4. Relationship Decision Making - Difficulties
Adults with adhd can have social problems and relationship issues. Many couples report that despite difficulties, their relationships with people with ADHD thrive. Acknowledging that the disorder affects the relationship, pursuing treatment options, and learning to manage symptoms can be helpful.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in people not understanding their partner's actions and words. Their glazed-over gaze in a conversation might be perceived by others as an attempt to ignore or show indifference. adult female adhd symptoms 's also common for people with ADHD to be unable to comprehend the subtle nuances of communication, called subtext.
When someone with ADHD is impulsive and does not consider the consequences, it could result in anger and resentment within the relationship. In addition, anxiety and a sense of failure can lead to depression and anxiety. When combined with the impulsiveness and impulsivity of ADHD, these symptoms can make it difficult to achieve a healthy balance between work and family life.
It is essential for a spouse to be honest with their partner about the ADHD symptoms they are experiencing and seek treatment. It is also critical to talk face-to-face as often as possible as non-verbal cues communicate more than words alone. Eye contact and voice tone, for example can tell a lot about a person's emotions. They can also help a spouse understand what the other is saying. Additionally, taking notes and repeating words can help a spouse follow the conversation.
5. Difficulty Making Decisions About Money
When it comes to money, adults with ADHD might find it difficult to keep track of savings and expenses. They may also favor immediate rewards (such as a new purchase) over the long-term benefits of the accumulation of funds or investing in retirement accounts. These issues can lead to the loss of financial security particularly for adults who live at home.
Miscommunication can be a problem for those suffering from ADHD. This is particularly the case in relationships. They have difficulty understanding the emotional meanings of other peoples comments, like sarcasm or fear, which can cause confusion. They may also be unable to managing their emotions, which could make them vulnerable to emotional outbursts.
Disorders of organization and clutter are common in the homes of people with ADHD. They can easily lose important documents or objects, which may lead to problems at work and school. They might also have difficulty to complete tasks which can affect their job performance or self-esteem.
It's a good idea discuss with your doctor about your ADHD symptoms and the issues that they may cause. Your doctor can offer you support and strategies to manage your symptoms and prescribe medication. They may also suggest alternative treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you overcome harmful behaviors and thoughts that lead to ADHD. They can help you learn to improve your organizational abilities and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They can also provide tips to track expenses, budgeting, and making money.
6. It is difficult to make decisions about health
When it concerns health, people who suffer from ADHD often have difficulties. They might forget to attend appointments, or miss deadlines or make decisions that can put their health at risk. They also have trouble following healthy habits like eating well, getting enough exercise and getting enough sleep.
People suffering from ADHD unlike children, aren't always displaying hyperactivity or impulsivity when in public. However, they might appear anxious or restless in private. They may twirl or bite their fingers, or interrupt games and conversations.
Adults with ADHD might feel like they are failing and that they can't manage their lives. In time, this may cause anxiety and depression. It is also typical for people suffering from ADHD to develop comorbidities like depression or anxiety. If these conditions aren't treated they can worsen, and negatively impact self-esteem of the people with ADHD.
A mental health professional can assist adults to understand and recognize their symptoms, determine whether they have ADHD and suggest effective treatment options. In general, stimulants are beneficial for people with ADHD because they increase and regulate the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine, and antidepressants, can also aid. In addition therapy that focuses on mindfulness and communication skills can be helpful for people suffering from ADHD. Couples who live with someone with ADHD should also have a dependable partner. Support groups for spouses suffering from ADHD are an excellent way to deal with the issues of living with someone who has ADHD.