Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
ADHD (formerly called by the name ADD) can cause issues in school, work, and personal life. The disorder typically starts in childhood. You should have experienced symptoms for at least six months and they must be affecting your daily routine in multiple settings.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Are you easily distracted or unfocused while you sleep or work? If so, you may have symptoms of ADHD. You could also be suffering from symptoms of other mental health conditions or physical problems. It is essential to have a thorough assessment by an expert in mental health.
Many times, people with ADHD have trouble meeting deadlines and fail to complete tasks due to their inability to stay focused, organized and staying on track. This can be a stressful situation for your family and you to handle. In attempting to manage all the demands of your daily life while managing your ADHD symptoms can cause stress, which can cause the symptoms to get worse.
Sarah, for example, had a meeting at 7 o'clock. She knew she needed to leave early to go to work, but she always underestimated how long it would be to get ready. This pattern continued over time which made her feel overwhelmed and unable to function well at work or in her relationships.
Try to manage your ADHD symptoms by following routines that are structured, organized, and plan. Use a planner or calendar to schedule reminders, and break down tasks into smaller pieces. Use music with no lyrics or white noise generators to reduce distractions and help you stay focused. Make sure your workspace is clean to prevent visual distractions.
2. Difficulty staying organized
Are you often unable to keep track of your schedule or forget important appointments? Are your work and home spaces cluttered and disorganized? Do you find yourself distracted while reading or working and end up with a rushed to finish and making mistakes? These issues could be a sign of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD struggle to maintain their homes and offices well-organized. It's because their brains are not organized the same way as other people's which can affect executive functions (EFs). EFs help people manage their emotions and behavior manage information, organize information, think about problems, solve puzzles and make decisions.
Adults with ADHD often begin many projects, but rarely finish them. They are masters of many trades but masters of none. Having adult adhd symtoms staying organized can cause stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Controlling ADHD symptoms in the workplace isn't easy but you can create a structure into your daily routine to improve your productivity. Set alarms to remind yourself of important meetings. Take notes during conversations. Set regular bedtimes.
It's also a good idea to limit time spent on screens and avoid caffeine, sugar, or alcohol before going to sleep. A regular sleep schedule will help you stay alert and less distracted throughout the day. You can also practice a few simple mindfulness techniques to calm your mind before bed.
3. Making the right decision can be a challenge.
Have you ever felt stuck in the decision-making process, particularly over small things such as choosing clothes or what to have for dinner? If this is the case, it may be an indication that you suffer from ADHD. ADHD patients often struggle with executive functions, which are vital for making good decisions. They might have difficulties organizing, planning or initiating tasks and exerting effort.
This difficulty can sometimes be manifested as "analysis-paralysis," where the person is overwhelmed with numerous options and becomes frozen. This can also occur in situations that requires a lot of thought or significant risk, like the start of a new job or a major life change.
People who suffer from ADHD also tend to be perfectionists and may have a difficult time learning to stop once they have started a project. This can cause them to procrastinate, miss deadlines, or have 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. Our Symptom Spotlight series takes an in-depth look at one hallmark or overlooked sign of adult ADHD every week. This week we're focusing our attention on the difficulty making decisions. Next week, we'll look at another aspect of ADHD management self-regulation.
4. Problems in Making Relationship Decisions
Adults with adhd may have relationship problems and social issues. However many couples say that their relationships with people with ADHD prosper and flourish despite the challenges. Recognizing that the disorder impacts the relationship, looking into treatments options, and learning how to deal with symptoms can be helpful.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to people misinterpreting their partner's actions and words. For instance, their glazed-over expression during a conversation could be interpreted as indifference or an attempt to ignore the speaker. It's also normal for those with ADHD to overlook the subtle nuances of communication, known as subtext.
If someone with ADHD is impulsive this can lead to anger and frustration in the relationship. Chronic stress and a feeling of failure can contribute to depression and anxiety disorders. These symptoms, when paired with the impulsiveness that is associated with ADHD can make it difficult to keep a healthy balance between work and life.
It is important for a spouse to be honest with their partner about the ADHD symptoms they are experiencing and to seek treatment. It is important to talk to your partner face-to-face as much as you can, since non-verbal signals convey more than just words. For instance eye contact and tone of voice can tell an entire message about how the person feels. They can also be used to help spouses comprehend what the other is saying. Notes written down and repeating words can help a spouse follow the conversation.
5. Problems in Making Money Decisions
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty keeping track of their money and saving. They may also choose immediate benefits (such as buying a new item) over the long-term benefits of accumulating funds or investing in retirement accounts. These issues could lead to the loss of financial security particularly for those who reside at home.
Communication issues are another issue for those with ADHD, especially in relationships. They are often unable to discern the emotional meaning of comments from others such as sarcasm, or fear, which can lead to confusion and hurt feelings. They may also have trouble moderating their emotions, which could cause them to be prone to emotional outbursts.
People with ADHD are more prone to disarray and chaos in their homes. They are prone to lose important documents or other items, which can lead to problems in the workplace and at school. They might also have difficulty to complete tasks which can affect their performance at work or their self-esteem.
It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your ADHD symptoms and the problems they cause. Your doctor can offer you support and strategies to manage your symptoms and prescribe medications. They may also suggest alternative treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist you in changing negative behavior and thoughts that can result in ADHD-related problems. They can teach you how to improve your organization skills and reduce your tendency to be impulsive. They can also provide suggestions for tracking expenses and budgeting as well as saving money.
6. Making decisions about health can be a challenge.
Adults with ADHD have a lot of issues with their health. They might be late for appointments, forget deadlines or make decisions that put their health at risk. They also have difficulty following healthy habits such as eating well, doing enough exercise and ensuring they get enough rest.
Unlike children, people with ADHD don't always show an impulsive or hyperactivity in public. However, they can appear restless or anxious in private. They may be seen twirling their hair or biting their nails, and they could constantly interrupt conversations or games.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel like failures and feel like they aren't able to manage their lives. In time, this may lead to depression and anxiety. It is also common for people with ADHD to develop comorbidities like depression or anxiety. If these issues aren't addressed, they may get worse and negatively impact the self-esteem of the people with ADHD.
A mental health professional can help adults recognize their symptoms, determine if they have ADHD and identify effective treatments. The use of stimulants is often beneficial to people suffering from ADHD, as they boost and balance the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. Nonstimulant medication, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be beneficial. In addition, therapy that concentrates on mindfulness and communication can be helpful for people suffering from ADHD. A supportive partner is crucial for couples who have one who suffers from ADHD. Support groups for spouses of people who suffer from ADHD can be a great source for dealing with the difficulties that arise from being in a relationship with a person who suffers from ADHD.