Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
ADHD (formerly known by the name ADD) can cause problems in school, work, and personal life. The disorder usually manifests in the early years of childhood. You must have been experiencing symptoms for six months or more and they must be affecting your daily life in a variety of situations.
1. Problems with Focusing
Are you easily distracted and restless when you should be sleeping or working? If so, you may have signs of ADHD. Other mental health issues and some physical problems can trigger similar symptoms as those of ADHD It's therefore important to undergo a thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional.
Most often, people suffering from ADHD have trouble meeting deadlines and fail to complete their tasks due to their difficulty staying focused, organized, and staying on task. This can be a challenge for your colleagues and family members to manage. Stress can result from trying to manage your ADHD symptoms while also managing the demands of your everyday life. This can exacerbate your symptoms.
For example, Sarah had a meeting scheduled for seven at seven. She was aware that she would have to leave early to go to work, but she always underestimated the time it would take to get ready. This pattern continued which made her feel overwhelmed and unable to function at work or with her relationships.
You can manage your ADHD symptoms through routines, structure and planning. Use a planner or calendar to create reminders and break your tasks into smaller chunks. You can listen to music without lyrics or using a white noise machine to help you stay focused and cut down on distracting sounds. Keep your workspace clean to prevent visual distractions.
2. It is difficult to stay organized
Are you often unable to keep track of your schedule or forget important appointments? Are your office and home areas messy and unorganized? You may get distracted while reading or working. This can result in rushed completion and errors. These difficulties may be signs of ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to keep their homes, offices, and school environments organized. This is because their brains do not have the same structure as other people's brains and can impact executive functions (EFs). The EFs help people to manage their emotions and behavior organize information, solve problems or puzzles, and make decisions.
Adults with ADHD often start many projects, but seldom finish these projects. They become masters of many trades, but are jacks of all trades. Stress can worsen ADHD symptoms if you're having difficulties keeping track of your time.
Managing ADHD symptoms in the workplace can be challenging however, it is possible to create a structure into your daily routine to boost your productivity. Set alarms to remind you of important meetings. Note down conversations. Set regular bedtimes.
It's also an excellent idea to limit time spent on screens and avoid caffeine, sugar or alcohol prior to going to sleep. A regular sleep schedule will keep you focused and less distracted during the day. You can also use simple mindfulness techniques to relax your mind prior to going to sleep.
3. Problems in Making Decisions
Have you ever been stuck in the decision making process, particularly with regard to small issues like picking clothes or what to eat for dinner? If this is the case, it may be an indication that you suffer from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD often struggle with the executive functions that allow them to plan to organize, manage, initiate tasks and work hard - all essential components of effective decision-making.
Sometimes, this issue can appear as "analysis paralysis," in which the person is overwhelmed by too many options and is unable to make a decision. This can also happen in situations that require a lot of thinking or lots of risk, like an interview or a major life alteration.
Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD tend to be perfectionists, and they may be unable to stop trying once they start a project. This can lead them to procrastinate, miss deadlines, or suffer from problems at work.
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 a minimum of 6 months. Each week we have our Symptom Spotlight series concentrates on a particular characteristic or symptom of adult ADHD. This week, we're focusing on the difficulty in making decisions. Keep an eye out for next week 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 may even cause relationship issues. Many couples report that despite the challenges their relationships with those with ADHD thrive. Recognizing that the disorder can affect the relationship, exploring the treatment options, and learning how to cope with the symptoms can help.
Many times, people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are unable to interpret their partner's actions and words. Their glazed-over gaze during a conversation can be perceived by others as a deliberate attempt to ignore or show indifference. Adults with ADHD often miss subtle nuances in communication, often referred to as subtext.
If a person suffering from ADHD does not think it can lead to anger and frustration in the relationship. A constant stress level and a feeling of failure may also contribute to anxiety and depressive disorders. Combined with the impulsiveness of ADHD, these symptoms can make it difficult to achieve an appropriate balance between home and work life.
It is important for a partner to be open with their partner about the ADHD symptoms they are experiencing and seek treatment. It is also crucial to speak with each other whenever possible because nonverbal cues convey more than words alone. For instance eye contact, tone of voice and even the look of voice can tell a lot about how the person feels. They can also be used to aid spouses in understanding what each other is saying. Also taking notes and repeating the words will aid in keeping track of the conversation.
5. It is difficult to make decisions about money
When it is money, people with ADHD may have difficulty to track expenses and savings. They may also tend to choose immediate benefits (such as a new purchase) over long-term benefits, such as the accumulation of funds or investing in retirement accounts. These issues can lead to an insecurity of finances, especially for adults who reside at home.
The issue of miscommunication is another one for people who suffer from ADHD, especially in relationships. They are often unable to discern the emotional significance of comments from others like sarcasm or fear, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. They may also have a hard time controlling their emotions, making them more prone to emotional outbursts.
People with ADHD are prone to clutter and disorganization in their homes. They are prone to losing important documents or items, which may lead to issues at school and at work. what are the symptoms of adhd in adults might also have difficulty finishing tasks, which can affect their work performance and affect their self-esteem.
It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your ADHD symptoms and the issues they cause. Your doctor can recommend medications and provide support and strategies for managing your symptoms. They may also suggest alternative treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause problems with ADHD. They can also teach you strategies to improve your organizational skills and reduce your tendency to be an impulsive. They can also give you strategies for tracking expenses as well as budgeting and saving money.
6. Making health-related decisions can be difficult.
When it concerns health, people who suffer from ADHD often experience difficulties. They may forget to make appointments, miss deadlines, or make decisions which could put their health in danger. They also struggle to adhere to healthy habits such as eating well and exercising regularly. They also have trouble getting enough sleep.
People with ADHD, unlike children, aren't always displaying excessive energy or impulsivity in public. However, they might appear anxious or restless in private. They might twirl or bite their fingers or interrupt conversations and games.
Adults suffering from ADHD might feel like they are failing 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 those with ADHD to develop comorbidities such as anxiety or depression. If these conditions aren't addressed, they may get worse and negatively impact the self-esteem of those with ADHD.
A mental health professional can help adults understand and recognize their symptoms, determine whether they suffer from ADHD and suggest effective treatment options. Stimulants are often beneficial for people suffering from ADHD, as they boost and balance the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. Nonstimulant medications, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be beneficial. Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from therapy that focuses on mindfulness and communication. Having a supportive partner is essential for couples who live with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for spouses of people with ADHD are a great resource for addressing the challenges faced by those in the relationship of an adult who has ADHD.