Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
ADHD (formerly known as the name ADD) can cause problems at work, school, and personal life. The condition typically begins in childhood. You must have experienced the symptoms for six months or more and they should be interfering with your daily routine in multiple situations.
1. Trouble focusing
Are you easily distracted or restless when you should be working or sleeping? You may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD. You may also have symptoms of other mental health conditions or physical problems. It's important to get an in-depth assessment from an expert in mental health.
Most often, people suffering from ADHD are late and fail to complete their tasks due to their difficulty staying focused, organising and staying on task. This can be a difficult situation for you and your family to manage. Stress can result from trying to manage your ADHD symptoms while also managing the demands of your everyday life. This could exacerbate your symptoms.
For example, Sarah had a meeting scheduled for seven eight o'clock. She knew she needed to leave the house earlier however, each day she underestimated the time it would take to get ready, and later she was late to work. This cycle continued over time which made her feel anxious and unproductive at work or in her relationships.
You can manage your ADHD symptoms with routines as well as structure and planning. Use a planner or a calendar to create reminders and break your tasks down into smaller parts. 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. It is difficult to stay organized
Are you prone to forgetting important appointments or losing track of your schedule? Are your office and home spaces messy and disorganized? You may get distracted while working or reading. This can lead to a rushed completion and errors. These issues could be a sign of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD struggle to keep their homes and offices organized. This is because their brains don't have the same structure as other people's brains which can affect executive functions (EFs). They are responsible for assisting people manage their behavior and emotions, organize information, solve problems, solve puzzles and take decisions.
Many people with ADHD start many projects but never finish the tasks. They become masters of none. Being unable to stay organized can cause stress which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The management of ADHD symptoms in the workplace isn't easy, but it's 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 recommended to limit time spent on screens and avoid caffeine, sugar, or alcohol before going to sleep. A regular sleeping pattern will help you stay focus and less distracted throughout the day. You can also use a few simple mindfulness techniques to settle your mind before you go to bed.
3. Difficulty Making Decisions
Have you ever gotten stuck in the process of making decisions particularly over minor things like choosing clothes or what to have for dinner? If this is the case, it may be a sign that you have ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically struggle with executive functions that aid in planning and organize, start tasks, and work hard - all essential elements for effective decision-making.
Sometimes, this problem can be manifested as "analysis paralysis," in which the person is overwhelmed by a myriad of choices and becomes frozen. This can happen in situations that require a lot of 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 begin an assignment. This could cause them to delay work, 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 have been present for a minimum of 6 months. Our Symptom Spotlight series provides a closer look at one hallmark or overlooked characteristic of adult ADHD every week. This week, we're focusing on the trouble making decisions. Stay tuned for next week's episode, when we'll discuss another important aspect of managing ADHD: self-regulation.
4. Relationship Decision Making - Difficulties
The signs of adhd in adults can affect social interactions and could cause relationship issues. Many couples report that despite challenges, their relationships with people with ADHD are thriving. Recognizing that ADHD can impact relationships, researching the options for treatment, and learning how to cope with the symptoms can all help.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to people being misinformed about their partner's actions or words. For example, their glazed look during a conversation might be seen as indifference or a desire to ignore the speaker. It is also common for adults with ADHD to miss the subtle nuances of communication, also known as subtext.
When a person who suffers from ADHD acts without considering the consequences, it could cause resentment and frustration within relationships. A constant stress level and a feeling of failure can also cause anxiety and depression disorders. These symptoms, when paired with the impulsiveness that is associated with ADHD, can make it hard to keep a healthy balance between work and life.
It is important for a partner to be open with their partner about the ADHD symptoms they are experiencing and to seek treatment. It is essential to talk with your partner face-to-face as much as possible, because nonverbal signals communicate more than words. For example eye contact and tone of voice convey an entire message about how the person feels. They can also assist spouses to understand what the other is saying. Also, writing down notes and repeating words can help spouses follow the conversation.
5. Difficulty in Making Money Decisions
Adults with ADHD might have trouble tracking their money and saving. They may also prefer immediate rewards (such an exciting purchase) instead of long-term benefits such as accumulating money or investing in retirement. These challenges can lead to an insecurity when it comes to finances particularly for those who live at home.
The issue of miscommunication is another one for people who suffer from ADHD, especially in relationships. They have difficulty interpreting the emotional meanings of others comments, like sarcasm and fear. This can lead to misunderstandings. They might also have a hard time managing their emotions, which makes them more prone to emotional outbursts.
People suffering from ADHD tend to accumulate clutter and disorganization in their homes. They can easily lose important documents or objects which can cause issues at school and at work. They may also experience difficulty finishing tasks, which can affect their work performance and impact their self-esteem.
It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your ADHD symptoms and the issues that they may cause. Your doctor can provide help and strategies to deal with your symptoms and prescribe medications. They may also suggest alternative treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you change unhelpful habits and thoughts that lead to ADHD-related difficulties. They can teach you how to improve your organization skills and reduce the tendency to be indecisive. They can provide you with suggestions for budgeting, tracking expenses, and securing savings.
6. Making health-related decisions can be difficult
Adults suffering from ADHD have many difficulties when it comes to their health. They may forget appointments, miss deadlines or make impulsive decisions that put their health at risk. They also have difficulty adhering to healthy habits like eating well and exercising regularly. They also have trouble getting enough sleep.
People suffering from ADHD unlike children, do not always show hyperactivity or impulsivity when in public. In private, they could appear restless or anxious. They may twirl their hair or bite their nails, and they might constantly interrupt conversations or games.
Adults with ADHD often feel like they're an unfit person and aren't able to manage their lives. In time, this may lead to depression and anxiety. It is also common for people who suffer from ADHD to develop comorbidities, like depression or anxiety. If these conditions aren't treated, they could get worse and negatively impact the self-esteem of those with ADHD.
A mental health professional can assist adults to understand and recognize their symptoms, determine if they suffer from ADHD, and identify effective treatment options. In general, stimulants are beneficial for people with ADHD because they increase and balance the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and other antidepressants can also help. adhd signs in adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a therapy program that focuses on mindfulness and communication. Couples who share a home with someone with ADHD should also have a dependable partner. Support groups for spouses of individuals with ADHD are a great source for dealing with the difficulties that come with being in the relationship of an adult who has ADHD.