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 the early years of childhood. You should have experienced symptoms for at least six months and they must be affecting your daily routine in multiple situations.
1. Trouble focusing
Are you easily distracted or restless when you should sleep or at work? If so, you may be suffering from ADHD. You could also be suffering from symptoms of other mental health conditions or physical issues. It's important to get 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 challenge for your colleagues and family members to deal with. Trying to keep up with all the demands of your life while managing your ADHD symptoms can cause stress, which can cause the symptoms to get worse.
For instance, Sarah had a meeting scheduled for seven o'clock. She was aware that she would have to leave early to go to work, but she underestimated how long it would take to prepare. The cycle continued for a long time and 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 set reminders, and break tasks down into smaller chunks. Listen to music with no lyrics or with a white noise machine to keep you on track and cut down on distracting sounds. Make sure your workspace is clean to avoid visual distractions.
2. Difficulty Staying Organized
Do you often lose your track of your schedule or forget important appointments? Are your work and home spaces cluttered and disorganized? Do you get sidetracked when working or reading, leading to a rushed completion and a few errors? These difficulties may be signs of ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD often struggle to keep their offices, homes, and school environments organized. This is because their brains are not structured the same as other people's, which affects executive functions (EFs). EFs assist people in managing their emotions and behavior manage information, organize information, solve problems, solve puzzles and make decisions.
Many adults with ADHD start many projects but never finish these projects. They become masters of many professions, but aren't masters of any. Stress can exacerbate ADHD symptoms if you're having difficulty staying organized.
It can be difficult to manage ADHD symptoms at work But you can implement structures into your daily routine to increase your productivity. Set alarms to remind you of important meetings. Note down conversations. Set regular bedtimes.
Before bed, it's recommended to not drink any caffeine, sugar or alcohol. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults sleeping pattern will help you stay focused and less distracted throughout the day. You can also use simple mindfulness techniques to calm down your mind prior to going to bed.
3. Trouble Making Decisions
Have you ever felt stuck in the decision making process, particularly with regard to small things like choosing clothes or what to have for dinner? If so, it may be an indication that you suffer from ADHD. ADHD patients are often struggling with executive functions, which are vital in making sound decisions. They might have difficulties planning, organizing or initiating tasks and putting in the effort.
This issue can appear as "analysis-paralysis," where the person is overwhelmed by too many options and becomes frozen. This is also a possibility in situations that require a lot of thinking or a lot of risk, like a new job or a major life change.
People with ADHD are also perfectionists, and might find it difficult to stop once they start the task. This can lead them to procrastinate, miss deadlines, or experience 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 at least 6 months. Our Symptom Spotlight series takes a closer look at one hallmark or overlooked symptom of adult ADHD every week. This week, we're turning our attention on the difficulties of making decisions. Keep an eye out for next week when we'll look at another crucial aspect of managing ADHD: self-regulation.
4. Problems in Making Relationship Decisions
The signs of adhd in adults can affect social interactions and may even cause relationship issues. Many couples report that despite the difficulties their relationships with those who suffer from ADHD are thriving. Recognizing that the disorder can affect the relationship, exploring treatments options, and learning to cope with symptoms can help.
Many times, people who are not diagnosed with ADHD mistakenly interpret their partners' actions and words. Their eyes that are glazed over 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 their communication, often referred to as subtext.
When someone with ADHD acts without considering the consequences, it can result in anger and resentment within the relationship. In addition, stress and a feeling of failure can trigger anxiety and depression. These symptoms, when paired with the impulsiveness of ADHD, can make it hard to keep a healthy balance between work and life.
One of the most important things a spouse has to do is to be honest about their partner's ADHD symptoms and seek treatment. It is important to communicate with your spouse face-to-face as often as you can, as non-verbal signals are more powerful than words. Eye contact and tone of voice, for example can reveal a lot about a person's feelings. They can also be used to help spouses understand what each other is saying. Also taking notes and repeating words will aid a spouse in following the conversation.
5. The difficulty in making money-related decisions
When it is money, people with ADHD may have difficulty to track expenses and savings. They may also prefer immediate rewards (such an exciting purchase), over long-term benefits like accumulating funds or investing in retirement. These challenges may result in an insecurity of finances, especially for adults who live at home.
The issue of miscommunication is a concern for those with ADHD. This is particularly relevant in relationships. They often have trouble catching the emotional meaning of remarks from others like sarcasm or fear, which leads to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, making them more prone to emotional outbursts.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to disarray and chaos in their homes. They are likely to lose important documents or objects, which may lead to problems at work and school. They may also be unable to complete tasks, which could affect their self-esteem or performance at work.
Discuss with your doctor the symptoms of ADHD and the problems they may cause. Your doctor may recommend medication and offer support and strategies for managing your symptoms. They may also suggest alternative treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you overcome negative behavior and thoughts that can lead to ADHD-related difficulties. They can also teach you strategies to improve your organizational skills and reduce your tendency to be impulsive. They can give you tips on budgeting, tracking expenses, and securing savings.
6. Making health-related decisions can be difficult.
Adults suffering from ADHD have many issues with their health. They may forget to keep appointments, or miss deadlines or make impulsive choices that can put their health at risk. They may also have trouble adhering to healthy lifestyles like eating well, doing enough exercise and taking enough time off.
Like children, people who suffer from ADHD don't always display an impulsive or hyperactivity in public. However, they may appear anxious or restless in private. They may twirl their hair or bite their nails, and they might constantly interrupt conversations or games.
Adults suffering from ADHD often feel like they're a failure and can't make it through the day. Over time, this can lead to depression and anxiety. It is also typical for people with ADHD to develop comorbidities like depression or anxiety. If these symptoms are not treated, they could get worse and negatively impact the self-esteem of the people with ADHD.
A mental health professional can assist adults to understand and recognize their symptoms, determine whether they suffer from ADHD and recommend appropriate treatment options. People suffering from ADHD typically benefit from stimulants that boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and some antidepressants, can also aid. Additionally therapy that focuses on mindfulness and communication skills can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Couples who have a child with ADHD should also have a partner who is supportive. Support groups for spouses of those with ADHD can be a great solution to the issues that arise from being in the relationship of an adult who has ADHD.