Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD can be a challenge. Disorganization, forgetfulness and the inability to follow directions can be detrimental to one's work, family and relationships.
Unlike children, adults with Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD (formerly ADD) often do not have the hyperactivity component of the disorder. However, they may exhibit other symptoms like wandering around, losing things, or causing disruption to others.
Difficulty Listening
Listening doesn't happen automatically. It requires effort. When you are talking, you have to pay attention to the words spoken and processing what is being said in order to respond appropriately. This is difficult for anyone however, especially when you have ADHD.
In many cases, your brain isn't able to process information quickly enough. This can cause issues in a variety of ways, like making it difficult to comprehend and understand what other people are saying.
You may be impatient and interrupt others often which can hinder your ability to process what they are saying and prevents you from responding in the best manner possible. This could make the person you are talking to feel unheard and annoyed.
Another problem is that your working memory may not be optimal and it can be difficult to keep information in mind to be able to recall it later. This can lead to you not remembering important details during a conversation, and it could have serious implications at work.
If you're not able to take in information quickly, it can also be difficult to follow-up on important discussions or take the next steps to close an open loop. This is especially true especially if you're in the middle of the work that was assigned to you and requires immediate attention and action.
Family doctors are the best to recognize adult ADD. They are aware of the symptoms and can spot indications. They can refer patients to mental health services when needed. In signs and symptoms of adhd in adults to treatment by psychiatrists, psychologists or social workers, medications can be used. They can be stimulants or non-stimulant drugs. They can boost concentration but they're not an effective treatment for ADD. All of these things can aid in improving the ability to communicate, exercising regularly and utilizing relaxation techniques.
Inattentiveness
For those with predominantly inattentive Type ADHD (formerly ADD) Inattention and disorganization are the most prominent symptoms. In contrast to the hyperactivity and impulsivity that characterize the other two subtypes of the disorder, inattentive symptoms don't show up as easily. This version of the disorder could cause people to forget important details at school or work and may have trouble following instructions. They may be daydreamers or seem uninterested in assignments or meetings.
Although everyone is prone to forgetfulness or lose focus at times, when these issues occur regularly and interfere with the daily routine, they could be signs of a mental health disorder. If signs and symptoms of adhd in adults are having serious problems with attention, it's a good idea to consult a medical professional. It could be that you make careless mistakes that have lasting consequences, like not paying taxes or sending the wrong email.
Inattention to detail can have a significant impact on relationships. These sloppy mistakes can create stress for family members and colleagues, especially for those who have to correct the mistakes over and over. These errors can also cause trouble in the classroom or on the job. This can hinder an individual's ability to grow in their career or to maintain their current position.
It is essential to see an expert if you are experiencing symptoms of inattentive ADHD. There are a variety of possible reasons for the difficulty in focus, such as fatigue, side effects of certain medications, and other underlying conditions like hypothyroidism. Inattention can also be a symptom of depression or anxiety, which are common among people who suffer from ADHD.
The American Psychiatric Association has set nine distinct symptoms as criteria to diagnose ADHD. Adults must show at least five of the symptoms to be diagnosed. The criteria include inattention, distraction, motor hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganization. They also include hot tempers, emotional overactivity, mood swings and disorganization. Hallowell and Ratey have widened the criteria to include a minimum of six behaviours for children who are younger than 17 years old and a minimum of five for adults over 17.