When it comes to identifying symptoms of ADHD in adults, there are several guidelines and pointers you can use to determine whether you may have attention deficit disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The Basic Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Generally, the hallmark symptoms of ADHD in adults include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, instead of hyperactivity, certain adults with ADHD may experience a frequent sense of restlessness as well. In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, many adult ADHD sufferers typically have trouble maintaining steady employment and personal relationships. Now, it’s important to know that there are currently three separate types of ADHD. The first, and most common type, is known as combined ADHD and includes the full range of signs and symptoms. The second type, formerly called ADD, is now known as inattentive ADHD, which primarily includes symptoms of impaired concentration. For years, this has been one of the most well known ADD symptoms in adults. Finally, the third type of adult ADHD is known as hyperactive-impulsive ADHD and features full hyperactivity minus the inattentiveness.
Of course, many ADHD symptoms can be confused with other conditions or causes, so you’ll definitely want to visit your personal care physician or a licensed ADHD specialist to determine whether you have adult ADHD. Also, the symptoms are usually much more than mild annoyances and to receive a diagnosis, there must at least be some proof that the ADHD symptoms are negatively impacting a person’s home life, work life or family life. When discussing symptoms of ADHD in adults with your doctor, you’ll want to be honest and highlight any of your concerns regarding difficulty following directions, staying organized, completing everyday tasks, recalling information, or showing up on time. If left untreated, ADHD symptoms can worsen and create a variety of different behavioral, emotional, academic and vocational problems for the adult ADHD sufferer.
Additional Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
When taking a deeper look at symptoms of ADHD in adults, it may help to break the symptoms up into three main categories. As discussed earlier, the three hallmark ADHD symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. However, each of these three overarching symptoms can be broken up into smaller subsets of symptoms as well. First, hyperactivity and restlessness symptoms can involve an inability to sit still for a given period of time, getting up repeatedly in a short amount of time, finding difficulty in quiet activities and always living on the go.
Next, under the inattention category, there are a plethora of different symptoms of ADHD in adults. In most cases, inattention symptoms will most often be present at work and in various social interactions and situations. Regarding the specific symptoms themselves, an adult with ADHD may experience several or all of these symptoms: disorganized work routine, frequent procrastination, moving from task to task without ever finishing one, easily distracted from the task at hand, inability to stay focused and a tendency toward forgetfulness.
Finally, for the third main category of symptoms of ADHD in adults, we have a variety of symptoms relating to impulsivity. Adult ADHD impulsivity symptoms can include a general sense of impatience, speaking before thinking, talking over others, interrupting coworkers and social acquaintances and broaching conversations at awkward times. If you believe you are experiencing several or more of these symptoms, you may wish to speak to a licensed professional to discuss your options. However, you should be careful not to jump to conclusions either since many adult ADHD symptoms may simply be temporary behavioral issues. Hopefully, you now have a clearer idea of what comprises the basic symptoms of ADHD in adults.