Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD can be a challenge. Forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty following directions can have a profound impact on work, family and personal relationships.
Adults suffering from ADHD (formerly ADD), which is a disorder characterized by a predominant inattention type, usually do not have the hyperactivity component. They may also exhibit other signs like wandering around, losing things or interrupting others.
Trouble hearing
Listening isn't something you can do in a vacuum - it requires a lot of effort. When talking to someone, you have to focus on listening for the words that are spoken and processing what is being said so that you can respond in a manner that is appropriate. This is a challenge for everyone but especially for those who have ADHD.
Often, your brain can't process information fast enough. This can cause problems in a number of ways, including making it difficult to hear other people talk and comprehend them.
You might be impulsive, interrupting other people frequently. This can hinder your ability to process what they say, and hinders you to respond in the best possible way. This can make the other person feel ignored and angry.
It can be difficult to store information and then recall it later. This can cause you to miss important details during a conversation and can result in serious consequences at the workplace.
It isn't easy to follow up on important discussions or take the next steps necessary to close a loop if you aren't able to take in information quickly. This can be problematic when you are in the middle of a project that has been assigned to you and requires immediate attention and action.
Adult ADD is usually diagnosed by family physicians, who are familiar with the signs and symptoms and are able to identify clues to the disorder. They can refer patients to mental health services in the event of need. In addition to treatment by psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers, prescription medications are also available. They can be stimulants or non-stimulants. They can improve concentration, but they are not a cure for ADD. All of these things can aid in improving communication skills, working out regularly and using relaxation techniques.
Inattentiveness
Inattention and disorganization are the main symptom of Predominantly inattentive Type ADHD. In contrast to the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are typical of the other two subtypes of the disorder, symptoms of inattention don't appear as easily. The people who suffer from this type of the disorder tend to miss important details at school or at work and are unable to follow directions. They might be daydreamers or appear uninterested in assignments or meetings.
While everyone is prone to forget or lose their focus at times, if these issues occur frequently and are affecting the way you live, it could be an indication of a mental illness. It's worth seeing a health care professional if you have serious problems with your attention. This could mean making careless mistakes that can have long-lasting consequences for example, like forgetting to submit tax returns or sending an email to the wrong recipient.
Inattention to detail may also negatively impact relationships. Inconsistent mistakes can result in stress for family members and colleagues, particularly when they are required to correct the mistakes over and over. These problems can cause problems in the classroom or at work, which may affect the ability of a person to progress their career or keep their current job.
If symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder have symptoms of inattention ADHD it is essential to have them evaluated by a doctor. There are a myriad of reasons for the difficulty in focus, such as fatigue, side effects from certain medications and other conditions like hypothyroidism. Inattention can also be a sign of anxiety or depression which are common among those who suffer from ADHD.
The American Psychiatric Association has set nine distinct symptoms as the criteria to diagnose ADHD. Adults must exhibit at least five symptoms to be considered as having ADHD. The criteria for diagnosis include inattention, distractibility motor hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganization. They also include temper tantrums, mood swings, emotional overactivity and disorganization. Hallowell & Ratey have expanded the criteria to include at least six behaviors for children younger than 17 years of age and a minimum of five for adults older than 17.