You hear people comment around you that you always seem disorganized and you can never show up to meetings on time. While those traits may be just your own personal idiosyncrasies, they may be adult ADHD signs. Below, you will find information about symptoms of adult ADHD and how they may affect your work and personal life.
What Is ADHD in Adults?
Even though ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is frequently associated with children, it may also present itself in adults in a variety of ways. Adults with ADHD may find that functioning in the day to day a challenge. Work problems, difficulties maintaining relationships, keeping appointments, and avoiding distractions are all symptoms.
ADHD is not caused by laziness, poor discipline, or lack of effort. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that is believed to involve differences in attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. Genetics, brain development, early life factors, and coexisting mental health concerns may all influence how symptoms appear. In adults, symptoms often become more noticeable when work, school, parenting, relationships, or daily responsibilities become harder to manage.
Diagnosis of ADHD in adults is generally related to the presence of symptoms while the adults were children. This complicates the diagnosis as childhood reports of behaviour are relied upon. Once a diagnosis is confirmed in an adult, there are treatments available that are commonly medications or psychotherapy that focus on behavioural and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Core ADHD Symptoms in Adults
When checking for symptoms in ADHD in adults, the behaviours that may lead to a diagnosis include ones that are continuous and compromise day to day functions at home or work. Those behaviours include recurring inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
Emotional & Less Discussed Symptoms
Beyond the main three symptoms listed above, there are also less discussed symptoms that can be acute yet muted. These include emotional and cognitive symptoms, such as:
ADHD Symptoms in Women vs Men
As with other aspects of life, the symptoms of ADHD present themselves differently in the different genders. They can be attributed to, in part, to expectations of society as well as biological factors, and some of the symptoms of adult ADHD present themselves more in one gender than in the other. Some of the ways that men and women differ in their presentation of symptoms include:
|
Type of Symptom |
Men |
Women |
|---|---|---|
|
Physical Restlessness/Constant Activity |
✔ |
|
|
Disruptive Behaviour/Aggression |
✔ |
|
|
Excessive Daydreaming |
✔ |
|
|
Emotional Dysregulation |
✔ |
|
|
Risk Taking |
✔ |
|
|
Inattention |
✔ |
|
|
Internalized Behaviours |
✔ |
|
|
Externalized Behaviours |
✔ |
|
|
Social/Emotional Impacts |
✔ |
When it has come to diagnosing adult ADHD, it has historically been biased toward the identification of ADHD in males. This has primarily been due to the fact that symptoms in males manifest themselves in outward, external behaviours such as hyperactivity or behaviour difficulties. This bias stems from the symptoms in men are easier to observe as they are often external. Women’s symptoms are often more difficult to identify as they exhibit more internal symptoms, such as inattention, that can easily be missed.
How ADHD Affects Daily Life
In both men and women, ADHD can cause powerful impacts on day-to-day living. Adults living with ADHD continually struggle with impulsive behaviour, missed deadlines, unstable finances, difficulty with relationships, and emotional management.
Signs You May Have Undiagnosed ADHD
It is more difficult to complete a late diagnosis of ADHD, but there are signs that you may look for in yourself or someone close to you. While it is not conclusive and should be taken as way to determine undiagnosed ADHD in adults, it can be helpful as a way to assist someone to professionals who can determine a diagnosis.
Some of the adult ADHD signs are:
|
Type of Symptom |
Cognitive and Organizational Signs |
Focus and Motivation Obstacles |
|---|---|---|
|
mood swings |
forgetfulness |
easily distracted |
|
always in motion |
inability to follow through |
avoiding tasks |
|
being ‘wired’ or jumpy |
weak organizational skills |
procrastination |
|
easily irritated |
always running late |
trouble keeping focus |
|
makes hasty decisions |
difficulty to adapt |
lack of motivation |
|
over the top responses |
often mentally exhausted |
little conversational focus |
|
risky behaviour |
losing or misplacing items |
losing interest quickly |
|
inability to wait your turn |
trouble prioritizing tasks |
boredom with repetitive tasks |
|
inability to sit still |
difficulty multitasking |
trouble switching between tasks |
|
quick to anger |
poor working memory |
low frustration tolerance |
When to Seek Professional Help
While symptoms typically need to be present in a person earlier than 12 years of age, adults often seek help with the possibility of adult onset ADHD when stress, responsibilities, or changes in life make it hard to cope. There are key signs that indicate that you should seek professional help.
While self-identifying with several of these symptoms does not indicate that you or someone close to you may have adult ADHD, it may be worthwhile to connect with professionals who are able to make an adult ADHD diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
Comments that come from others at work about your forgetfulness and inability to focus can be difficult to hear. However, just discounting those statements as office chatter may not be your wisest course of action.
It is never easy to admit that you may need help. It can also be just as difficult to reach out and ask for help. The professionals at Positive Mind Wellness are dedicated to making our clients’ quality of life better. Contact us today to book an appointment for adult ADHD testing. We want you to do well and get the most enjoyment out of life.
Related Article: Is ADHD a Disability?
