Think ADHD is something only kids have? Think again…
ADHD occurs in about 4.4 percent of the adult population in the U.S. And most people who are diagnosed with the disorder as children will continue to suffer from it into adulthood. Up to 85% of children with ADHD are at risk of having the disorder as adults, and only 10.9% of adults with ADHD receive treatment.
Unfortunately, many adults never receive treatment or proper diagnosis. It’s also common for some adults with ADHD to have fewer symptoms as they age, but many others continue to suffer from symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.
There are many signs and symptoms that can help determine if you or someone you know is suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Keep reading to learn how-to spot ADHD symptoms and how to properly treat ADHD in adults.
Self-Test: Do I Have Adult ADHD Symptoms?ADHD Symptoms Are in Adults Include
Focus is the thing we think of most often when it comes to symptoms of ADHD. Those with ADHD are chronically distracted. They can’t seem to get on track with any project for any real length of time.
On the flip side, they may also become hyperfocused on one thing. People with ADHD are sometimes known to pour all of their energy into a single project. And they may neglect everything else including family, friends, and personal hygiene in pursuit of that goal.
If they’re always late or always forgetting where they put things, they might be a candidate for adult ADHD testing. Of course, we’re all guilty of this from time to time. But a severe lack of time management skills is one of the telltale signs that something is amiss.
Lack of motivation is another common sign. People who deal with ADHD may anticipate something as being boring or unnecessary, causing a lack of motivation to do things. Often adult with ADHD has issues with procrastination and poor organizational skills this makes it hard for them to finish a project.
They try hard to do everything all at once this can cause extreme fatigue when unsuccessful, and lead to unemployment.
They may experience other mental health issues too, like anxiety What is the link between anxiety and ADHD. Because a person with ADHD is easily distracted, they are often anxious and nervous about normal, day-to-day activities.
Someone with ADHD might experience frequent mood swings. They may get frustrated by simple tasks and this can send them into bouts of anger or depression. And they may have low self-worth because of this.
Those with ADHD often have a hard time holding down a job. They also have difficulty keeping friends and staying in touch with family. And they may exhibit a predictable pattern for going in and out of romantic relationships.
According to Mayo Clinic, additional adult ADHD Symptoms may include:
- Impulsiveness
- Disorganization and problems prioritizing
- Poor time management skills
- Problems focusing on a task
- Trouble multitasking
- Excessive activity or restlessness
- Poor planning
- Low frustration tolerance
- Frequent mood swings
- Problems following through and completing tasks
- Hot temper
- Trouble coping with stress
ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you or someone you know experiences any of the symptoms you need to talk to your doctor about whether you might have ADHD.
To diagnose adhd, doctors will conduct a thorough examination to better understand your condition and its severity. You’ll be asked a variety of questions about past and present behavior. After the exams you’ll receive a report with ADHD rating scale so you know the severity of ADHD if you have it.
Treatment is often an ongoing combination of medication and therapy. There are pros and cons of taking medication for ADHD and certain medicines work better for some than others. A good doctor will continue to try new medications until they find one that works.
Stimulants tend to improve how neurotransmitters work in the brain. Also, certain antidepressants are helpful to level out mood and prevent highs and lows. There are even some natural ways to help alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Counseling is an important part of treatment because it helps the patient understand the Disorder. A good counselor can teach them coping mechanisms to help with focus. They can also help improve self-esteem and the ability to relate to other people.
Knowledge Is Power
ADHD isn’t something that will go away if you try harder. It’s a mental disorder that needs to be actively treated and controlled. With the right combination of treatment and medication, anyone with ADHD can live a full and happy life without needless suffering.
If children and adults exhibit the symptoms we mentioned here, it’s important to arm yourself with the knowledge. Getting an evaluation for ADHD at any age must put you on the path to finding the proper treatment.
That’s where we can help! At LDRFA we help people with the knowledge they need to overcome learning disabilities like Dyslexia and ADHD.
Click here for learning disability facts and information and to learn how to overcome stigmas and build self-esteem.
Remember you’re not alone. There are many famous people with Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia & ADHD. Learn about their journey to achieve success and overcoming the challenges with Dyslexia.
If you have a personal story of your struggle and learning disability you want to share and help others, let us know. We love to feature your journey on our website. (Read about a personal journey and struggle with deficit hyperactivity disorder adhd and dyslexia).
Photo by Alexander Dummer from Pexels
Zahavit Paz is a co-founder of LD Resources Foundation. She’s a graduate of CUNY Graduate disabilities study program. She is often a presenter on Assistive Technology at professional conferences in schools and colleges and has written extensively on her personal struggle with Dyslexia and ADHD. She is an advocate for individuals with LD and provides resources and information through the LDRFA website. More info about Zahavit Paz.