How Does ADHD Present In Adults?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition widely associated with children or teens. Despite this association, however, adults can live with ADHD as well. As an adult, it is more challenging to recognize ADHD. You might dismiss some of the symptoms, but they could be an indication of something else going on. Rather than trying to cope with your ADHD on your own, we want to help you recognize the symptoms so that you can receive support. To understand how ADHD may present in adults, keep reading.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
There is an endless combination of symptoms for those with ADHD. Your symptoms might look completely different than the next. Keep this in mind as you read more about traits of ADHD. It is important to keep that in mind, and if you have further questions, always consult a professional.
1. Lack of Focus or Hyperfocus
Troubles with your focus is the most easily recognizable symptom of ADHD. Generally, you will find it difficult to pay attention to things. Lack of focus may look like being easily distracted or skipping over details. Along with a general lack of focus, ADHD can also cause hyperfocus or intense focus on one thing. You may jump around from various activities multiple times a day or only focus on one activity and think of nothing else. This type of one-track-minded thinking makes it easier to focus all your attention on one thing and focus better.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD can also affect your decision-making skills. You may make rash decisions or change your mind on the flip of a dime. Impulsivity can also penetrate into other aspects of your life, like rushing through work projects or house chores. Impulsivity can also come up in social settings. Take notice of how you act in conversations. If you have difficulty with interrupting people in the middle of their sentences or otherwise acting in impulsive manners in social settings, it may be an indication of ADHD.
3. Decreased motivation
Having decreased motivation is one of the more hard-to-swallow aspects of ADHD. Even though you may feel like you can or maybe even want to do anything you put your mind to, you may not feel motivated to do so. This could be due to finding it hard to focus for long periods of time. Procrastination and poor time management skills also fall under this umbrella of ADHD traits.
4. Physical symptoms
Despite ADHD being a mental health concern, physical manifestations can also be attributed to it. ADHD can affect your body in many ways, including fatigue and difficulty eating. You may find yourself tired because your mind does not easily rest. If you are hyperfocused on something, you may forget to eat. Other troubles with diet include not being able to decide what to eat, so you either overeat or do not eat anything. Substance misuse is also commonly seen in those with ADHD. Abuse of drugs and alcohol is a way some adults with ADHD choose to self-medicate to calm their symptoms.
Treatment of ADHD
The treatment process of ADHD is very similar in both adults and children. A combination of medication and psychotherapy are viable routes to take to mitigate your symptoms. In addition to helping with ADHD symptoms, therapy will also help with other emotional concerns commonly linked with ADHD. Increased anxiety levels or depression are usually present in adults with ADHD.
If these symptoms resonate with you or you want to learn or to get an ADHD Assessment, do not hesitate to reach out. Our office is ready to speak with you today, so visit our contact page to learn more.
