ADHD Symptoms In Adults

ADHD symptoms in adults are less ubiquitously discussed but just as valid as those of children.  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is well-documented in children. Its cause is still not thoroughly understood, although it is believed that both genes and environmental issues, such as exposing the fetus to cigarettes and alcohol, both play a role in its development. ADHD cannot develop in adults, but it is now understood that approximately 60% of children with ADHD carry the symptoms into adulthood. In the United States, that translates into approximately 4% of all adults, or roughly 8 million people, who suffer from symptoms of the disorder. Relatively few adults are ever diagnosed or treated for adult ADHD, however.

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ADHD symptoms in adults can be separated into three main categories – impulsivity, hyperactivity and distractibility or inattentiveness. Impulsivity is characterized by difficulty in controlling immediate reactions. Hyperactivity displays itself as restlessness and fidgeting, with difficulty sitting still. Distractibility is the inability to focus for an appreciable amount of time on a specific task or project. While these symptoms are invariably a continuation of symptoms experienced throughout childhood, it is believed by many researchers that the symptoms are more subtle and exhibit themselves differently in adult sufferers of the disorder. This can make recognition and diagnosis of adult ADHD more difficult.

As we enter adulthood, obligations and responsibilities increase. We have to keep many balls in the air, juggling the various facets of our lives. This is difficult for anyone, but someone with adult ADHD finds it particularly challenging, and sometimes impossible. Breaking down the three main categories into finer detail will reveal how these symptoms manifest themselves.

Impulsivity

Symptoms in this category include difficulty controlling comments, behaviors and responses. Speaking or acting without thinking, or reacting without examining the consequences are characteristic of those who exhibit impulsivity. An adult with ADHD will often blurt out comments or rush through tasks without reading instructions. Patience may be a virtue, but it is one with which adults with impulse problems have little familiarity. They are more apt to dive right into a situation without much thought, potentially finding themselves in risky predicaments. Adults with impulse problems will often exhibit several, if not all, of the following: self control will be poor at best; behavior in social situations will be inappropriate; addictive tendencies will be present; actions will precede thought, often rushing headlong into situations without any consideration of consequences; inappropriate or unacceptable thoughts are blurted out; and speakers will be interrupted or talked over..

Emotional difficulties also fall within this category. Adults with ADHD will oftentimes have trouble controlling their feelings. Frustration and anger can be especially difficult. Among the symptoms frequently seen are: explosive temper which quickly dissipates; lack of motivation; quickly stressed and flustered; moodiness and irritability; inability to handle criticism; a feeling of insecurity and underachievement with low self-esteem; and an inability to cope with frustration.

Hyperactivity

It is possible for adults to exhibit hyperactivity in a manner similar to that of children, bouncing off the walls in seemingly perpetual motion. As mentioned above, however, these symptoms, like all the others, are frequently more subtle in adults. Those who exhibit symptoms in this category often fidget constantly, having trouble sitting still. They get bored easily and crave excitement. They can be agitated, feeling inwardly restless. They may talk excessively and their thoughts may race. They may take unnecessary risks, and they may attempt to do many tasks at once.

Distractibility

While symptoms in this category may appear on the surface to be less troublesome than those of the other two categories, they are nevertheless quite disruptive to those adults who suffer from them. Focusing on ordinary, mundane tasks is a challenge. Sights and sounds can easily distract. They flit from one project to another and are easily bored. Even simple tasks may be a struggle to complete. Lack of focus often leads to lack of attention to detail which, in turn, leads to errors. Procrastination, chronic lateness, lack of organization, and an inability to begin or finish projects are often exhibited.

Interestingly, there is a flip side to the issue of lack of focus, and that is hyperfocus. While ADHD sufferers have difficulty focusing on tasks which don’t interest them, they can become completely absorbed in tasks that they find interesting and rewarding. Hyperfocus is a way to tune out all the distractions and noise, a type of coping mechanism. Focus and absorption can become so intense that all sense of time is lost. This can be very valuable when turned toward useful and productive endeavors. If not controlled, however, it can lead to issues at work and in personal relationships.

Once recognized and diagnosed, the adult sufferer of ADHD can start to take control of his or her life, finally understanding that this is something that can be mastered.