Common Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is not limited to childhood; it is a disorder that very often persists into adulthood. At Bluebird Psychology, we see a number of adults who were not diagnosed as children and are now curious whether the symptoms they are experiencing can be explained by ADHD. While the symptoms of adult ADHD may differ from those in children, they can still significantly impact a person's daily life. Here are some common symptoms of ADHD in adult
Inattention:
Difficulty staying organized and managing time effectively.
Frequent forgetfulness, such as missing appointments or losing personal items.
Struggles with tasks that require sustained attention, like reading or paperwork.
Difficulty following through on work or personal responsibilities.
Impulsivity:
Impulsive decision-making, such as making hasty financial choices or speaking without thinking.
Interrupting others during conversations or being unable to wait your turn.
Difficulty managing emotions, leading to emotional outbursts and mood swings.
Hyperactivity:
Restlessness and an inability to sit still, both physically and mentally.
Engaging in excessive fidgeting, pacing, or tapping your fingers.
A strong desire for constant stimulation and difficulty relaxing.
Disorganization:
Chronic problems with organizing tasks and spaces.
Procrastination on important tasks.
Difficulty completing projects, often leaving many tasks partially finished.
Difficulty with Time Management:
Struggles with estimating how long tasks will take to complete.
Tendency to underestimate or overestimate time.
Difficulty prioritizing and managing one's schedule.
Poor Impulse Control:
Difficulty resisting temptations or compulsions.
Frequent engagement in risky or thrill-seeking behaviors.
Difficulty maintaining focus on long-term goals.
Relationship Challenges:
Problems with maintaining stable and fulfilling relationships, both personally and professionally.
Frequent misunderstandings or arguments due to impulsive or inattentive behavior.
Difficulty listening and responding to others in conversations.
Chronic Forgetfulness:
Forgetting important dates, events, and obligations.
Losing or misplacing items on a regular basis.
Difficulty following routines or sticking to plans.
Emotional Dysregulation:
Mood swings and intense emotional reactions to stressors.
Difficulty managing frustration and anger.
A sense of chronic underachievement, which can lead to low self-esteem.
It's important to note that not everyone with ADHD will exhibit all these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Additionally, other mental health conditions or medical issues can have similar symptoms, so a comprehensive evaluation, is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms and believes they may have adult ADHD, it's advisable to seek professional help for an assessment and potential intervention. You can also take our free ADHD screener for adults here to further explore whether an assessment may be beneficial for you.