Severe ADHD Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD are able to focus their attention on things they find interesting or enjoyable. They also may have a low frustration tolerance and mood swings.
Doctors will study the person's family history and history, particularly when they are young. They will assess school reports and speak to parents.
They will assess symptoms for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, as well as a lack of motivation.
1. Difficulty Focusing
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble concentrating, especially when they are working on tasks that make them bored or seem boring. It's a common issue that can lead to stress, low self esteem and issues at home, work or at school. In some instances, the struggle with focusing can be a sign of undiagnosed serious adult ADHD symptoms.
Untreated severe adult ADHD can make it difficult to handle responsibilities, stay organized, follow through on plans and maintain calm under stress. Many adults with severe ADHD or not diagnosed ADHD suffer for many years without getting the assistance they need. During these years they've probably been branded by others as lazy, goof-off or lazy. In some cases they have compensated for their inability of focusing through tools such as procrastination and making decisions at the last minute. However, as their responsibilities have increased over time, these strategies are becoming less effective leading to stress and even more problems with their daily lives.
The inattentive characteristic of ADHD can also be a cause of poor listening skills, making it difficult for people with ADHD to keep up with conversations. Their lack of attention span, and inability to focus can lead to missed work appointments and misunderstandings.
In some instances, the inattentive symptom of ADHD can be confused with a learning disorder, anxiety or depression. A mental health professional or health care provider should always assess and treat a person experiencing these symptoms.
A diagnosis of severe adult ADHD can help you get the assistance and treatment you need to live a happier and more productive life. Every week, the ADDitude Symptom Spotlight highlights a different hallmark or overlooked sign of ADHD so that you can know what to look for and how to get the help you require.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from ADHD often excel in creative professions because differences in brain function can assist them in finding creative solutions to problems. The same issues can cause excessive restlessness or hyperactivity. If not addressed, it can lead to anxiety and frustration. It's not uncommon for those with ADHD to feel overwhelmed by daily stressors and have difficulty relating to others, especially in the absence of an effective support system.
When looking at an adult for ADHD health professionals or mental health professionals typically take into consideration a variety of factors, including symptoms of the disorder, their severity and any problems they cause. They may also inquire about the person's past and assess their education, family and work experience. They can also inquire about current or past physical ailments or medications the person is taking.
Someone with severe ADHD symptoms could be impatient, interrupt others frequently or have trouble recognizing social boundaries. ADHD symptoms in adulthood may be more likely to interfere in conversations, games or other activities without realizing that others might think that their behavior is rude. They may respond to questions too quickly or have trouble waiting for their turn. They may also have difficulty putting down their hands or be agitated, and be unable to play quietly or do leisure activities by themselves.
Experts aren't sure of the reason and how one develops ADHD but they do know that it's a genetic disorder that can be passed down through families. They also believe that something changes to the brain's structure or chemistry in certain developmental phases. The positive side is that medication and psychotherapy are effective treatment options for ADHD. They can help adults who have severe symptoms manage their lives, careers and relationships.
3. Impulsivity
Everyone has trouble staying still, focusing on their surroundings or regulating impulsive behavior every once at a time. But with ADHD, these problems are constant and persistent and can affect the workplace, school, home and social interactions.
Experts aren't certain of the reason or how people develop ADHD. However, they do recognize that children and adults may have different brain structures or chemistry. They also know that the condition can be genetic which means it can come from one or both parents. Certain people, however, appear to develop the condition without a family history.
Impulsivity is one the three main symptoms of ADHD. It can cause serious problems in the daily lives. Physically, it manifests as a lack of inhibition or control over movement like interrupting others or engaging in risky behaviours. Impulsivity that is not physical can be manifested in the inability to control behavioral impulses, or to think before acting, such as excessive eating, shopping or alcohol consumption.
In addition, those who are impulsive often have difficulty understanding social boundaries in a particular situation. They may talk over others, make promises that they cannot keep, or have trouble understanding their own feelings. They might have a difficult time putting off gratification or adhering to directions and are often influenced by instant rewards, such as instant gratification from games.
In the worst instances, impulsivity may lead to poor financial decisions, issues in the workplace, or even a drug or alcohol abuse. However, with treatment, it's possible to improve the symptoms of impulsivity and reduce its impact on life. Lifestyle changes, medications and therapy are all available to help. To get the most effective results, it is important to get a diagnosis from a medical professional who specializes in ADHD.
4. Unrest
For those who suffer from severe ADHD symptoms, their excessive restlessness can be a problem. Restlessness can make it difficult to sleep, concentrate at work, or maintain relationships. This symptom is characterized by an inability to sit down or remain still, squirming around in the chair, talking too much, and constantly tapping hands or feet. It could also lead to an absence of interest in things that aren't exciting, daydreaming frequently, and having a short temper or low stress tolerance.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more prevalent in children with ADHD, adults are susceptible to these symptoms as well. However, the signs may be different as they move into adulthood. The gender of a person's partner or family history as well as medical issues can influence their ADHD symptoms.
A person suffering from ADHD could also suffer from other disorders. These include oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorders, depression or anxiety, tic disorders like Tourette syndrome and alcohol abuse. Other conditions can influence the degree to which ADHD symptoms affect a person's life.
A doctor can determine whether a person suffers from severe ADHD by evaluating the extent of their symptoms in multiple situations. They can discuss how often symptoms manifest and how they affect the daily activities of a person. They may then suggest an appropriate treatment plan that incorporates psychotherapy and/or disability accommodations to help the person manage their symptoms. They can also refer a person to a specialist for diagnostic testing and medication. This can enhance the quality of life of a person and help them reach their goals. They can live a more fulfilling, organized and productive life. The more responsibility they are able to take on the more difficult it can be for them to manage their symptoms.
5. Boredom
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have a hard time coping with boredom. Restlessness and frustration are common symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to maintain a balance between the demands of family and work. Anxiety can also be a problem because the mind replays stressful events in loops. Insomnia can cause depression, which can exacerbate other problems such as poor eating habits and abuse of substances.
The brains of those with ADHD respond to excitement or competition as well as novelty in ways that other brains don't. Routine or boring tasks can be lost in the blink of an eye. Inattention is also an issue, since bored people tend to lose details or make careless mistakes. It's easy for them to get distracted by an incoming email, the phrase they hear in their neighbour's cubicle, or a new idea that pops into their head.
If you or your children have a tendency to complain of boredom regularly it is recommended to talk to a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. If you don't treat the problem, it can affect your life at home and at work.
Managing boredom and understimulation is key for people with ADHD and it is essential to maintain an organized routine that incorporates new activities. Try working in a different space or adjusting your music playlist. The cause of boredom is often due to a lack of rewards Try to incorporate small rewards or breaks into your routine. Try making mundane tasks into mini-games like estimating how you get your laundry folded or how many tasks you complete in a set amount of time. Don't be shy to talk about your challenges with your teacher or boss who might be able to assist in making some adjustments at school or work.