Severe ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Adults who suffer from severe ADHD symptoms are often difficult to identify. You may think they are just a matter of your personality.
If these characteristics are causing trouble at home or at work they might be a sign of ADHD. It's important that you talk to an expert in mental health or health care professional about the symptoms you are experiencing.
1. Trouble in Focusing

Concentration can be a challenging task for people with ADHD. They may have trouble completing college courses or staying focused during business meetings. They may not remember important dates or misplace things frequently. Their home may be a mess or their work performance can be affected due to their inability to keep their attention. This is a frequent and often unnoticed symptom particularly for women of ADHD. This could cause the disorder to be misdiagnosed or not treated.
While it is normal to make a mistake or struggle to complete tasks on time, if those issues persist and interfere with daily life, it is recommended that a mental health professional be sought out. symptoms of ADHD in adult women is essential to rule out any other possible causes of the problem, including stress or an illness.
Many adults with ADHD are forgetful and don't recall the ADHD symptoms they had as children. A mental health professional should talk to family members and close family members to learn about the child's behavior. In addition, people with ADHD will be required to take standardized tests that measure working memory, executive functioning and visual-spatial capabilities.
In the case of Fields her lack of focus and an inability to fulfill her commitments was getting in the way of her relationships with her colleagues, work performance and social life. She felt criticized, labeled "lazy" and "irresponsible," which added to her feelings of anger and made it more difficult for her to seek help from others. Undiagnosed and not treated ADHD symptoms can have serious consequences at work, school or in relationships, and even financial stability. They can lead depression, low self esteem and impulsive risks which can lead to addictions.
2. Doing nothing to help others
It can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD to maintain contact with their loved ones because of involuntary behavior, forgetfulness and difficulty in managing emotions. The disorder is not well-known, and these behaviors are often perceived by others as rudeness or inattention. In some instances these behaviors could affect professional relationships.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD are unable to adhere to corporate rules or deadlines at work, or sticking to a schedule at home. Many people with ADHD struggle with managing their finances. This can result in excess spending and unpaid bills. ADHD sufferers also have difficulty remembering to take medication or attending doctor appointments. This can result in mental and physical problems.
In the same way, people with ADHD interrupt other people in conversations without even thinking about it. This can make loved ones feel as though their opinions aren't valued or that they are ignored. In some instances, people who suffer from ADHD can become depressed or anxious when they feel that their impulsive behavior is affecting their relationships.
Fidgeting is another typical adult ADHD symptoms. This could include tapping the feet or biting the nails. These actions can interfere with the ability to concentrate in meetings and cause someone to be unable to comprehend important information. Additionally, if an individual with ADHD is constantly changing jobs or has a previous history of difficulties with relationships and/or relationship issues, they might need to seek a diagnosis and treatment for their ADHD.
A qualified mental health professional will conduct an evaluation, which includes the patient's medical history, records and a psychological examination to determine the presence of ADHD in adults. A questionnaire will also be given to the patient regarding their ADHD symptoms and behaviors. Talking to family members or reviewing your own behavior could aid in understanding adult ADHD.
3. Impulsivity
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble making and keeping commitments. They can put off tasks or find it hard to complete these tasks, resulting in feeling overwhelmed by the lack of completed projects and responsibilities. This can lead to anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, shame or issues with relationships. If not treated and diagnosed, the effects of ADHD can cause major difficulties at school, work and in everyday life. If left untreated, ADHD can result in people deeming those suffering from the condition lazy or irresponsible. This is not true because there are many ways to help those suffering from ADHD overcome their challenges and live happy, productive lifestyles.
In adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity are less evident than in teenagers or children with ADHD. However, this is not always the case and it is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis if signs are present. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to be suffering from co-existing conditions like oppositional disorder or conduct disorder, anxiety, depression and tic disorders like Tourette syndrome.
A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive evaluation, using standardized behavioral rating scales and symptom checklists. The examiner will go over the person's personal, medical and psychiatric histories dating back to childhood. The examiner will also look at the person's work and family history, driving habits, drug use and social interaction. The examiner will look over the criteria for ADHD established by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the individual meets the criteria for the disorder.
People who think they might have ADHD should ask about clinical trials, in which patients are offered different treatments or medications to test how they function. They should discuss it with their physician who will explain the risks and benefits involved taking part in a study.
4. Difficulty Making Decisions
If you suffer from ADHD, it's very common to have difficulty making decisions. You might be able to overthink a restaurant menu, take forever to decide whether or not to attend a social event or put off finishing your work until the last minute. These problems can affect all aspects of your life, from work to relationships. You may also feel hopeless, frustrated, or sad.
You may have trouble keeping your commitments, remembering to pay your bills or keeping appointments. You're more susceptible to losing your wallet or glasses. You might be anxious or anxious, and fidget a lot, even if you're sitting. In addition to these behavior signs, adults with ADHD often experience emotional troubles. They may struggle to manage their emotions, and often get easily bored or euphoric on the spur of the moment.
Women who suffer from ADHD generally experience different symptoms from men. For instance, women with undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to experience inattention symptoms, like forgetfulness and disorganization. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause women embarrassment, frustration and shame since they are often considered reckless, uncaring or naive. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can ease the burden, since it can explain your struggles and provide hope that you won't need to live with them indefinitely.
If you suspect you may have adult ADHD and you suspect that you have it, your doctor may recommend health professionals who are qualified to perform an evaluation. Alternately, you can visit a hospital that is affiliated with a university medical school for suggestions. Certain insurance plans also have lists of specialists. Joining an ADHD support group is also a beneficial idea. This way, you will be able to speak with people who understand your situation and get advice and moral support.
5. Inattention
You're running late to work or family gatherings, are unable to keep track of your appointments or you're constantly losing your keys. You also tend to forget important details such as meeting times and underestimate the time it takes to finish tasks. These issues can cause stress and strain on your personal life and professional career. While some people blame these problems on an inability to organize or stress, the reality is that ADHD can be a contributing factor to these issues.
In adults, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD appear much differently than those of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD. Inattentive ADHD is a condition that can persist into adulthood, despite the fact that the symptoms most common in adolescents and children (such as fidgeting or escaping) often disappear with age. This can cause problems with school, work and relationships.
Individuals with ADHD can easily get sidetracked by their racing thoughts and a hyperactive imagination, making it difficult to stay focused at work or school. In addition, they may not realize their mistakes or remember to complete something crucial. Adults with ADHD can lessen the effects by having the concept of a "parking area," a place to store thoughts that aren't needed until a time when they can be more productive.
Talk to your doctor if you might be suffering from ADHD. They will conduct an extensive evaluation that could include looking at the person's mood as well as medical history, talking with family members, teachers and friends, and examining the person's current and, if appropriate, childhood behavior and experiences. Stress, sleep disorders and anxiety, as well as other physical conditions or illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. A healthcare specialist will also look at these causes.