Adults Dealing With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not just a childhood disorder as many people believe. Adults can as well be diagnosed with ADHD. It is a neurobehavioral condition that develops in childhood and persists into
adulthood. As you move from adolescence to adulthood, the predominant signs of the condition tend to go from external to internal symptoms. This means that as you age, the observable symptoms of ADHD decrease. However, ADHD in adults looks a lot like that of a child: that should not surprise you because the symptoms are extensively the same. Here are a few things you can do to make life with more manageable.
Understanding ADHD In Adults
ADHD is not just a problem in kids. If you were diagnosed with it in childhood, chances are, you might be a victim when you are an adult. However, that does not mean that if you were never diagnosed with childhood ADHD you cannot suffer as an adult. In most cases, the disorder goes undetected throughout childhood, especially in the past when only a few people were aware of the condition. Sometimes you were able to compensate for the signs of it when you were a child, only to run into serious problems when responsibilities increase: raising a family, pursuing a career, running a household, and other daily life activities. You need a greater demand on your abilities to focus, organize and remain calm. Although this is a big challenge for everyone, but when you have ADHD, it can get down to impossible.
Luckily, regardless of how you feel, the challenges of the ADHD are beatable. With a little creativity, support, education, and treatment, you can manage the symptoms of adulthood ADHD. It is not too late to turn around your ADHD difficulties and start succeeding at your own pleasure.
Symptoms Of The Condition In Adults
In adults, the ADHD symptoms look more similar to those in children, but they are unique for each individual. Even though the symptoms are many, you can do your best to identify the ones that give you more difficulties, and start working on the right strategy to deal with them.
Trouble Staying focused And Concentrating
The symptoms in this group are sometimes ignored since they are less disruptive than other ADHD symptoms, but at times prove to be very troublesome, including:
- Extreme distractibility
- Zoning out without realizing it
- Difficulty focusing or paying attention
- Tendency to overlook details
- Struggling to complete tasks even if they are simple
- Poor listening skills
Forgetfulness And Disorganization
If you have adulthood ADHD, your life always becomes chaotic and out of control. In fact, staying organized is extremely challenging. Here key things to look at:
- Chronic lateness
- Trouble starting and completing projects
- Poor organization skills
- Frequently forgetting commitments, appointments, and deadlines
- Tends to procrastinate a lot
Emotional Difficulties
If you have adult ADHD, you will have a hard time managing your emotions, especially frustration and anger. Here are emotional symptoms to watch out for:
- Easily stressed out and flustered
- Sense of underachievement
- Mood swings
- Cannot manage frustration
- Trouble staying motivated
- Sense of insecurity and low self-esteem
- Hypersensitivity to criticism
Impulsivity
When you suffer from the condition related impulsivity symptoms, you might have problems controlling your comments, behavior, and responses. You might react without considering the consequence or act before you think. Sometimes you might find yourself blurting out comments, interrupting others and rushing to perform tasks without reading or understanding the instructions. In fact, being patient is extremely difficult. Here are key symptoms to check:
- Lack of self-control
- Frequently interrupting others
- Can’t behave social appropriate
- Acting reckless without considering consequences
What Happens If Left Untreated
Undiagnosed and untreated it has wide-reaching effects in your life. People might think that you are lazy or stupid because of your unusual behavior, and you start thinking about negative things about yourself. Here are some of the common effects of adults ADHD:
- Relationship problems
- Work and financial difficulties
- Physical and mental health problems
If you are experiencing the above symptoms of adults ADHD, it is important to seek medical attention before things go out of hand.