When most people think of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they likely picture a child who is constantly moving, fidgeting, and struggling to pay attention. However, ADHD doesn’t just affect children – it can also persist into adulthood. In fact, around 6% of adults in the United States are estimated to have ADHD, with half of those people receiving a diagnosis in adulthood. It’s crucial to be aware of the signs of adult ADHD so you or a loved one can get the help you need right away. ADHD can be successfully managed with the proper treatment and support. Here are the signs of adults with ADHD to look out for.
What is ADHD?
Before we dive into the signs of adult ADHD, let’s take a look at what exactly ADHD is and how it can negatively impact day-to-day life. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is usually diagnosed in childhood (before the age of 12), but symptoms can persist into adulthood.
While some people think of ADHD as being restless, there are actually two subsets of ADHD. These include:
- Inattentive: People with inattentive ADHD struggle with focus and organization. They may seem “spacey” or forgetful, have difficulty completing tasks, and are overall inattentive to details. However, this isn’t due to being lazy or due to being defiant. It is simply more difficult for those with inattentive ADHD to stay on track and focused.
- Hyperactive/Impulsive: This type of ADHD is more commonly seen in children and is characterized by excessive movement, trouble sitting still, impulsive behavior, and speaking without thinking first. People with impulsive ADHD might also have difficulty controlling urges for gratification, putting this at the forefront despite negative consequences.
Some people might also present with both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, which is known as the combined type of ADHD. Whether someone suffers from one type or both types of ADHD, an adult diagnosis is made only after someone experiences five or more symptoms of each subset or both for at least six months.
Signs of Adults with ADHD
Now that we have a better understanding of what ADHD is, let’s take a closer look at the signs of adults with ADHD that could lead to an accurate diagnosis.
Making Constant Mistakes
One of the most frustrating signs of inattentive ADHD that may lead to a diagnosis is making seemingly careless mistakes in schoolwork, regular work, or other activities. It’s important to know that mistakes aren’t made because someone simply disregards details.
On the contrary, while an adult with ADHD might have a strong desire to complete tasks properly, they may experience difficulty following through with tasks due to forgetting basic details. If you find yourself struggling with completing detail-oriented tasks despite your best efforts, perhaps getting help with ADHD can bring you closer to completing your best work.
Often Side-Tracked with Tasks
People with inattentive-type ADHD also struggle with following through on goals and work for school and in their careers. This is also known as task incompletion. Even simple chores, like maintaining a home or cleaning a room, can be left undone because of side-tracking.
While it might seem like a lack of motivation or laziness, the reality is that adults with ADHD often have difficulty prioritizing tasks and staying on track with their goals. Learning task management skills as well as self-prioritizing can go a long way in helping someone with ADHD finally tackle that to-do list and improve their daily routines.
Feeling Restless
While children with ADHD might find it easy to run or climb at inappropriate times, signs of adults’ ADHD may experience an inner sense of restlessness. This feeling is known as hyperactivity, and it can do more harm than one thinks.
Restlessness can take on several forms, including:
- Inability to it still (such as at work or school)
- Constant anxiety
- Constant need to feel something new
- Constant need to put feelings of gratification first
These symptoms can not only negatively impact daily life, but it can lead to scary consequences such as impulsive decision-making, risk-taking behaviors, and relationship difficulties. Seeking help for ADHD can provide strategies to manage these symptoms and find healthier outlets for restlessness.
Trouble With Social Relationships in Adults with ADHD
Interestingly enough, people with ADHD might also struggle with maintaining good social relationships compared to those without ADHD. Studies show that people with ADHD have higher rates of divorce and also struggle to maintain friendships into adulthood. This may be due to issues with ADHD such as:
- Impulsively speaking and interrupting others
- Difficulty paying attention during conversations
- Poor negotiation skills
- Forgetting important details or tasks that may affect relationships
Therapy can help individuals with ADHD work on improving these areas, as well as developing stronger communication skills and strategies for managing impulsivity. Building a strong support system is key for those who want to maintain healthy relationships and manage symptoms of ADHD.
Find Stability With Elevation Behavioral Health
If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of adults with ADHD, know that you’re not alone. At Elevation Behavioral Health, we can help provide ADHD treatment in Agoura Hills to those looking for a way to manage their impulsivity and improve attention. Through our 90-day inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment, we’ve created an all-encompassing approach to treating ADHD.
Our licensed medical staff offers a variety of treatment modalities that work for you, breaking down negative coping skills you might have developed and helping you build new ones in their place. ADHD is complex, but finding help for it doesn’t have to be. Call us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you manage your symptoms and help you find stability, peace, and better well-being despite your ADHD.
