Severe ADHD Symptoms
People with ADHD can hyper-focus on things that they find interesting or enjoyable. They can also have a low tolerance to frustration and mood swings.
Doctors will study the person's history and family history, particularly when they are children. They will look over school report cards and talk 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 on tasks that bore them or seem boring. It's a common issue that can lead to stress, low self-esteem and issues with work, family and school. In some instances it could be an indication of adult ADHD symptoms.
Untreated, severe adult ADHD can make it difficult to manage responsibilities, remain organized, follow through on plans and maintain a calm attitude under pressure. As a result, many adults with undiagnosed or severe ADHD suffer for years without ever receiving the help they require. During this time, they may have been referred to as lazy, slackers, or goof-offs by others. In some cases they have compensated for their inability to concentrate by employing tools like procrastination, and making last-minute decisions. But as the demands on their time have increased over time they've become increasingly ineffective leading to stress and even more problems with their lives.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can also be a cause of poor listening skills, making it difficult for those with ADHD to keep up with conversations. Additionally, symptoms of ADHD in adults women limited attention spans and difficulties staying on task can lead to confusion and missed appointments at work.
In some instances the inattention symptom of ADHD may be mistaken for a learning disorder, anxiety or depression. A mental health specialist or health care professional should always assess and treat anyone who is experiencing these symptoms.
A diagnosis of severe adult ADHD can allow you to receive the help and treatment you need to live a happier and more productive existence. The ADDitude Symptom Focus highlights each week a distinct hallmark symptom or overlooked symptom each week so you can know what to look out for and how you can get the help you need.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD typically excel in creative fields, as brain function differences can assist them in finding creative solutions to problems. These same differences can cause anxiety or irritability. When left unaddressed it can cause frustration and anxiety. Those with ADHD frequently feel overwhelmed by daily stressors, and have difficulty with relationships.
When evaluating a person for ADHD, mental health healthcare professionals or health specialists typically look at a variety of factors. These include symptoms and their severity, as well as any issues they could cause. They may also take an account of a person's family, educational and work experiences. They may also inquire about past or present physical illnesses or medications that the person is taking.
A person with severe ADHD symptoms may be impatient, interrupt others frequently or have trouble reading situational social boundaries. They might be more likely than other people to interrupt conversations, games, or activities without realizing it could be viewed as rude. They may blurt out answers before they've completed their questions or have a difficult time waiting for their turn. They may also have trouble getting their hands down as well as be anxious and may not be able to be quiet or do leisure activities in their own company.
Experts aren't sure why or what causes ADHD. However they do know that it is a genetic disorder and can run in families. They also believe that something happens with a person's brain structure or brain chemistry during certain developmental phases. The good news is that medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for ADHD. They can help adults who have severe symptoms manage their lives, careers and relationships.
3. Impulsivity
Everyone has trouble sitting down and paying attention, or controlling impulsive behavior at times. These problems are persistent in ADHD and can cause problems at school, home as well as social interactions and work.
Although experts don't understand why and the process by which people develop ADHD, they do know that some adults and children have differences in brain structure or chemical makeup. They also are aware that the condition may be genetic, meaning it is inherited from one or both parents. However, some people seem to develop the condition spontaneously, without a family history.
Impulsivity is one the three most prominent symptoms of ADHD. It can lead to serious problems in people's daily lives. Physically, it can manifest as a lack or control of movement or inhibition, such that you interrupt others or engage in risky behaviors. Physical impulsivity can also be manifested as an inability to control behavioral impulses or to think before you act like excessive eating, shopping, or intoxication.
Additionally, people with impulsivity often have trouble understanding social boundaries in a particular situation. They can be rude to others, make promises they are unable to keep, or have difficulty understanding their own feelings. They may have a difficult time delaying their desire for gratification or following instructions and are often influenced by immediate rewards, like instant gratification from video games.
In the worst cases, impulsivity could result in poor financial decisions and workplace issues, or even alcohol or drug abuse. But with treatment, it's possible to reduce the signs of impulsivity and lessen its impact on life. There are many options available to help, such as medications, lifestyle changes and counseling. To achieve the best results, it is essential to seek a diagnosis from a medical specialist who is specialized in ADHD.
4. Unrest
For those who suffer from severe ADHD symptoms, their agitation can be a serious issue. It can be difficult to sleep, concentrate at work, or maintain relationships. This is described as an inability to remain still or sit still by wriggling or squirming an office chair, talking for too long and tapping feet or hands frequently. adult symptoms of ADHD can also cause an absence of interest in boring activities, frequent daydreaming, and an inability to handle stress.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more common among children with ADHD Adults can suffer from these same symptoms too. However, the signs may look different as they grow into adulthood. ADHD symptoms can be influenced by a person's sexual orientation or family background.
In addition, a person with ADHD might have other conditions that are co-existing with the condition. These conditions can include oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorders, anxiety or depression or tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse. These other conditions can affect the degree to which ADHD symptoms impact a person's life.
A health care provider will be able to determine if someone has severe ADHD by the severity of their symptoms. They can talk about how often symptoms manifest and how they impact the person's daily activities. They can then recommend the treatment plan which includes psychotherapy and/or disability accommodations to assist the person with their symptoms. They can also refer someone to an expert for diagnostic testing and medication. This can help improve the quality of life for a person and assist them in achieving their goals. They can live a more organized and productive life. The more they are accountable for, the harder it is to control their symptoms.
5. Boredom
The inability to deal with boredom can be particularly troublesome for people with ADHD. Restlessness and frustration are common symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to maintain a balance between the demands of family and work. Anxiety is also a concern because the mind replays stressful events in loops. Boredom can lead to low moods, which may worsen other issues like poor eating habits and abuse of substances.
The brains of people with ADHD respond to curiosity or competition as well as new ideas in ways that other brains do not. This means that tasks that are routine or boring can quickly lose their appeal. Inattention is another problem. Bored people tend to forget things or commit careless errors. It's easy to get distracted by an email or a word they hear in their neighbour's cubicle or a novel idea that pops up in their minds.
If you or your children complain of boredom often it is a good idea to consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. If you don't treat the problem, it can affect your life at work and home.
People with ADHD must manage anxiety and boredom. They also need to maintain a schedule that includes new activities. For instance, try working from different places or change your music playlist. You might also be bored if you don't get rewards. Try to incorporate small rewards or breaks into your daily routine. Also, consider making boring tasks into mini-games like estimating how fast you can fold laundry, or determining how many tasks you can accomplish in a given amount of time. Don't be shy about talking to your boss or teacher about your issues. They might be able and willing to accommodate you at school or at work.