Severe ADHD Symptoms
People with ADHD tend to be hyper-focused on things that they find interesting or fun. They might also be prone to mood swings and a low tolerance to anger.
Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient and their family, especially if they have children. They will assess school report cards and talk with parents.
They will assess symptoms for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, as well as a lack of motivation.
1. Difficulty Focusing
People with ADHD have difficulty concentrating on tasks, especially those which are dull or boring. It's a problem that can lead to stress, low self esteem and difficulties at work, home or at school. In some cases, the struggle with focusing reflects undiagnosed severe adult ADHD symptoms.
Untreated, severe adult ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to manage responsibilities and stay organized, follow through with plans, and remain calm in times of stress. Many people with severe ADHD or not diagnosed ADHD struggle for a long time without getting the help they need. In this time, they may have been called lazy, slackers or even a snob by other people. In some instances they've compensated for their inability to concentrate through tools such as procrastination, or making decisions at the last minute. However, as responsibilities have increased over time, these strategies are becoming less effective leading to stress and more issues in their daily lives.
The inattentive symptom of ADHD can also contribute to low listening skills, making it difficult for people with ADHD to keep up with conversations. Their short attention spans and inability to focus, can also lead to miscommunications and missed appointments.
In some cases there are instances where the inattention symptoms of ADHD could be mistaken as depression or a learning disorder. A mental health specialist or health care professional should always evaluate and treat a person experiencing these symptoms.
A diagnosis of severe adult ADHD can help you get the support and treatment needed to live a happier and more productive life. The ADDitude Symptom Finder highlights every week a distinctive symptom or overlooked symptom each week so you can learn what to look for and how to get the help you need.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADHD excel in careers that require creativity because their brain functions can help them find unconventional solutions to problems. The same issues can lead to anxiety or irritability. If left untreated this can result in anxiety and frustration. It's not uncommon for those with ADHD to be overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life and have difficulty relating to others particularly in the absence of an effective support system.
When evaluating 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 issues they may cause. They may also inquire about a person's past and evaluate their education, family and work experiences. In addition, they might ask for information about any physical ailments or medications the person is taking.
Someone with severe ADHD symptoms might be indecisive, disrupt others often or have trouble recognizing social boundaries. They might be more likely to disrupt conversations, games or 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 trouble putting down their hands as well as be anxious and not be able to be quiet or do leisure activities by themselves.
Experts don't know the exact cause and how one develops ADHD however they do know that it's an inherited disorder that can run in families. They also believe that something changes with the brain structure or brain chemistry during certain developmental phases. The good news is that medication and psychotherapy are effective treatment options for ADHD. They can assist adults suffering from severe symptoms manage their careers, lives and relationships.
3. Impulsivity
Everyone has trouble sitting still paying attention to details or controlling impulsive behavior at times. However, for those with ADHD the issues persist and are pervasive, interfering in the workplace, school, home and social relationships.
Experts don't know why or how people develop ADHD. However, they do recognize that children and adults may have different brain structure or chemistry. They also know that the disorder can be inherited and comes from one or both parents. Certain people, however, are able to develop it without a family history.
Instinctiveness is among the three main symptoms of ADHD. It can cause serious issues in people's daily lives. Physically, it can manifest as a lack of inhibition or control over movement like interrupting others or engaging in risky behaviors. Non-physical impulsivity can be a sign of the inability to control behavior-related impulses or to think before acting when food, shopping or alcohol.
Furthermore, people who are impulsive are unable to discern social boundaries in certain situations. They might talk over others or make promises they can't keep, and they might have a difficult time understanding their own emotions. They might have a difficult time delaying their desire for gratification or following instructions. They are often influenced by immediate rewards, such as getting instant gratification from games.
In severe instances, impulsivity can cause poor financial decisions, problems in the workplace or even a drug or alcohol abuse. However, with treatment, it is possible to reduce the signs of impulsivity, and decrease its impact on life. There are many options available to aid, including treatment, lifestyle modifications and counseling. It is important to get an evaluation from a medical professional with a specialization in ADHD.
4. Restlessness
For those with severe ADHD symptoms, their agitation can be a problem. It can interfere with getting to sleep, focusing on work, or maintaining relationships. The symptom is described as the inability to sit still or seated and wriggling or squirming in a seat, talking excessively and tapping hands or feet often. It can also lead to an inability to focus on things that aren't exciting, daydreaming frequently, and having short tempers or a low tolerance to stress.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more common in children with ADHD however, adults are susceptible to these symptoms as well. However, the symptoms could be different as they move into adulthood. The gender of a person's partner and family history, as well as medical issues can impact their ADHD symptoms.
In addition, a person with ADHD might also suffer from other disorders that coexist with the condition. These conditions can include oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorders, anxiety or depression or tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome and addiction to drugs. These conditions can impact how severe ADHD symptoms are.
A doctor can determine if a person has severe ADHD by the severity of their symptoms. They can talk about how often the symptoms occur and how they impact the daily activities of a person. They may then suggest a treatment plan that includes therapy and/or disability accommodations to help the person manage their symptoms. They may also refer a person to a specialist who can provide diagnostic tests and prescriptions to treat the disease. This can enhance the quality of a person's life and assist them in achieving their goals. They can lead a more efficient productive, productive, and satisfying lifestyle. The more they are accountable for, the more difficult it becomes to manage their symptoms.
5. Boredom
Adults with ADHD are often having a difficult time coping with boredom. Frustration and restlessness are common symptoms, making it hard to keep up with family and work obligations. Anxiety can be a problem due to the mind's tendency to replay worrying events in loops. The boredom of life can cause low moods, which may worsen other issues like poor eating habits and abuse of substances.
The brains of people suffering from ADHD respond to interest as well as competition and the new in ways that other brains don't. Tasks that are boring or routine can be lost in the blink of an eye. Inattention can also be an issue as bored people are more likely to forget details or make careless mistakes. It's easy to get distracted by an email or a phrase that they hear in their neighbor's cubicle, or an idea that pops into their minds.
If you or your child are experiencing boredom regularly you should consult an expert medical professional to obtain 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 must also maintain a routine that includes new activities. For instance, try moving around or changing your music playlist. Boredom can also be caused by a lack of reward Try to incorporate small rewards or breaks into your daily routine. Also, try turning boring tasks into mini-games such as timing how fast you can fold laundry or seeing how many things you can complete within a specific amount of time. Don't be afraid to talk about your challenges with your teacher or boss who might be able to help make some accommodations at work or school.