Severe ADHD Symptoms
People with ADHD can hyper-focus on things they find interesting or fun. They can also have a low frustration tolerance and mood swings.
Doctors will look at the person's background and family history, particularly when they are young. They will also talk to parents and look over school reports.
They will assess symptoms for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, as well as a lack of motivation.
1. Trouble focusing
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to concentrate particularly when they are working on tasks that make them bored or seem tedious. It's a common issue that can cause anxiety, low self-esteem, and issues with work, family and school. In some cases the difficulty in focusing can be a sign of undiagnosed serious adult ADHD symptoms.
Untreated, severe adult ADHD can make it difficult to manage your responsibilities, stay organized, stick to plans and maintain calm when under stress. Many adults suffering from severe ADHD or undiagnosed ADHD suffer for many years without receiving the help they need. In the past they've been branded lazy, slackers or even a snob by other people. In some cases they have compensated for their inability to concentrate through tools such as procrastination, and making last-minute decisions. As their responsibilities grew, these strategies became less effective, causing more stress and problems in their daily lives.
Inattention, a sign of ADHD, can also lead to poor listening skills. This can make it difficult for people who suffer from ADHD to stay on top of conversations. Their lack of attention span and inability to focus, can also lead to miscommunications and missed appointments.
In some cases there are instances where the inattention symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for depression or a learning disorder. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider must always be able to evaluate and treat a person experiencing these symptoms.
A diagnosis of severe adult ADHD will allow you to receive the help and treatment you require to live a happier and more productive life. Each week the ADDitude Spotlight spotlights a distinct or atypical symptom of ADHD so that you can learn more about what to look for and how to get the help you require.
2. Hyperactivity
People suffering from ADHD typically excel in creative careers, as differences in brain function can assist them in finding creative solutions to challenges. However, these same differences can also lead to excessive restlessness and hyperactivity. When left unaddressed, this can lead to frustration and anxiety. It's common for those with ADHD to be overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life and have difficulty relating to others particularly if they don't have a solid support system.
When evaluating an adult for ADHD health care providers or mental health professionals usually look at a range of factors, including the symptoms of the disorder, their severity and any problems they cause. They might also conduct notes and look at the person's family, education and work experiences. In addition, they could ask for information about any past or current physical ailments or medications the person is taking.
A person with severe ADHD symptoms could be impulsive, or have trouble reading social boundaries. They are more likely to interfere in conversations, games or activities and not realize that others may view their behavior as rude. They may blurt out answers before they're finished with questions or have a difficult time waiting for their turn. They may also have difficulty getting their hands off or are agitated and unable to play quietly or do leisure activities alone.
Experts don't know the reason or what causes ADHD. However they do recognize that it is a genetic disorder that can run in families. They also believe that something happens with the brain structure or brain chemistry during certain developmental phases. The positive side is that medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for ADHD. signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults with severe symptoms can benefit from these treatments. They can manage their careers, relationships and lives.
3. Impulsivity
Everybody has trouble sitting still paying attention to details or controlling their impulsive behavior every now and then. These problems persist in ADHD and can interfere with school, home, social relationships, and work.
Although experts don't understand why and how people develop ADHD but they do know that certain adults and children have different characteristics in the brain's structure or chemistry. They also recognize that the condition could be genetic, meaning that it originates from one or both parents. Certain people, however, appear to develop the condition without any family history.
Impulsivity is among the three main symptom domains of ADHD and can cause serious problems in the lives of individuals. Physically, it can manifest as a lack of control of movement or inhibition, such that you interrupt others or engage in risky behaviors. Non-physical impulsivity can be a sign of the inability to control behavior-related impulses or to think before taking action such as overindulging in food, shopping or alcohol.
In addition, people with impulsivity have a difficult time discerning social boundaries in certain situations. They can be rude to others, make commitments that they can't keep, or have trouble understanding their own emotions. They may have a difficult time delaying gratification or following instructions. They are often influenced by immediate rewards, such as instant gratification from video games.
In the worst cases, impulsivity may lead to poor financial choices and workplace issues, or even addiction to alcohol or drugs. Through treatment, impulsivity can be reduced and its symptoms improved. There are a variety of options to help, such as medications, lifestyle changes and counseling. To achieve the most effective results, it's important to get a diagnosis from a medical specialist who is trained in ADHD.
4. Unrest
Restlessness can be a problem for those suffering from severe ADHD symptoms. It can interfere with getting to sleep, focusing at work, or maintaining relationships. The symptom is identified by an inability to sit down or remain still, squirming in the chair, talking too much, and constantly tapping feet or hands. It can also cause a lackluster interest in boring pursuits as well as frequent daydreaming and an inability to handle stress.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more common among children with ADHD, adults may suffer from the same symptoms as well. The symptoms may alter as the child grows into adulthood. ADHD symptoms can be affected by a person's sex or family background.
Additionally, a person with ADHD might have other conditions that coexist with the condition. These conditions include oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorders as well as anxiety or depression or tic disorders like Tourette syndrome as well as substance abuse. These other conditions can affect the degree to which ADHD symptoms affect the lives of people with ADHD.
A medical professional can determine whether a person has severe ADHD by assessing the severity of their symptoms across a variety of situations. They can talk about the frequency of symptoms and how they affect the person's daily tasks. They can then recommend the treatment plan which includes psychotherapy and/or disability accommodations to aid the person in managing their symptoms. They may also refer the person to a specialist who can provide diagnostic tests and prescriptions to treat the condition. This can improve a person's quality of life and help them achieve their goals. They can lead a more fulfilling, organized and productive life. The more they are accountable for, the more difficult it becomes to manage their symptoms.
5. Boredom
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have a hard to deal with boredom. Frustration and restlessness are common symptoms, making it hard to keep up with family and work obligations. Anxiety is also a concern due to the mind's tendency to replay worrying events in loops. The feeling of boredom can trigger low moods that can cause other issues such as eating disorders and substance abuse.
People who suffer from ADHD have brains that respond differently to interest, novelty, and competition. This means that tasks that are routine or boring are quickly lost in their appeal. Full Piece of writing is also an issue as bored people tend to lose important details or make erroneous mistakes. It's easy to get distracted by an email, a phrase they hear in their neighbor's cubicle or a novel idea that pops into their head.
If you or your children are experiencing boredom frequently it is recommended to talk to a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. If the symptoms are not treated, they can become more severe and affect your life at work and at home.
Controlling boredom and understimulation is crucial for people suffering from ADHD and it is essential to maintain an organized routine that incorporates different activities. For instance, you could try working in different locations or changing your music playlist. The cause of boredom is often by a lack of reward, so try to incorporate small breaks or rewards into your daily routine. Also, consider turning boring tasks into mini-games such as timing how fast you can fold laundry, or determining the amount of tasks you can complete in a given amount of time. Don't be shy to talk about your challenges with your boss or teacher who may be able to make accommodations at school or work.