What Are The Signs Of ADHD In Adults? Know 12 Symptoms Here!

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in people, or ADHD in adults, often presents differently than in children, making it sometimes challenging to recognise. But what are the signs of ADHD in adults? The common signs include difficulty focusing on tasks, poor time management skills, and chronic procrastination. Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may also struggle with impulsivity, leading to hasty decisions or trouble maintaining relationships. Thus, understanding these signs helps in identifying ADHD in adults and seeking appropriate treatment and support timely.

So, let’s discuss the signs of ADHD in adults and understand how it affects your lifestyle in a broader sense!

Table Of Contents

1. What Are The Signs Of ADHD In Adults?

2. Dietitian’s Recommendation

3. The Final Say

4. FAQs

5. References

What Are The Signs Of ADHD In Adults?

Consider these 12 signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults for early diagnosis and treatment:

1. Difficulty Sustaining Attention

Adults with ADHD concern often find it challenging to maintain focus on tasks, particularly those that are monotonous or uninteresting. This difficulty can result in unfinished projects, missed deadlines, and a lack of follow-through on commitments. At work, this might manifest as trouble concentrating during meetings or completing detailed reports, which can lead to job dissatisfaction and low self-esteem due to perceived underperformance.

2. Forgetfulness

Frequently misplacing everyday items such as keys, wallets, or cell phones and regularly forgetting appointments or commitments are common signs of ADHD. This forgetfulness can lead to missed opportunities and strained relationships, as friends, family, and colleagues may perceive it as a lack of consideration or reliability.

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3. Disorganisation

Adults with ADHD often struggle to keep their living and work spaces organised. They may have cluttered desks, disorganised schedules, and a general difficulty managing their time effectively. This disorganisation can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and can make it challenging to complete essential tasks, contributing to increased stress and anxiety.

4. Poor Listening Skills

Engaging in conversations can be difficult for adults with ADHD, as they may become easily distracted or zone out. This can result in missing key points and important details during discussions, leading to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns in both personal and professional relationships. This can also make it challenging to follow through on verbal instructions or remember critical information shared during meetings or social interactions.

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5. Impulsive Decisions

Impulsivity is a hallmark of ADHD, leading to hasty decisions without considering long-term consequences. This behaviour can impact financial stability, such as making impulsive purchases or investments without proper planning. It can also affect career choices, with individuals changing jobs frequently without thoughtful consideration and personal relationships, where impulsive actions lead to conflicts or instability.

6. Interrupting Others

Frequently interrupting or finishing other people's sentences is a sign of impulsiveness often seen in adults with ADHD. This behaviour can be perceived as rude or inconsiderate, causing friction in social and professional interactions. It can also cause difficulties in maintaining conversations and building rapport with others, as the person might seem overly eager or impatient.

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7. Emotional Outbursts

Adults with ADHD are prone to sudden emotional outbursts, often due to frustration or stress. They may have difficulty managing their challenging emotions, leading to inappropriate reactions to minor annoyances. These outbursts can greatly strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues and can contribute to a cycle of guilt and regret following such incidents.

8. Restlessness

Although less common than in children, some adults with ADHD may experience an inability to sit still or feelings of inner restlessness. This can manifest as constant fidgeting, tapping, or an urge to keep moving. This restlessness can be disruptive in situations that require prolonged concentration, such as long meetings or sedentary tasks, and can lead to a feeling of being perpetually on edge.

Also Read: 7 Benefits Of Regular Activity & Exercises For Beginners

9. Excessive Talking

Talking excessively or feeling the need to stay busy can be symptoms of ADHD. This constant activity can be exhausting for the individual and may annoy those around them, affecting social interactions. It can also cause difficulties in maintaining focus on tasks that require quiet concentration and can result in a tendency to dominate conversations, making it hard for others to contribute.

10. Chronic Lateness and Procrastination

Adults with ADHD often struggle to start tasks and frequently delay essential activities. Chronic lateness can affect their work performance, leading to missed meetings or deadlines. Procrastination can result in last-minute rushes to complete tasks, leading to subpar work quality and increased stress. This cycle of delay and rush can create ongoing anxiety and a sense of being constantly behind.

Also Read: How To Deal With The Chronic Signs Of Depression?

11. Low Frustration Tolerance

A lower threshold for frustration is common among adults with ADHD. They may become easily irritated and have difficulty coping with stress, leading to frequent conflicts and strained relationships. This low frustration tolerance can make it challenging to handle everyday annoyances and setbacks, leading to feelings of overwhelm and burnout.

12. Relationship Issues

The symptoms of ADHD can significantly disrupt personal and professional relationships. Constant complaints, misunderstandings, and conflicts are common, making maintaining stable and healthy interactions challenging. The impulsivity, forgetfulness, and emotional outbursts associated with ADHD can lead to a perception of unpredictability and unreliability, which can strain relationships and create ongoing interpersonal difficulties.

Also Read: Discover Chronic Stress Symptoms, Causes And Treatment Options

Expert’s Advice 

I recommend, for adults with ADHD, that a diet with sufficient required omega-3 fatty acids, healthy lean proteins, and whole grains, which includes nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, can enhance focus and cognitive function. Limit sugar and caffeine to avoid exacerbating hyperactivity and inattention symptoms. Also, following exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes can improve mood and reduce irritability and frustration. 

Health Expert
Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Thus, understanding the symptoms can help adults recognise ADHD in themselves or others, leading to better diagnosis and treatment. Good management can improve the quality of life and work every day. It is hoped that as knowledge expands and resources improve, adults with ADHD in India can solve problems more efficiently and use their strengths to benefit their communities and the world.

FAQs

1. What does ADHD in adults look like?

ADHD in adults can manifest through various behaviours such as forgetfulness, impulsive actions, difficulty maintaining attention, and frequent mood swings. These symptoms can impact daily life, causing challenges in both personal and professional settings.

2. What are the 12 symptoms of ADHD in adults?

The 12 common symptoms of ADHD in adults include lack of motivation, impulsive behaviour, mood swings, irritability, relationship issues, lack of focus, disorganisation, anxiety, frustration, hindered time management, emotional concerns, and chronic lateness or procrastination.

3. Can adults get ADHD later in life?

While ADHD typically begins in childhood, it can remain undiagnosed or unidentified until adulthood due to less apparent symptoms. Many adults discover they have ADHD later in life when they seek help for related issues such as anxiety, depression, or difficulties in their personal and professional lives.

References

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/symptoms/

• https://add.org/signs-of-adhd/

• https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/adhd-attention-deficit-disorder-in-adults.htm

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adult-adhd

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