Severe ADHD Symptoms
People with ADHD tend to be hyper-focused on subjects they find interesting or fun. They might also be prone to mood swings and low tolerance to frustration.
Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient and their family members, particularly if they are children. 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 struggle to focus on tasks, particularly those which are dull or boring. It's a common problem that can lead to anxiety, depression and issues with work, family, and school. In certain cases the problem with focusing could be an indication of undiagnosed adult ADHD symptoms.
Untreated severe adult ADHD can make it difficult to manage responsibilities, remain organized, follow through on plans, and remain calm under pressure. This is why many adults suffering from undiagnosed or severe ADHD suffer for years without receiving the assistance they require. During this time, they may have been branded lazy, slackers, or a bunch of snobs by their peers. In some instances they've gotten around compensating for their inability to concentrate by using tools like procrastination or making last-minute decisions. As their responsibilities increased the strategies were less effective, causing more stress and problems in their lives.
Inattention, a sign of ADHD can also result in poor listening skills. This makes it difficult for people who suffer from ADHD to stay on top of a conversation. In addition, their short attention spans and difficulty staying on task can lead to confusion and missed appointments at work.
In some instances, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD could be mistaken for an anxiety disorder, learning disorder or depression. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider should always assess and treat a person experiencing these symptoms.
A diagnosis of severe adult ADHD can assist you in getting the support and treatment you require to lead a healthier, more productive life. Each week, the ADDitude Symptom Spotlight focuses on a specific hallmark or unnoticed sign of ADHD so that you can learn more about what to look for and how to access the assistance you require.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from ADHD often excel in creative professions due to brain function differences can assist them in finding creative solutions to challenges. The same issues can lead to excessive restlessness or hyperactivity. If left untreated this can result in anxiety and frustration. 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 the adult is being evaluated for ADHD, health care providers or mental health professionals usually take into consideration a variety of factors, such as symptoms and their severity, as well as any issues they create. They may also take notes and look at the family history, educational and work experience. They may also inquire about any medical conditions or medications the person is taking.
A person who has severe ADHD symptoms could be impatient, interrupt others frequently or have difficulty discerning social boundaries. They are more likely than others to interrupt conversations or play activities without realizing their behavior could be viewed as rude. They may answer questions too quickly or have difficulty waiting for their turn. They also may have trouble putting their hands down, are restless and can't play in a quiet space or enjoy leisure activities on their own.
Experts aren't sure of the reason and how one develops ADHD but they do know that it's a genetic disorder that may be passed down through families. They also believe something changes to the brain chemistry or structure during certain developmental phases. The positive side is that medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for ADHD. They can assist adults suffering from severe symptoms manage their lives, careers and relationships.
3. Impulsivity
Everyone experiences difficulty staying still, paying attention or regulating impulsive behavior every once in a while. However, with ADHD, these problems persist and are pervasive that can interfere with the workplace, school, home and social relationships.
Although experts don't understand the reasons behind and how people develop ADHD but they do know that children and adults have differences in the brain's structure or chemical makeup. They also know that the condition can be genetic and comes from one or both parents. Certain people, however, are able to develop it without a family background.
The ability to be impulsive is among the three primary symptoms of ADHD and can cause significant issues in the lives of people. Physically, it manifests as an inability to control or control over movements, like interrupting others or engaging in risky behaviors. Non-physical impulsivity can be a sign of an inability to inhibit the impulses to behave or to think before taking action such as overindulging in eating, shopping or drinking.
Additionally, those with impulsivity have difficulty reading social boundaries in certain situations. They can be rude to others, make commitments that they are unable to keep, or have difficulty understanding their own emotions. They might have a difficult time delaying gratification or following instructions. They are often influenced by instant rewards, such as getting instant gratification from games.
In extreme instances, impulsivity can lead to poor financial decisions, problems in the workplace, or even alcohol or drug misuse. Through treatment, impulsivity can be reduced and its symptoms reduced. Medications, lifestyle changes and therapy are all readily available to help. It is essential to obtain an assessment from a health professional with a specialization in ADHD.
4. Reluctance
For those with severe ADHD symptoms, their restlessness can be a problem. The stress of being restless can make it difficult to sleep, concentrate at work or maintain relationships. This symptom is characterized by an inability to sit or remain still, squirming in the chair, talking too much and constantly tapping hands or feet. This can lead to an absence of interest in monotonous activities or a constant daydreaming habit, as well as a low tolerance for stress.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more common in children with ADHD however, adults may suffer from the same symptoms as well. However, the signs may appear different as they progress into adulthood. ADHD symptoms can be affected by a person's sexual orientation or family background.
In addition, someone with ADHD may also have other issues that can coexist with the disorder. These conditions can include oppositional defiant disorders and conduct disorders, depression or anxiety or tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse. These conditions can impact how severe ADHD symptoms are.
A doctor can determine if a person has severe ADHD by assessing the severity of their symptoms. They can talk about how often the symptoms are present and how they affect the daily activities of a person. They can recommend the treatment plan, which could include disability accommodations or psychotherapy, to help the patient manage their symptoms. They may also refer the person to a specialist who will offer diagnostic tests and medications to treat the condition. This can improve the quality of a person's life and help them reach their goals. They can live an enjoyable, well-organized, and productive lifestyle. The more responsibilities they are able to take on the more difficult it is for them to keep their symptoms in check.
5. Boredom
Adults with ADHD may have a hard to deal with boredom. The feeling of being overwhelmed and restless are common symptoms, making it hard to keep up with the demands of family and work. Anxiety can also be a problem because the mind replays stressful events in loops. Depression can be caused by boredom that may cause other issues such as eating disorders and addiction to drugs.
ADHD symptoms in adults females with ADHD have brains that react differently to novelty, interest and competition. This means that tasks that are routine or boring can quickly lose their appeal. Inattention is another problem. People who are stressed tend to forget things or commit mistakes that aren't their fault. It's easy for them to be distracted by an incoming email, the phrase they hear in their neighbour's cubicle, or some novel idea that pops into their minds.
If you or your children have a tendency to complain of boredom regularly, it is worth consulting an expert for an accurate diagnosis. If untreated, symptoms can get progressively worse and impact your daily life at home and work.
Controlling boredom and understimulation is essential for those with ADHD, as is keeping a regular routine that involves new activities. For instance, try moving around or switch up your music playlist. You may also become bored if you don't get rewarded. Try to incorporate small rewards or breaks into your daily routine. Also, consider making boring tasks into mini-games for example, estimating how quickly you can fold laundry, or determining how many things you can complete in a given amount of time. Don't be afraid to talk to your boss or teacher about your issues. They may be willing and able to provide accommodations at work or school.