Severe ADHD Symptoms
People with ADHD might be able to focus their attention on things that they find interesting or fun. They can also have a low frustration tolerance and mood swings.
Doctors will look at the person's history and family history, especially when they are young. They will also talk to parents and read 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 unable to concentrate on their tasks, especially those which are dull or boring. It's a common issue that can lead to stress, low self esteem, and problems at work, home, and 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 obligations keep track of tasks and follow through with plans, and remain calm during stressful times. This is why many adults suffering from undiagnosed or severe ADHD struggle for years without receiving the assistance they need. In this time, they may have been branded lazy, slackers, or even a snob by other people. In some cases they have compensated for their inability of focusing by using tools such as procrastination and making decisions at the last minute. As their responsibilities increased the strategies were less effective, leading to more stress and problems in their lives.
Inattention, which is a symptom of ADHD, can also result in poor listening skills. This makes it difficult for those with ADHD to keep up in a conversation. Additionally, their limited attention spans and difficulties staying focused can lead to confusion and missed appointments at work.
In some instances, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD could be mistaken as depression or a learning disorder. This is why a health care provider or mental health professional should always assess a person experiencing these symptoms and recommend proper assessments and treatment.
A diagnosis of severe adult ADHD will help you receive the support and treatment needed to live a happier and more productive life. Every week, the ADDitude Symptom Spotlight highlights a different hallmark or atypical symptom of ADHD so that you can learn more about what to look out for and how to get the help you require.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from ADHD often excel in creative fields because brain functions can be altered to aid them in finding innovative solutions to challenges. The same issues can result in excessive restlessness or hyperactivity. If left untreated, it can lead to anxiety and frustration. It's not uncommon for those with ADHD to feel overwhelmed by daily stressors and have difficulty relating to others, especially if they don't have an effective support system.
When the adult is being evaluated for ADHD health care providers or mental health professionals typically consider a variety of factors, including the symptoms and their severity, as well as any problems they cause. They may also inquire about the person's past and look at their family, education and work experiences. They can also inquire about any physical ailments or medications the individual is taking.
A person with severe ADHD symptoms may be indecisive, disrupt others often or have trouble reading situational social boundaries. They may be more likely to intrude on conversations, games or activities without realizing that others might view their behavior as rude. They might scream out answers before they're finished with questions, or have a hard waiting to be the first. They may also have trouble getting their hands off, be restless, and may not be able to be quiet or do leisure activities by themselves.
Experts aren't sure why or what causes ADHD. However they do know that it is a genetic disorder and is often passed down through families. They also believe something changes to the brain chemistry or structure during certain developmental stages. The good news is medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for ADHD. Adults with severe symptoms may benefit from these treatments. They can manage their relationships, careers and even their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Everyone has trouble staying still, paying attention or controlling impulsive behavior once at a time. These issues are a constant part of ADHD and can affect school, home, social relationships, and work.
Experts aren't certain of the reason or the mechanism behind ADHD. However, they do recognize that adults and children may have different brain structures or chemistry. They also know that the disorder can be inherited which means it can come from one or both parents. However, some individuals appear to develop the condition spontaneously, without any family history.
Instinctiveness is among the three primary symptoms of ADHD. It can lead to serious problems in the daily lives. Physically, it may manifest as a lack or control of movement or inhibition which causes you to interrupt others or engage in risky behavior. Physical impulsivity can also be manifested by an inability to control the impulses of behavior, or to think before acting for example, excessive eating, shopping or alcohol consumption.
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 may have difficulty in delaying the gratification they desire, or following directions. They are frequently influenced by immediate rewards, such as instant satisfaction when playing video games.
In the worst cases, impulsivity could cause poor financial decisions, workplace problems and even abuse of alcohol or drugs. But with treatment, it is possible to reduce the signs of impulsivity and reduce its impact on your life. Treatments, 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. Restlessness
For those with severe ADHD symptoms, their agitation can be a problem. It can interfere with getting to sleep, staying focused at work or maintaining relationships. This symptom is characterized by the inability to sit or be still, squirming in the chair, chatting excessively and constantly tapping feet or hands. This can also lead to an absence of interest in boring activities or a constant daydreaming habit, as well as an inability to handle stress.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more prevalent in children with ADHD, adults may suffer from the same symptoms too. The symptoms may alter as the child progresses into adulthood. ADHD symptoms can be affected by a person's sex or family background.
In addition, a person with ADHD might also suffer from other disorders that coexist with the condition. These conditions can include oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorders, anxiety or depression, tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome and substance abuse. These conditions can affect how severe ADHD symptoms are.
A health care provider can determine if a person has severe ADHD by assessing the severity of their symptoms. They can discuss the frequency of symptoms and how they affect the day-to-day activities of a person. They can recommend the treatment plan that could include disability accommodations or psychotherapy, to assist the patient with their symptoms. They may also refer an individual to a specialist who can provide diagnostic testing and medication to treat the illness. This can improve a person's quality of life and assist them in achieving their goals. They can live an enjoyable, well-organized, and productive lifestyle. The more responsibilities they take on and the more demanding it can be for them to manage their symptoms.
5. Boredom
The inability to cope with boredom can be particularly troublesome for people with ADHD. Restlessness and frustration are typical symptoms, making it hard to keep up with work and family obligations. Anxiety can also be a problem because the mind replays worrying events in loops. The boredom of life can cause low moods, which could exacerbate other problems such as poor eating habits and substance misuse.
People who suffer from ADHD have brains that respond differently to excitement, novelty, and competition. This means that tasks that are boring or routine can quickly lose their appeal. Inattention can also be an issue as bored people tend to lose important details or make erroneous mistakes. It's easy to become distracted by emails or a phrase that they hear in their neighbor's cubicle, or a new idea that pops up in their head.
If you or your child complain of boredom frequently you should consult a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis. ADHD adult female symptoms can worsen and affect your work and at home.
Managing boredom and understimulation is key for people with ADHD and it is essential to maintain a regular routine that involves new activities. For instance, you could try working in different locations or changing your music playlist. Boredom can also be caused by a lack in reward, so try to incorporate small rewards or breaks into your daily routine. Also, try turning boring tasks into mini-games like estimating how fast you can fold laundry or seeing how many tasks you can complete in a given amount of time. Lastly, don't be afraid to discuss your issues with your boss or teacher, who may be willing to make accommodations at school or work.