Severe ADHD Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD tend to focus on things that they find interesting or enjoyable. They might also be prone to mood swings and a low tolerance to anger.
Doctors will study the history of the patient and their family members, especially if they are children. They will review school reports and speak to parents.
They will assess symptoms for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, as well as a lack of motivation.
1. Problems with Focusing
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty concentrating, especially in tasks that are boring or seem tedious. It's a problem that can lead to anxiety, depression and issues at home, work or at school. In some instances, the struggle with focusing reflects undiagnosed severe adult ADHD symptoms.
Untreated severe adult ADHD can make it difficult to manage your responsibilities, stay organized, stick to plans and maintain calm under pressure. As a result, many people with undiagnosed or severe ADHD suffer for years without ever receiving the help they need. Through the years, they've likely been labeled by others as lazy, goof-off or slackers. In some instances, they've compensated for their inability to concentrate by using tools such as procrastination and making decisions at the last minute. But as the demands on their time have grown over the years, these strategies become increasingly ineffective leading to stress and more issues with their lives.
Inattention, which is a symptom of ADHD can also cause poor listening skills. This makes it difficult for people who have ADHD to keep up in conversations. Additionally, their limited attention spans and inability to stay focused can result in miscommunications and missed appointments at work.
In certain instances, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD could be mistaken for depression or a learning disorder. A mental health professional or health care provider should always evaluate and treat anyone who is experiencing these symptoms.
A diagnosis of severe adult ADHD can help you get the support and treatment you need to live a happier, more productive life. Each week the ADDitude Symptom Spotlight focuses on a specific hallmark or unnoticed symptom of ADHD so that you can know what to look for and how to seek the help you require.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from ADHD typically excel in creative fields due to brain functions can be altered to help them find unconventional solutions to challenges. However, these same differences can also trigger excessive restlessness and hyperactivity. If left symptoms for ADHD in adults can cause frustration and even anxiety. People with ADHD often feel overwhelmed by daily stressors and are unable to maintain relationships.
When evaluating an adult for ADHD health healthcare providers or mental health professionals usually consider a variety of factors, including the symptoms of the disorder, their severity and any issues they may cause. They may also ask about a person's past and assess their education, family background and work experience. They may also ask about past or present physical ailments or medications the person is taking.
A person who has severe ADHD symptoms might be impulsive, or have trouble understanding social boundaries. They might be more likely to disrupt conversations, games or other activities without realizing that others might think that their behavior is 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 difficulty getting their hands off, be restless, and may not be able to relax or enjoy leisure activities on their own.
Experts do not know why or the mechanism behind ADHD. However they do know that it is a genetic disorder and 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 can be effective treatments for ADHD. Adults with severe symptoms may benefit from these treatments. They can manage their relationships, careers and personal lives.
3. Impulsivity
Everyone has trouble sitting still paying attention to details or controlling impulsive behaviors every now and again. However, for those with ADHD the issues persist and are pervasive and can affect home, school, work and social relationships.
Although experts aren't sure why and the process by which people develop ADHD but they do know that certain children and adults have differences in brain structure or chemistry. They also know the condition is inherited which means it can come from either one or both parents. However, some people are able to develop it without a family background.
Impulsivity is among the three primary symptom domains of ADHD and can cause significant problems in people's lives. Physically, it may manifest as an inability to control or control over movements, for example, interrupting others or engaging in risky behaviours. Physical impulsivity can also be evident in the inability to control behavior-related impulses or to think before acting when food, shopping or alcohol.
Additionally, people with impulsivity often have trouble reading situational social boundaries. They may talk over others, make promises they can't keep, or have difficulty understanding their own feelings. They might have trouble delaying gratification, or following instructions. They are often influenced immediately by the rewards like instant gratification when playing video games.
In severe cases, impulsivity could cause poor financial decisions workplace issues, or even addiction to alcohol or drugs. With treatment, impulsivity may be reduced and symptoms improved. There are many options available to help, such as medications, lifestyle changes and counseling. It is essential to obtain an evaluation from a medical professional who has a specialization in ADHD.
4. Restlessness
Restlessness can be a problem for those suffering from severe ADHD symptoms. The stress of being restless can make it difficult to sleep, focus at work, or maintain relationships. This is evident in the inability to sit or remain still, squirming around in the chair, talking too much, and constantly tapping feet or hands. This can lead to an inability to engage in boring activities as well as frequent daydreaming and an inability to handle stress.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more common among children suffering from ADHD Adults can suffer from these same symptoms as well. However, the signs may look different as they grow into adulthood. The gender of a person's partner, family history, and medical issues can impact their ADHD symptoms.
In addition, someone with ADHD might also suffer from other disorders that are co-existing with the condition. These include oppositional defiant disorders and conduct disorders as well as anxiety or depression, tic disorders like Tourette syndrome and addiction to drugs. These other conditions can affect how severely ADHD symptoms affect a person's life.
A health care provider can determine if someone suffers from severe ADHD by evaluating the extent of their symptoms in multiple settings. They can talk about how often symptoms manifest and how they impact a person's daily tasks. They may suggest a treatment plan that could include disability accommodations or psychotherapy, to assist the patient with their symptoms. They can also refer a person to a specialist who can provide diagnostic testing and medication to treat the illness. This can improve the quality of a person's life and assist them in achieving their goals. They can live a more organized, productive, and fulfilling lifestyle. The more responsibility they take on the more difficult it becomes for them to manage their symptoms.
5. Boredom
Inability to handle boredom is a particular issue for people with ADHD. Restlessness and frustration are common symptoms, making it difficult to keep track with family and work obligations. Anxiety can also be a problem due to the mind's tendency to replay worrying events in loops. Boredom can cause low moods which can cause other issues like poor eating and substance abuse.
People who suffer from ADHD have brains that react differently to interest, novelty, and competition. As a result, tasks that are boring or routine are quickly lost in their appeal. Inattention is another problem. Bored people tend to forget things or commit errors that are not their fault. It's easy to become distracted by emails or a word they hear in their neighbor's cubicle, or an idea that pops up in their minds.
If you or your child complain of boredom frequently, it's worth seeking out an expert in the field to make an accurate diagnosis. Untreated symptoms can worsen and affect your life at home and at work.
Managing boredom and understimulation is key for people with ADHD, as is keeping an ongoing routine that includes new activities. For instance, try moving around or change your music playlist. You could also get bored if you aren't rewarded. Try to incorporate small rewards or breaks into your routine. Try turning boring tasks into mini games such as estimating how you can fold your laundry in a short amount of time or how many tasks you complete in a set amount of time. Don't be afraid to speak to your teacher or boss about your struggles. They may be willing and able to provide accommodations at work or at school.