People who have five or more symptoms are officially diagnosed with ADHD. In most situations, It begins in childhood but may not be diagnosed until the individual is an adult. One of the benefits of a diagnosis is that treatments are available to help you live better.

Symptoms of ADHD in adults

Adults do not always recognize they have the disorder, but they are aware they struggle with various tasks. Sometimes this may be trouble in personal relationships. Other times it can be a struggle at work, and may experience problems at home, work, and school.

The signs are usually divided into two categories: inattentive and hyperactive. While these are not direct signs, it prevents a misdiagnosis or a lack of diagnosis. However, hyperactive symptoms tend to subside when a person is in adulthood. Yet, the inattentiveness remains. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to those who seem distracted or quiet.

Here are the most common signs of ADHD in adults:

Struggle focusing

They have difficulty focusing on things. This includes tasks, conversations, and more. They may need help listening to others during conversations, or they need help completing tasks. They may want to move on to new activities before completing the previous one.

Procrastination

Poor time management skills are another thing to watch for if you’re looking for symptoms in adults. They get distracted easily and cannot focus on a project or task for long periods. Unfortunately, this means that many things are left undone, or they get perpetually put off.

Overlooking details

Adults with ADHD will often rush through tasks, leaving some details unfinished. It’s easy for them to get distracted and try and finish tasks quickly to move on to something else. It’s usually a way of coping with the feelings of boredom.

Parenting challenges

Good parenting is a struggle for everyone, and it can present significant challenges for adults. Unfortunately, a lack of interpersonal skills in those with ADHD often shows parental difficulties.

ADHD can make it more challenging to have meaningful conversations and engage in bonding activities. It can also present challenges to the organization. Adults can feel overwhelmed trying to stay organized with their children’s school and extracurricular activities.

Budgeting or financial struggles

Having ADHD means creating and managing a budget is nearly impossible, requiring focus and organization. Therapists who meet patients struggling to pay bills or manage their pocketbooks often find that adult ADHD is the underlying problem.

Job stability

People who have often changed jobs may have ADHD. The disorder causes a lack of focus, procrastination, and low productivity. They may say they get bored at work easily or be let go for low productivity or inability to complete tasks.

Substance abuse

Often ADHD causes negative emotions that are difficult to deal with, and adults who struggle with the disorder may turn to drink or drugs to dull the pain. In some instances, it can cause excessive caffeine use as well.

Addictions

In addition to substance addictions, adults may be more prone to other addictive behaviours, such as gambling, shopping, overeating, etc.

For example, procrastination will lead to unfinished projects. This, in turn, will prevent those with ADHD from recognition at work by peers and employers. A lack of appreciation and productivity leaves those with ADHD sad and depressed. It can also hinder the development of healthy self-esteem.

However, with proper mental health care, you can learn strategies to overcome ADHD and start to succeed.

Who develops ADHD?

Scientists have not yet been able to pinpoint the cause of it, but some factors put an individual at a higher risk of developing the disorder.

Genetics

If a parent or sibling has been diagnosed with ADHD, it increases your chances of having it.

Environment Exposure

Some environmental factors come into play when diagnosing adult ADHD. For example, those with higher lead exposure as children are more likely to develop the disorder.

Developmental problems

Those with problems with the central nervous system at different developmental stages are at higher risk of developing ADHD.

Adult ADHD treatment

Once diagnosed, adults begin the path to healing, which offers freedom. It’s important to note that the disorder cannot be cured, but you can learn to overcome your challenges and succeed. Treatment at The Insight Clinic starts with a screening by a mental health professional.

Despite all the information online, it’s still important to have a screening by a mental health professional. Many other conditions have similar symptoms, and sometimes you could face more than one mental health challenge. A professional psychiatrist must have an accurate and skilled diagnosis to receive the proper treatment. With the right treatment for adult ADHD, you’ll experience healing and develop strategies to overcome your symptoms.

Why trust The Insight Clinic

A drug-free treatment is best to help clients regain control over their lives. At The Insight Clinic, we offer a variety of non-medical treatments for adult ADHD. Through a combination of talk-based therapy and brain-based treatments, we’ll help you overcome your ADHD.

Get on the path to healing today by contacting The Insight Clinic today.