Impulsivity, trouble focusing, and mood swings are all part of the package.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, affects about 4% to 5% of all adults in the US. Many people commonly think of ADHD as something that comes in the form of children who bounce off the walls with ideas, activity, and excitement. A common belief is also that ADHD only affects children, and that people who have it eventually grow out of it. A new study from the University of Washington School of Medicine shows this might not be the case, however. It’s been revealed that only about 10% of kids with ADHD actually do go onto outgrow the disorder.
So, with that in mind, what does ADHD look like in an adult?
Here are 5 signs identified by experts as possible symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Impulsiveness
A child with ADHD might be bouncing on the trampoline one minute, into the cookie jar the next, and calling on a friend one minute later. In adults this hyperactivity can display itself in impulsivity. Do you talk without thinking? (This is verbal impulsivity). Are you quick to gamble? Do you make expensive purchases without thinking about it? On its own, this isn’t ADHD but coupled with other key signs, it can be part of a whole.
Problems focusing
Adults with ADHD often have trouble focusing. This can arise in engaging in excessive activity, being highly disorganized, having trouble doing more than one task at a time, feelings of restlessness, and having trouble managing your time. Is it hard to get things done, all the time? This could be a sign.
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Frequent mood swings
In part because it’s so hard to focus and get things done, adults with ADHD can be known to have a hot temper. Adults with the disorder might feel excessively annoyed one minute and calm the next.
Trouble with stress
It’s also common to have a low tolerance for failure and frustration as an adult with ADHD. This can result in having a hard time managing stress. This makes sense as people with ADHD are working that much harder to focus, and added stress can just makes things worse.
Poor planning
Finally, having poor time management skills is another classic sign of ADHD in adults. Do you find it difficult to plan? Is it easier to take things one moment at a time? While this can work for a while, it can also make it difficult for others to coordinate with you, and lead to increased frustration and stress.
Things aren’t always difficult for adults with ADHD. Experts say the condition can come and go in waves over time.
“It’s important for people diagnosed with ADHD to understand that it’s normal to have times in your life where things maybe more unmanageable and other times when things feel more under control,” says Margaret Sibley, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Sibley added the key to success for adults with ADHD is finding a career the condition won’t interfere with. In fact, if you’re one of those who can hyper-focus because you have ADHD, the disorder can actually be helpful. Many people with ADHD find they thrive in creative fields. (Doing detail-oriented at a computer work all day, in contrast, can be a killer).
Experts say it’s time to get help if and when your ADHD causes problems in your life. If the disorder gets in the way of your long term relationships, affects your health, or prevents you from accomplishing basic daily tasks like finances and parenting, get help. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment can include medication, and psychological counselling. You may find you have other mental health conditions along with your ADHD and revealing those can also bring you to a more balanced spot in life. Talk to a doctor about your concerns.
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