Severe ADHD Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD tend to be hyper-focused on subjects they find interesting or enjoyable. They might also be prone to mood swings and a low tolerance to anger.
Doctors will examine the person's background and family history, especially when 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 suffering from ADHD struggle to focus on tasks, especially those that are tedious or boring. It's a common issue that can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and problems at home, work and at school. In some instances, the struggle with focusing can be a sign of undiagnosed serious adult ADHD symptoms.
Untreated severe adult ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to handle the demands of life keep track of tasks and follow through with plans, and remain calm when stressed. In the end, many adults with undiagnosed or severe ADHD struggle for years without ever receiving the support they require. During this time they've been called lazy, slackers or goof-offs by others. In some cases, they've managed to compensate for their inability to concentrate by employing tools like procrastination or making last-minute decisions. However, as their responsibilities have grown over the years, these strategies become increasingly ineffective and cause stress and more issues with their lives.
The inattentive characteristic of ADHD can also cause poor listening skills, making it difficult for people suffering from ADHD to keep up with conversations. Their lack of attention span, and inability to stay on task, can also lead to miscommunications and missed appointments.
In certain instances the inattention symptom of ADHD may be mistaken for an anxiety disorder, a learning disorder or depression. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider should always evaluate and treat a person experiencing these symptoms.
A diagnosis of severe adult ADHD will help you receive the assistance and treatment you need to live a more enjoyable and more productive life. The ADDitude Symptom Finder highlights each week a distinct hallmark symptom or overlooked symptom each week so you can know what to look out for and how you can get the help you require.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from ADHD excel in careers that require creativity because their brain functions can help them discover new solutions to problems. These same differences can lead to anxiety or irritability. If left untreated this can cause anxiety and frustration. The people with ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily stressors and are unable to maintain relationships.
When evaluating a person for ADHD, mental health professionals or health care providers typically take into consideration a variety of aspects. They consider symptoms of the disorder, their severity, and any problems that they may cause. They can also take a history and evaluate a person's family, educational and work-related experiences. They may also ask about any physical illnesses or medications that the individual is taking.
A person suffering from severe ADHD symptoms may be impulsive or have trouble reading social boundaries. They might be more likely to disrupt conversations, games or activities without realizing that others might view their behavior as rude. They might answer questions too quickly or have trouble waiting for their turn. They may also have difficulty getting their hands off or be agitated, and may not be able to relax or do leisure activities on their own.
Experts aren't sure why or what causes ADHD. However they do know that it is a genetic disorder and can run in families. They believe that something is happening with a person's brain structure or chemistry in certain developmental times. The good news is that medications and psychotherapy are effective treatment options for ADHD. They can help adults with severe symptoms manage their careers, lives and relationships.
3. Impulsivity
Everybody has trouble sitting still and paying attention, or controlling their impulsive behavior every now and then. However, for those with ADHD, these problems are constant and persistent that can interfere with the home, school, and social relationships.
Experts aren't certain of the reason or the mechanism behind ADHD. However they do know that adults and children might have different brain chemistry or structure. They also know that the condition can be genetic and comes from either one or both parents. However, some people seem to develop it on their own, without any family history.
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 can manifest as a lack or control of movement or inhibition which causes you to interrupt others or engage in risky behavior. Non-physical impulsivity can also be evident in an inability to inhibit behavior-related impulses or to think before taking action when eating, shopping or drinking.
In addition, those with impulsivity often have trouble understanding social boundaries in a particular situation. They may be able to talk over others or make promises they can't keep, and they may have a difficult time understanding their own feelings. They may have a difficult time delaying their desire for gratification or following instructions and are often influenced by immediate rewards, such as getting instant gratification from games.
In extreme cases, impulsivity may result in poor financial decisions and workplace issues or even alcohol or drug abuse. With treatment, impulsivity can be reduced and the symptoms reduced. There are a variety of options to help, including medications, lifestyle changes and counseling. It is important to get an assessment from a health professional with a specialization in ADHD.
4. Reluctance
For those who suffer from severe ADHD symptoms, their restlessness can be a major issue. The stress of being restless can make it difficult to sleep, focus at work or maintain relationships. This is described as the inability to sit still or remain still and wriggling or squirming in a seat, talking excessively and tapping your feet or hands constantly. It can also cause an absence of interest in boring activities, frequent daydreaming, and an inability to cope with stress.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more prevalent in children suffering from ADHD however, adults may suffer from the same symptoms too. The symptoms may alter as the child reaches adulthood. The person's sexual orientation, family history, and medical conditions can affect their ADHD symptoms.
In addition, someone with ADHD may also have other issues that are co-existing with the condition. These include oppositional defiant disorders, conduct disorders depression or anxiety and tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse. These other conditions can affect the degree to which ADHD symptoms affect the lives of people with ADHD.
A doctor can determine if someone suffers from severe ADHD by assessing the severity of their symptoms in a variety of settings. They can talk about the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily tasks. They can then recommend the treatment plan which includes therapy and/or disability accommodations to assist the person with their symptoms. They may also refer a person to a specialist who can provide diagnostic tests and prescriptions to treat the disease. This can enhance the quality of life of a person and assist them in achieving their goals. They can lead a more efficient, productive, and fulfilling lifestyle. The more responsibility they accept the more difficult it becomes for them to keep their symptoms in check.
5. Boredom
Inability to handle boredom can be a major issue for adults with ADHD. Stress and restlessness are typical symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to maintain a balance between family and work obligations. Anxiety is also a concern because the mind replays worrying events in loops. The boredom of life can cause depression, which can exacerbate other problems such as poor eating habits and substance misuse.
People who suffer from ADHD have brains that respond differently to novelty, interest and competition. As a result, tasks that are boring or routine can lose their appeal quickly. Inattention is also an issue, since bored people are more likely to forget important details or make erroneous mistakes. It's easy for them to be distracted by an incoming email, a phrase they hear in their neighbour's cubicle, or an idea that pops into their minds.
If you or your children complain of boredom often it is recommended to talk to with a physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Untreated symptoms can worsen and impact your work and home.
People with ADHD need to deal with the effects of boredom and understimulation. They must also maintain a schedule that includes new activities. For instance, try working in different locations or change your music playlist. You could also get bored if you don't get rewards. Try to include small rewards or breaks into your daily routine. Try turning boring tasks into mini-games, such as time how fast you fold your laundry or how many tasks you can complete in a certain amount of time. Don't be afraid to talk to your boss or teacher about your struggles. They might be able and willing to make accommodations for you at work or at school.