Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a disorder which poses challenges for adults in the areas of "executive" functioning. The ability to pay close attention and concentrate, make plans, manage time and tasks, maintain focus and make thoughtful decisions is difficult for adults with ADHD. With proper diagnosis, medication and behavioral therapy have successfully helped adults with ADHD lead healthy and productive lives. Reviewing a checklist of adult ADHD symptoms can help you or a loved one better understand this disorder and seek medical attention.
Inattention Symptoms
Symptoms concerning inattention are more pervasive in adults with ADHD than with children. When it comes to concentration, adults with ADHD may have trouble following conversations, are easily distracted, and have difficulty completing tasks. In a work or home setting, these symptoms can lead to errors or incomplete work according to helpguide.org. Adults with ADHD are often unorganized, as characterized by cluttered or messy work spaces. Not surprisingly, adults with ADHD often forget or lose things. When it comes to time management, these adults are often late or underestimate the time it will take to complete a task. They may lose focus and be seen as procrastinating, which makes multi-task project completion difficult.
Hyperactivity Symptoms
Adult hyperactivity symptoms manifest themselves quite differently than those of a child. An adult experiencing hyperactivity symptoms may find himself easily bored, restless or even irritated, and may even experience mood swings. He may appear to have high amounts of "nervous energy" and will engage in incessant talking while being unable to sit or relax, making participation in quiet activities difficult.
Impulsivity Symptoms
Similar to children with ADHD, adults with ADHD have trouble controlling their impulses. When it comes to decision making, decisions tends to be "impulsive" or on a whim. In terms of interactions with others, adults with ADHD may blurt out answers before being asked, or blurt out thoughts in general with later regret. This impulsivity can wreak havoc on personal relationships if gone unchecked.
