Signs that indicate Adult ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that starts in childhood. It is a complex condition whose causes are unknown. But according to the experts, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental and geological factors. 

We usually think of ADHD as a childhood condition resulting in delayed development of impulse control. Historically, many experts thought that, by adolescence, patients would grow out of the disorder. However, in the last few decades, many more adults with ADHD have been identified, diagnosed, and successfully treated.

Genetics studies, brain imaging, and neurocognitive and pharmacologic studies in adults with ADHD have replicated findings demonstrated in children. In the last decade, there has been a  widespread acceptance of the need for diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD. 

The symptoms of ADHD have two different groups

• Inattentiveness
• Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness

Inattentiveness symptoms of adult ADHD:

• Automatic attention

Automatic attention occurs when we pay attention to things we love, know and desire. On a sunny day, for example, you may feel the need to be outside because it’s an easy and natural activity to do

• Directed attention or effortful attention:

Effortful attention requires you to be 100 per cent with your focus. It may be sunny outside, but you have homework or an assignment to complete. Instead of thinking about what you can do outside, you should direct your attention to what you need to do. It is through directed attention that you can get it done. 

Hyperactivity and impulsiveness symptoms of ADHD:

• Impulsiveness

Impulsiveness is a sign you can see in an adult with ADHD. They engage in impulsive actions without considering the possible outcomes. Apart from that, they may find it difficult to control their speech impulses, resulting in them interrupting others during the conversation or sometimes finding it very difficult to begin a conversation. 

• Disorganisation and problems prioritising

Due to the lack of attentiveness, they find it difficult to break down complex tasks into smaller manageable steps and follow them through. The inability to focus happens when they do not notice and prioritise their tasks. Adults with ADHD often face a challenge with managing their time accordingly. They may misjudge the time assigned for the tasks and tend to get distracted, resulting in incomplete or rushed tasks. 

• Poor work and time management skills

Due to their inattentiveness, they tend to forget the tasks at hand and move on to the next task before finishing the previous one. Because of this, all their work tends to be incomplete. This situation can also arise because of the difficulty in organising their tasks, which leads to a lack of attention to detail.

• Excessive activity or restlessness.

People with ADHD always find it difficult to remember important details and instructions regarding a task. They may not meet deadlines and appointments or miss certain crucial information that can impact daily life. Due to this, they may also tend to be restless and showcase an edgy side. 

• Low frustration tolerance

Individuals with ADHD often find inhibiting their impulses very challenging. They find it difficult to control their emotions and act without considering the long-term consequences. They also tend to make hasty decisions without weighing the pros and cons. 

Apart from these, adults with ADHD can have trouble multitasking and showcase poor planning of tasks and activities.

The symptoms of ADHD are more difficult to identify in adults, as these signs are more subtle in adults when compared to children. While in children, the signs of hyperactiveness and inattentiveness are evident, adults usually tend to show the signs of inattentiveness, and experts say that this is because of the work-life pressure they might be going through. 

What can trigger ADHD in Adults?

Similar to other mood disorders, there are common triggers that can set off symptoms that coincide with ADHD impulses, which include:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Malnutrition and poor diet
• Changes in environmental factors like sound sensitivity, temperature and smells.
• Lack of genuine interest.

How adults with ADHD can Recover?

Adult ADHD counselling is one of the best ways to embark on a journey towards mental well-being. Your counsellor can help you manage or recover from ADHD with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT follows a pattern that empowers you to change the negative thinking that floods your brain. Thereby, you can stop these negative thoughts from interfering with your tasks.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sunitha MBBS, DPM (NIMHANS), DNB

Dr Sunitha serves as the Chief Psychiatrist at Agan Health Trichy. She specialises in Adult Psychiatry, and her fields of interest include consultation liaison psychiatry and women's mental health. With over 15 years of experience in the field of mental healthcare, Dr Sunitha has been instrumental in positively transforming the lives of many in Tamil Nadu. She is also a consulting psychiatrist at some of the reputed mental health institutions in Tamil Nadu.