What are the most common ADHD symptoms in adults?
This is a great question, about the most common symptoms of adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). If you're curious about ADHD symptoms, suspect you might have it, or maybe you know someone who is diagnosed with ADHD this information may be useful.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders that affect adults. ADHD is a chronic and debilitating disorder that is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily self-care and functioning.
So, let’s further explore adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its symptoms:
- The symptoms of Attention-Deficit are characterized as difficulty in paying attention, concentrating, staying on track with tasks, organizing thoughts & activities, trouble listening & difficulty following instructions, forgetting things, losing items, difficulties with attention to detail, making careless mistakes, procrastination, and challenges with time management skills, and/or meeting deadlines.
- The symptoms of Hyperactivity are characterized as excessive physical movement, difficulty sitting still, restlessness, fidgeting, talkativeness, challenges with quiet activities, low frustration tolerance, irritability, and impulsivity.
- Although ADHD is often thought of as a disorder of children and youth, it may persist for many individuals through their adulthood. Many children with ADHD will continue to meet criteria for the disorder later in life and may have challenges that require ongoing treatment because of significant negative life consequences of undiagnosed, misdiagnosis, and/or untreated ADHD symptoms in adulthood.
- Some adults may be troubled with emotional regulation, experiencing mood swings, which can also impact daily productivity, professional & personal relationships, and lead to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
- ADHD symptoms change over time and differ between adults and children. Adults may experience less impulsivity and hyperactivity, appearing more as restlessness, while inattention often remains.
Thank you for reaching out and asking this question.