Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Male
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed correctly. This is because ADHD symptoms can be seen in various situations and for people of varying age and gender identities.
As an adult, you could suffer from the same issues as a child, but you weren't diagnosed because your parents or teachers overlooked the issue or labeled you as a dreamer, a snoozer, or troublemaker.
1. You have a difficult time Focusing
People with ADHD are easily distracted by non-essential activities. They also have difficulty following directions, staying focused and handling multiple deadlines. As a result, they could be late for appointments or fail to pay their bills on time. They may also find it difficult to maintain healthy habits, such as an appropriate diet or regular exercise.
It's easy for others to mistake these behaviors as the result of lazyness or lack of responsibility. It's also difficult to determine what is normal for those with ADHD. They often feel that they need to take on a variety of obligations, including working as a caregiver for children or elderly parents, running the household and maintaining their personal relationships. It's common for these individuals to feel overwhelmed and stressed.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults usually manifest as forgetfulness that can affect every aspect of your life. It's easy for people with ADHD who are inattentive to forget to take care of things like picking up groceries, put out the garbage, or return emails. This can result in missed opportunities, strained relationships, and financial problems. Inattention ADHD can also cause people to be consumed by a distracting activity such as playing video games and find it difficult to shift their attention when they need to at work or in the home with their family.
Hyperactivity is more evident in children than adults, but it is still present. Adults suffering from ADHD typically display it in a more subtle manner, such as restlessness or a tendency fidgeting with their feet and hands. For example, they might fidget in their chairs or jog around the room at work instead of sitting quietly and taking notes. They might also be prone impulsively to spend money or make decisions without taking into account the consequences.
2. You're having a difficult time Listening
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty listening and this can lead to problems at work and at home. You may struggle with understanding what your partner is saying, or conversing with colleagues in the office. Your ADHD symptoms may also hinder your ability to learn new things at school or during training sessions, such as lectures and instructions.
You may be prone to talk about what's on your mind without considering the consequences, and you may interrupt others a lot. Adult ADHD can also trigger anxiety or difficulty sitting still. You might have a tendency to switch between different activities, which could result in financial and work issues like missed deadlines or unpaid bills. You might spend money on a hobby without considering how it will impact your life and relationships, according to research published in Psychiatry Research in December 2014.
Attention deficits could hinder your ability to stay focused on tasks. You might forget the instructions of your doctor or the time you should take your medication. You may also have difficulty keeping a job, or achieving your career goals due to constant criticisms at work.
Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist and writer, suggests that you can improve your listening skills by reciting the words your conversation partner said. This can help you clarify any confusions and cement the information you have in your head she suggests. Another method to improve your listening skills is to note down conversations, especially when you are receiving instructions or a lecture from someone else. This will allow you to avoid missing important details which are essential to your success at school or at work.
3. You have a difficult time remembering details
Sometimes, those with untreated ADHD struggle to remember details. They may forget appointments or lose important documents. They may be unable to remember the details of an exchange, even if they pay close attention. This could make it difficult for loved ones to comprehend what's happening.
Health care providers may ask about your family history, do a physical exam and talk with you about how your symptoms impact your work, school, home and in social settings. They will also look at other medications that you are taking.
4. You have trouble making decisions
Many adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty making decisions and executing. This can lead you to feel frustrated and like you're not able to meet the expectations of others. It can also lead to procrastination, leading to problems at work and home.
If you suffer from ADHD your brain might not get the strong feedback "don't" or "do" it requires to come up with efficient strategies for making decisions. You may make mistakes because you rely too much on impulses to make up for. This can lead you to low self-esteem and self-doubt. Your family and friends could be irritated when you're not able to make the right decisions. They could be waiting a long while for you to decide what to do with them, or stuck sitting hungry in a restaurant booth as you go through the menu.
ADHD can cause you to lose interest in activities that you normally enjoy or get bored easily. Your body is constantly moving which could mean that you need to get up from a meeting or movie frequently, or fidget. This can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, as your mind replays the same worries over and over.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, as they can hide their symptoms better than men. Additionally, their signs of inattention are usually more subtle and less noticeable than the impulsiveness, hyperactivity, or inattention that are seen in boys with ADHD.
It is important to recognize that your ADHD symptoms do not come from you. ADHD and adults symptoms are a result of biological and environmental elements that occurred in childhood. You can manage your symptoms so that they don't interfere with your everyday life. A thorough assessment with a health care provider or mental health professional is required to determine whether you have ADHD and to determine the best treatment options.
5. You Have a Hard Time Following Through
Finding it difficult to stay on task or completing tasks can be one of the more frustrating symptoms of ADHD in adults who are male. You might forget important tasks such as paying your bills or attending doctor's appointments. You could also affect your family life if regularly miss or skip cooking and cleaning chores.
It is also typical for people with ADHD to lose the track of their personal belongings, and often fail to return messages, texts or other messages. Adults who suffer from the inattention type of ADHD can become absorbed in activities they find enjoyable, such as video games or hobbies and have a hard time shift their focus to tasks at home or at work.
Impulsivity can also be an indication of ADHD and affect your ability to think ahead or plan before you act. This could cause problems with friends and family members in the event that you shout out your answers before others are finished talking or interrupt them while they are speaking. You may also make rash choices, like abandoning your job or engaging in sexual contact without security.
It's time to have your symptoms examined. A psychiatrist who is an expert in ADHD will determine if you are suffering from the disorder. He or she will inquire about your childhood and any problems you might be experiencing.
Many people suffering from ADHD see improvement in their symptoms after being diagnosed and treated. There are many solutions available, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), help with stress or eating a balanced diet, and medications. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly used medication used to treat adult ADHD. However, non-stimulants such as bupropion and atomoxetine are available to those who would rather avoid stimulants or have had an adverse reaction to them.