Symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Research has shown that the symptoms of ADHD can persist into adulthood, which can have impacts on careers, relationships, and personal safety. This disorder is often not well understood and people that do have it may not get the correct treatment. Part of the problem is that ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adults.

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is present in about 8 million adults or about 4% of the US adult population. Adults that have ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate, follow directions, complete work, organize certain tasks or follow directions. If these difficulties aren't managed correctly, then can cause a range of social, emotional, behavioral and vocational problems.

There are several behaviors and problems that are a direct result of Adult ADHD. The behaviors may vary with the situation or can be present all the time. ADHD affects individuals differently. Some adults with ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are very interested in what they are doing. Other adults might find it difficult to concentrate for any situation. Some adult with ADHD can be overly social, while others are antisocial and withdraw from social situations.

Some of the symptoms of Adult ADHD include behaviors that include:

Anxiety

Constantly being late and forgetful

Having trouble controlling anger

Having low self-estem

Having problems with jobs

Being impulsive

Procrastination

Addiction or substance abuse

Being bored all the time

Depression

Having relationship problems

Find it hard to concentrate while reading

Having mood swings

Easily frustrated

Diagnosis of Adult ADHD

Researchers have determined that ADHD is a disorder that is acquired during childhood and is not onset during adulthood. There are several methods that can be used to determine ADHD symptoms and behavior from childhood. These can include:

Discussions with parents to determine if there were any symptoms during childhood.

Asking questions to determine if the adult had ADHD in childhood.

If school report cards are available, look for lack of focus, behavior problems, or underachievement.

Evidence of problems with others, failure in school, suspensions, bed wetting, or having to sit in the front of the class in order to pay attention.