Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that affects how you pay attention, sit still, and control your behavior. It happens in children and teens and can continue into adulthood, therefore, ADHD in adults can have a greater consequence than that of children. 

Signs of ADHD in adults

Contrary to what many believe, ADHD in Adults is very common as nearly 12 million people in the US suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is almost 4.4% of the adult in US.

ADHD affects about 5 percent of children, but ADHD in adults is also very common as according to the American Psychiatric Association more than half of the children with ADHD will carry it into adulthood.

So what are the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults?

ADHD in Adults

Some of the symptoms of ADHD may change as a person gets older. They include:

  • Often being late or forgetting things
  • Anxiety
  • Low self-esteem
  • Problems at work
  • Trouble controlling anger
  • Impulsiveness
  • Substance misuse or addiction
  • Trouble staying organized
  • Procrastination
  • Easily frustrated
  • Often bored
  • Trouble concentrating when reading
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Relationship problems

 

It is however important to note that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not a disorder that can be diagnosed at home or by relating symptoms to those of somebody else who has been diagnosed. ADHD cannot be self-diagnosed even if the symptoms are severe.

This is because symptomatology of mental health disorders is complicated. A symptom for a patient may not be a symptom for a doctor, and vice versa. Furthermore, a patient may wrongly self-diagnose themselves as having ADHD from their symptoms, whilst in reality their symptom is that of another disorder, Thus, only a health care professional can evaluate the numerous symptoms which a patient demonstrates, identify their causes and provide a diagnosis, taking into account the medical history of the patient as well.

If you suspect ADHD, then book an appointment with a doctor or a mental health professional and bring with you a list of questions, your medical history, as well as the opinion of a person close to you, so that the doctor understands the severity of your symptoms.

 

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