Brief description
- Symptoms: Difficulties with organization and planning, attention deficit disorder and impulsivity.
- Diagnosis: A comprehensive interview and exclusion of other organic or mental illnesses.
- Therapy: Psychotherapy and medication
ADHD symptoms in adults
Inner restlessness, forgetfulness and scatterbrainedness come to the fore in adults with ADD and ADHD… However, symptoms such as impulsive behavior and rash actions are still present.
Far too rarely are these signs recognized as ADHD symptoms in adults. Usually, affected individuals have exhibited these behaviors for so long that they are perceived as part of their personality.
Organizational difficulties
ADHD in adults often manifests itself with behaviors that can appear alienating and careless to the environment. Lack of perseverance as well as tardiness and untidiness are often perceived as problematic by those around them.
Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention deficit disorder can have far-reaching consequences. For example, job loss is a common consequence of ADHD or ADD in adults. ADHD adults also have an increased risk of accidents due in part to their poor ability to concentrate.
Impulsivity
Adults with ADHD often act impulsively. They make decisions spontaneously based on their gut. Their moods can also change quickly.
Their impulsivity can also make adults with ADHD dangerous in traffic (as well as the reduced ability to concentrate mentioned above).
Low stress and frustration tolerance
If things do not go as hoped, they are often very frustrated. This manifests itself in irritability and irascibility. Low stress and frustration tolerance make both professional and social life more difficult. Sometimes sufferers will even resort to lying to escape the unpleasant situation.
Hyperactivity
A symptom that still often occurs in adulthood is a strong urge to talk and to interrupt (falling into words).
The positive side of ADHD
The decisive factor is that the people concerned are interested in their work. If they enjoy their work, they will be fully committed and highly motivated. Their performance can then even be above average.
Concomitant diseases of ADHD
Research has shown that people with ADHD who are not treated often turn to addictive substances. By consuming cannabis, alcohol or nicotine, they try to become calmer or increase their performance. In a sense, they use the drugs to self-medicate. If a drug addiction has developed, it must be treated before the actual ADHD therapy begins.
ADHD symptoms in women
ADHD in a partnership
ADHD can also be a burden for a partnership. The person affected is often not understood in everyday life or his behavior is misinterpreted. This leads to self-doubt, which can cause problems in a relationship. In addition, those affected often become dependent on their partner because of the exclusion they experience.
ADHD in adults: Examinations and diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD in adults, a psychiatrist or psychotherapist is usually guided by the diagnostic criteria for ADHD in childhood and adolescence.
For the examination, the doctor or psychologist conducts a detailed interview with the person affected. By asking specific questions, the specialist can determine which signs point to ADHD and whether other mental disorders are present. To be able to rule out other causes, such as a thyroid disorder or sleep disorders, the doctor also performs a physical examination.
ADHD in adults: Therapy
Psychotherapy
According to current knowledge, ADHD cannot be cured. Sometimes, however, the impairments partially disappear over the years. Some affected persons also develop coping strategies with which they can successfully master everyday life and work. In particular, difficulties with work organization and professional and private communication can be treated well with behavioral therapy.
Medication
For pronounced symptoms in adults, doctors sometimes prescribe medication for ADHD. As with children, two different active ingredients (methylphenidate and atomoxetine) are available for adults. They do not cure the disorder, but help improve quality of life.
You can read more about ADHD medication in our article ADHD.
