Symptoms in adults

The three core complexes of ADHD symptoms are attention deficit, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Each of these terms covers a variety of symptoms that can, but need not, occur in every patient. The attention disorder manifests itself for example in the distractibility, forgetfulness, lack of concentration and similar problems of the affected person.

It is responsible for the difficulties at school and in the adult’s work. Impulsiveness is noticeable in the person’s decision-making, emotional behaviour and reaction. It makes it more difficult to consider the consequences and to integrate into the social environment.

Hyperactivity is characterized by a massive urge to move and makes the patient nervous and restless. Which symptoms the individual actually shows varies from case to case. Some show an isolated attention deficit disorder, others only have problems with social interactions.

ADHD is also more difficult to detect in adults than in children. Since the problems have existed since childhood and the persons affected have therefore been struggling with ADHD symptoms for many years, most of them form their own compensation strategies. They avoid situations in which their ADHD would be noticeable.

In adults, for example, attention deficit disorder can manifest itself as disinterest, impulsiveness as social isolation and hyperactivity as excessive physical activity. There are a variety of ways in which ADHD can manifest itself in adults that are significantly less typical than in children. In addition, the risk of concomitant symptoms becomes increasingly higher after years of symptomatology.

For example, depression and similar problems are significantly more common in adult ADHD patients than in the rest of the population. The typical core complexes are therefore not only less noticeable compared to the child, but other symptoms also occur. Thus, the appearance of ADHD in adults becomes much more complex and difficult to interpret. The recognition of the disease and the treatment and support of the affected person are therefore a challenge, but very important to avoid accompanying problems.

Problems in the partnership

People with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating, are easily distracted and impulsive. This often leads to difficulties and arguments in the relationship. The biggest problem is disturbed communication.

Those affected find it difficult to listen to and respond to their partner. They also often react inappropriately, forget important things and are unreliable. This behaviour is frustrating for the partner and is difficult to understand, so he reacts with criticism and does not feel appreciated.

Often ADHD patients are also impulsive and emotional, suffer from mood swings and feel misunderstood, so they are quickly offended. If the attention deficit disorder also affects sexuality, this also puts a strain on the relationship. Frequent criticism by the partner further lowers the patient’s already usually low self-esteem.

The symptoms become worse and the problems persist. In order to avoid the failure of the relationship due to misunderstandings, proper communication is therefore necessary. This can be learned by the patient and his partner in the right therapy.