Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Male
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed correctly. This is largely due to the way symptoms of ADHD manifest in different environments and for people of different ages and gender identities.
As an adult, you may struggle with the same symptoms 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 are having a difficult time staying focused.
People suffering from ADHD are easily distracted by low-priority activities. They also have difficulty following instructions, staying focused and managing multiple deadlines. They may also neglect to pay their bills or miss appointments. They may be unable to maintain healthy habits like a regular exercise routine or a healthy diet.
Others may take these actions as a sign of laziness or indifference. It's also difficult to determine what is normal and what's not appropriate for those who suffer from ADHD. They feel that they have a lot of responsibilities to juggle, including working, caring for elderly parents or children, running the household and maintaining personal relationships. People who are stressed and overwhelmed as a result.
Adults with inattention ADHD often suffer from forgetfulness. This can have a negative impact on every aspect of their lives. It is common for people with inattentive ADHD to fail to take care of things like picking up groceries, put out the garbage, or even return emails. This can lead to missed chances or relationships that are strained, as well as financial difficulties. It's also common for people with inattention ADHD to become absorbed in an activity that is stimulating, such as a new video game, and have trouble shifting their attention when they are at work or with family.
Hyperactivity can be more apparent in children, but still present in adults. Adults suffering from ADHD typically show this more subtly in the form of restlessness or a tendency to play with their hands or feet. They might pace around the room or fidget while working, instead of taking notes and sitting in a quiet place. They are also susceptible to impulsive spending or making decisions without thinking things through.
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 might have difficulty hearing what your partner is saying, or conversing with colleagues at work. Your ADHD symptoms can also affect your ability to learn new things at school or during training sessions like lectures and instructions.
You may be prone to talking about your mind without considering the consequences, and it's possible to be a nuisance to others. Adult ADHD can also cause anxiety or difficulty sitting still. You may have a tendency to change between different activities. This can lead to problems with work and finances like missed deadlines and unpaid bills. You might decide to spend money on a pastime without considering how it will benefit your life and relationships as per research published in Psychiatry Research in December 2014.
Attention deficits can interfere with your ability to finish tasks. For instance, you may not be able to remember your doctor's medical instructions or when you are supposed to take medication. It is also possible that you have difficulty keeping a job, or reaching your career goals due to frequent criticisms at work.
Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist and writer, says that you can improve your listening skills by reciting what your conversation partner has said. This can help to clarify any confusions and cement the information in your brain, she says. Take notes during conversations. This is especially crucial when you're getting instructions or a lesson from someone else. This can prevent you from not noticing important details that are critical to your success at work or at school.
3. You have a hard time recalling details
Sometimes, those with untreated ADHD have trouble recalling particulars. They may forget important documents or appointments. They may also have difficulty remembering what they heard during an exchange, even if they were paying attention to the speaker. This could make it difficult for loved ones to understand what's going on.
They may ask you about your family history and perform an examination of your body. They will also discuss the symptoms and how they impact your daily life at home, school and at work. They may also inquire about other medications you're taking.
4. You are having a difficult time making decisions
As adults, many with ADHD struggle to make decisions and then follow through with them. This can result in frustration and a feeling of not living the expectations others seem to have. It can also result in procrastination, leading to problems at home and work.
If you suffer from ADHD your brain may not get the strong feedback "don't" or "do" it requires to devise efficient strategies for making decisions. This means that you might over-rely on impulse to compensate and end up making mistakes. This can result in self-doubt and low self-esteem. It can also be difficult for your friends and family when you're having a difficult decision-making process. They might find themselves waiting a long while for you to decide what to do or sat hungover in a booth at a restaurant while you ponder the menu.
The agitation of ADHD can also cause you to lose interest in the activities you normally enjoy, or get bored frequently. Your body is always in motion and this could cause you to get up from a film or meeting often, or fumble. This can trigger feelings such as depression and anxiety.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed or misdiagnosed since they are better at disguising their symptoms than males are. The signs of inattention that women display are also subtle and less prominent in comparison to the hyperactivity and impulsiveness that boys with ADHD display.
It is crucial to understand that your ADHD symptoms do not come from you. They are a result of biological and environmental circumstances that occurred during the early years of childhood. However, it is possible to learn to manage your symptoms so that they do not interfere with your daily life. A thorough evaluation with a health care provider or mental health professional is necessary to determine if you suffer from ADHD and to identify the best treatment options.
5. You have a difficult time following through
Being unable to focus or completing tasks can be one of the most troubling signs of ADHD in males over the age of 18. You may neglect important tasks such as paying your bills, or even attending doctor's appointments. Your home life can also be affected if you regularly miss or skip cooking, cleaning and other chores.
It's also common for men with ADHD to lose track of their personal belongings and often fail to return messages, phone calls or other messages. ADHD symptoms in adult men with the inattentive type of ADHD can become absorbed in activities they enjoy, such as video games or other hobbies, and have trouble shift their focus to tasks at home or at work.
The tendency to be in a state of high-impulsivity is also an indication of ADHD and impact your ability to think about the future or plan before you act. This can cause trouble with family members and friends in the event that you shout out your answers before they are done talking or interrupt them when they're talking. You could also make rash decisions without thinking about the consequences, such as leaving your job or having sex that is not protected.
If you struggle with these symptoms then it's time to get checked out. 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 may be having.
Many people with ADHD have improved symptoms after being diagnosed and treated. There are many options such as cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) as well as stress management or eating a balanced diet and medications. Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. However, non-stimulants like bupropion and atomoxetine are available to those who would rather avoid stimulants or who have had a negative reaction to them.