What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Adult ADHD?

Do you struggle with time management and organization? Do you get easily distracted?
These are just a few of the most common signs of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in Canada, affecting 4-6% of adults and 5-7% of children, or approximately 1.8 million Canadians.

It is distinguished by a recurring pattern of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention that can affect everyday activities and overall quality of life.

Individuals with ADHD may have trouble concentrating, managing their emotions, paying attention to details, and finishing tasks that demand persistent mental effort. Besides affecting social and professional function, ADHD can be extremely stressful and frustrating for those who are impacted.

There are some therapies that can help control ADHD symptoms and enhance everyday function, including medication, counselling, and lifestyle changes.

In this blog, we’ll look at the common symptoms of adult ADHD, how they might affect a person’s life and the therapies that are available. Read on to learn more about treatment for adult ADHD in Ottawa if you or someone you know may be exhibiting symptoms of ADHD.

Reach out to Renew Neurotherapy today to get a consultation.

The Most Common Symptoms of Adult ADHD

The most common ADHD symptoms in adults can be grouped into the following categories:

Inattention Symptoms  

Adult ADHD Symptoms of Inattention include:

• Difficulty Paying Attention to Details

People with ADHD face difficulty in paying attention to details and focusing, which might result in errors on the job, at school, or in other spheres of life.

People with ADHD might have a problem remembering crucial dates or deadlines, and they might overlook nuances in instructions.

Significant stress and dissatisfaction can result from this, which might affect interpersonal relationships and job performance.

• Difficulty Staying Focused on Tasks

Facing difficulty in maintaining attention on projects is another symptom of ADHD. When the task at hand is monotonous or repetitive, people with ADHD might find it difficult to stay focused.

This can result in procrastination and unfinished work, making it harder to achieve professional and personal goals.

• Forgetfulness and Distractibility

Some common inattention symptoms of ADHD include forgetfulness and distractibility. It might be difficult for adults with ADHD to recall tasks, conversations, and appointments, which makes it difficult to maintain relationships and carry out everyday duties efficiently.

They might also be easily distracted, especially by outside stimuli like sounds or motion.

• Avoiding Activities That Need Constant Mental Effort

Adults with ADHD might avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as reading a book or writing a report.

This can lead to underachievement in academic or work settings and impact career advancement opportunities.

Hyperactivity Symptoms

Adult ADHD Symptoms of Hyperactivity include:

• Restlessness and Fidgeting

Another typical adult ADHD symptom is hyperactivity, which can have a negative impact on daily function and quality of life. Fidgeting and restlessness are the initial signs of ADHD and can lead to difficulty in staying focused for long periods of time.

Physical discomfort and distractibility can result from this, which can have an adverse effect on both social interactions and work performance.

The need to move around frequently experienced by people with ADHD can be mistaken for lack of interest or effort.

• Difficulty Staying Still or Sitting Down

This can be particularly difficult in circumstances that call for constant focus, like meetings, school, or when engaging in certain leisure activities.

It can be tough to stay focused when people with ADHD are constantly shifting postures, tapping their feet, or moving their hands.

• Excessive Talking or Interrupting Others

Excessive talking or interrupting others is another hyperactivity symptom of ADHD. Individuals with ADHD struggle with impulse control, leading them to interrupt conversations or talk excessively.

This can be frustrating for those around them and can cause social difficulties.

• Impulsiveness and Risk-taking Behavior

Impulsivity and risk-taking behaviours are often seen in people with ADHD. They might take part in activities without thinking about the repercussions, which can result in harmful actions like substance misuse or irresponsible driving.

Negative consequences include legal and financial issues and relationship difficulties.

Executive Functioning Symptoms

Adult ADHD Symptoms of Executive Functioning include:

• Difficulty with Organization and Time Management

Executive functioning problems are frequently associated with issues in organization and time management in persons with ADHD.

It can involve finding it challenging to remember deadlines and appointments, as well as having trouble organizing thoughts or possessions. As a result, people with ADHD might frequently feel overburdened and struggle to finish assignments on time.

• Poor Planning and Problem-Solving Skills

Poor planning and problem-solving skills are another aspect of executive functioning symptoms in adults with ADHD.

This can manifest in difficulty making decisions, having trouble breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, and a tendency to become easily frustrated when facing obstacles.

Adults with ADHD struggle to meet deadlines and might feel stuck in a cycle of unproductive thinking.

• Difficulty Regulating Emotions

A common ADHD symptom in adults is trouble controlling emotions. This can involve having problems managing one’s impulses, being easily over-excited or worried, and feeling overwhelmed. Because of this, adults with ADHD might find themselves struggling with anger management, anxiety, or keeping up positive connections.

• Procrastination and Difficulty Getting Started on Tasks

Procrastination and difficulty getting started on tasks might make it challenging for people to start or finish tasks that they feel are dull or uninteresting. Adults with ADHD, as a result, find it difficult to fulfill deadlines and feel overburdened by their duties.

Conclusion

A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders states that approximately 4.4% of adults in Canada have ADHD, and it’s estimated that 60% of those individuals experience significant impairments in their lives because of the symptoms.

It is important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment for ADHD symptoms in adults.

Many adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed and untreated, leading to significant negative outcomes. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available, including medication, therapy, neurofeedback, and lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms and improve daily function.
If you are experiencing common symptoms of adult ADHD, it’s important to seek professional help to receive an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

If you are looking for treatment for adult ADHD in Ottawa, reach out to Renew Neurotherapy, where we offer comprehensive assessments and treatment options for adults with ADHD, including neurofeedback, counselling/psychotherapy, and occupational therapy.

Take your first step towards a healthier life; reach out to Renew Neurotherapy today!