10 PROBLEMS THAT COULD MEAN ADULT ADHD

Many people think of rowdy kids who can't sit still when they think of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. But the fact is, symptoms of ADHD can linger into adulthood. Many adults with ADHD don't realize that many of the problems they face, including staying organized or being on time, are symptoms of adult ADHD. While experts don't know for sure what causes ADHD, they believe genes may play an important part in who develops attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Environmental issues, such as exposure to cigarettes, alcohol, or other toxins while in the womb, may also play a role. Unlike other psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, ADHD doesn't begin in adulthood. So symptoms must have been present since childhood for a diagnosis of adult ADHD to be made. The conventionally used diagnostic criteria for ADHD, including the most common symptoms, were developed based on how the condition shows itself in children. These symptoms include forgetfulness and excessive daydreaming, as well as an inability to sit still, or constant fidgeting with objects. Many experts think adult ADHD symptoms manifest themselves differently and more subtly. This can make it difficult to recognize and diagnose adult ADHD.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #1: DIFFICULTY GETTING ORGANIZED - For people with ADHD, the increased responsibilities of adulthood - bills, jobs, and children, to name a few - can make problems with organization more obvious and more harmful than in childhood. While some ADHD symptoms are more annoying to other people than to the person with the condition, disorganization is often identified by adults struggling with ADHD as a major detractor that affects their quality of life.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #2: RECKLESS DRIVING AND TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder makes it hard to keep your attention on task, so spending time behind the wheel of a care can be difficult. ADHD symptoms can make some people more likely to speed, have traffic accidents, and lose their driver's licenses.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #3: MARITAL DIFFICULTIES - Many people without ADHD have marital problems, of course, so a troubled marriage shouldn't be seen as a red flag for adult ADHD. There are some marriage problems that are particularly likely to affect the relationships of those with ADHD. Often, the partners of people with undiagnosed ADHD take poor listening skills and an inability to honor commitments as a sign that their partner doesn't care.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #4: EXTREME DISTRACTIBILITY - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a problem with attention regulation, so adult ADHD can make it hard to make it difficult to succeed in today's fast-paced, hustle-bustle world. Many people find that distractibility can lead to a history of career underperformance, especially in noisy or busy offices.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #5: POOR LISTENING SKILLS - Do you zone out during long business meetings? Did your husband forget to pick up little Jimmy at baseball practice, even though you called to remind him on his way home? Problems with attention result in poor listening skills in many adults with ADHD, leading to a lot of missed appointments and misunderstandings.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #6: RESTLESSNESS, DIFFICULTY RELAXING - While many children with ADHD are "hyperactive," this ADHD symptom often appears differently in adults. Rather than bouncing off the walls, adults with ADHD are more likely to exhibit restlessness or find they can't relax. If you have adult ADHD, leading to a lot of missed appointments and misunderstandings.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #7: DIFFICULTY STARTING A TASK - Just as children with ADHD often put off doing homework, people with adult ADHD often drag their feet when starting tasks that require a lot of attention. This procrastination often adds to existing problems, including marital disagreements, workplace issues, and problems with friends.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #8: CHRONIC LATENESS - There are many reasons adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are usually late. First, they're often distracted on the way to an event, maybe realizing the car needs to be washed and then noticing they're low on gas, and before they know it an hour has gone by. People with adult ADHD also tend to underestimate howmuch time it takes to finish a task, whether it's a major assignment at work or a simple home repair.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #9: ANGRY OUTBURSTS - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often leads to problems controlling emotions. Many people with adult ADHD are quick to explode over minor issues. Often, adults with ADHD feel as if they have absolutely no control over their emotions. Many times, their anger fades as quickly as it flared, long before the people who dealt with the outburst have gotten over the incident.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #10: PRIORITIZING ISSUES - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can wreak havoc on planning, too. Often, people with adult ADHD mis-prioritize, failing to meet big obligations, like a deadline at work, while spending countless hours on something insignificant, such as getting a higher score on a video game.

Only a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis of adult ADHD, but there are some self-screening tests that may help you decide whether to consult a medical professional about your adult ADHD symptoms. If, after talking with a qualified health professional, you or your loved one is diagnosed with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you'll need to work together with your doctor to design the best treatment plan.

source: http://www.webmd.com/