Adult ADHD Symptoms

What Is ADHD

28th Aug 2024

easily distracted

Ever find yourself mid-conversation, nodding along while secretly wondering if you left the stove on, what that weird noise was outside, or what you’re going to have for dinner? Welcome to the ADHD brain, where distraction is the main event! Whether it’s the ping of a phone notification, a sudden urge to rearrange the spice cabinet, or just a random thought about penguins, our minds love to wander.

Adults with ADHD are easily distracted because their brains have difficulty filtering out irrelevant information and managing focus. The ADHD brain is often hyper-responsive to external stimuli, which means that sights, sounds, and even thoughts that might go unnoticed by others can easily capture attention.

attention

Sustaining attention with ADHD can feel like an uphill battle. It’s easy to miss important details or skim through instructions, only to realize later that something got overlooked.

We often struggle to finish a movie or a book because our minds are already wandering to the next thing. The smallest details can be overwhelming, making it hard to stay focused on the task at hand.

Boredom often sets in quickly, making it challenging to stay engaged, but there are times when we experience hyperfocus, allowing us to dive deeply into something we’re interested in—though those moments can be short-lived.

forgetfulness

Forgetfulness is a daily challenge for adults with ADHD. We rely on constant reminders and still manage to forget appointments, misplace keys, or overlook schedules. Commitments, bills, returning phone calls? They slip through the cracks more often than we’d like.

To keep everything from spiraling, we can also become rigid with lists, clinging to them as a way to make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Even then, it’s a balancing act to stay on top of it all.

Forgetfulness is often linked to difficulties with working memory. This part of the brain is responsible for keeping track of tasks, remembering instructions, and managing details. When working memory is impaired, as it often is in ADHD, it becomes harder to hold onto information long enough to act on it, leading to forgetfulness.

disorganisation

Disorganisation is another symptom of adult ADHD. The house or workplace can feel like a whirlwind of clutter. Time often slips away unnoticed, leading to lateness and a struggle to plan activities effectively. We might plan out our day with the best intentions, only to lose track of the schedule entirely.

It’s easy to overcommit, juggling too many tasks at once and starting projects that never quite reach the finish line. Deadlines can feel like moving targets, and we often lean on others to help bring some structure to the chaos.

Disorganization is often a result of difficulties with executive function, which includes planning, prioritizing, and managing tasks. In ADHD, these skills are often impaired, making it challenging to stay organized.

avoidance

Many might be surprised that avoidance is a frequent struggle for those with adult ADHD, especially when it comes to tasks that feel monotonous or mentally draining. We often gravitate toward the easiest tasks first, putting off the more challenging ones indefinitely. Learning new skills or tackling long-term projects can feel overwhelming, leading us to delay starting them altogether.

Managing finances, filling out forms, or writing lengthy reports? Those are usually pushed to the back burner, along with any messages or emails that seem too mentally taxing. It’s not about laziness; it’s just that facing these tasks often feels like climbing a mountain with no clear path to the top.

restlessness

Restlessness with ADHD can feel like having a motor that never shuts off. Sitting still is a challenge, so we often prefer to walk around or keep moving. This inner restlessness can build up, leading to stress and overwhelm. Places where we have to sit still, like lectures, long meetings, or restaurants, are tough to handle, so we often avoid them.

We might find ourselves stimming by repeating words or playing the same song on loop, fiddling with hair, biting nails, tapping, or fidgeting just to release some of that energy. Relaxing can feel almost impossible.

Restlessness in people with ADHD is driven by an underactive dopamine system, leading the brain to constantly seek stimulation to stay engaged.

impatience

Finally, impatience is a common symptom of adult ADHD, often leading to impulsive decisions, like making sudden purchases or jumping in and out of jobs and relationships. We might blurt out thoughts without thinking, change topics mid-conversation, or seek out new stimuli. This impatience can also show up in reckless behaviors, like driving too fast or spending money without much thought.

Impatience in ADHD stems from how the brain processes time, rewards, and stimuli. Those with ADHD often experience “time blindness,” where the perception of time is skewed, making it difficult to wait or anticipate future rewards. The brain’s reward system is also different, with a higher need for immediate gratification, leading to impulsive decisions and actions.