ADHD manifests as a behavioral disorder and affects all races, all IQ levels, and all socioeconomic backgrounds. Although the disorder is treatable, when it is left untreated, the individual can experience difficulties in adulthood such as problems with employment,interpersonal relationships, and health problems including eating disorders.
Diagnosing ADHD is complex and encompasses several aspects of the individual’s life because it can be attributed to extreme forms of behavior. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, the issue must present in multiple areas and must be persistent, extreme, and pervasive.
10 symptoms of ADD/ADHD
1. Interpersonal Relationships
Those individuals with ADHD frequently have difficulty maintaining close personal relationships, such as with their spouse or significant other. This can be exacerbated by the stress of daily life and the responsibilities that may become overwhelming to the ADHD sufferer. Maintaining a steady job, paying bills timely, and issues with children can wreak havoc with ADHD and trigger other behaviors associated with the disease. Those with ADHD are twice as likely to divorce as those without it. It is not the disorder that triggers the divorce. Rather it is the inability or refusal to accept the disorder and its side effects.
2. Focus Issues
ADHD causes many individuals to have difficulty concentrating on a single issue. This can lead to a lack of success in work because of an inability to meet deadlines or stay on task. It can also be detrimental to relationships because of the inability to honor a commitment or a goal. The spouse may interpret this as a lack of concern about the relationship, but the ADHD individual may not understand why his or her partner is upset.
The other side of the lack of focus for ADHD individuals is excessive focus, amounting to almost a compulsion. These people become so focused on a task that they lose sight of all else. Particularly in a home situation where the individual may be responsible for minding the children or some similar task, their excessive focus can become hazardous.
3. Listening Skills
ADHD can be responsible for poor listening skills, which relates to the inability to focus. It is common for those with this disorder to be unable to listen to or follow an extended conversation or presentation. This is especially problematic in the work situation and may result in an erratic work history. Poor listening skills is another issue with ADHD and the propensity to interrupt others when they are speaking. Although this may seem rude, it may be because the person is afraid, they may not remember what they wanted to say.
4. Driving Issues
Since ADHD can have a detrimental effect on concentration, ADHD individuals may be perceived as reckless drivers. This can result in multiple accidents and a substantial number of traffic citations. Since this may also result in the loss of his or her driver's license, this can adversely affect both the home and personal life of the individual with ADHD.
5. Motivation
Procrastination may be a symptom of ADHD. If you or a loved one has difficulty getting started on a complicated task, it may be a sign of ADHD. This doesn't mean that motivational issues are a sign of the disease, but when taken in combination with many other symptoms, it may indicate the presence of ADHD.
6. Sleep and Depression
Those individuals with ADHD are up to three times more likely to experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia, as compared to individuals that do not suffer from the disorder. Additionally, those with ADHD will often have an anxiety disorder and more than half will be treated for depression. Of course, being depressed or experiencing occasional insomnia does not indicate the presence of ADHD. However, when experienced consistently and in conjunction with other symptoms, it may indicate the presence of the disorder.
7. Habitually Late
It may be difficult for someone with ADHD to remain sufficiently focused on timeliness that they are able to arrive on time, whether it is for work, for an appointment, or for an engagement. Most likely, it is not an intentional disregard of the value of other peoples' time. Rather, it's usually due to other factors. Those with ADHD may not pay attention to the gas gauge, underestimate the length of travel time he or she will need, and so forth. The result is the same, but the motivating factors are dramatically different.
8. Emotional Outbursts
Many times, people with ADHD have little or no control over their emotions. They may explode over trivial issues but immediately forget what upset them. Frequently, their anger subsides as quickly as it came but it may leave others in emotional turmoil.
9. Inability to be Still
Part of ADHD is hyperactivity. Therefore, many who suffer from this disorder are unable to sit still, standstill, or lie still. This can be problematic in the work situation where long meetings and the necessity to be at a desk may be required. In a relationship, it can be problematic because it's difficult to be physically close to someone who is always on the move.
10. Prioritizing
Many ADHD sufferers have trouble establishing priorities. Whether it is due to an inability to
focus, lack of short-term memory, or obsession with a triviality, the inability to prioritize can
cause issues both at work and at home. Individuals will spend a substantial amount of time
focused on a small point while completely ignoring the larger scope and the task will not be
completed timely.
ADHD is a serious disorder that can significantly impact a person's life and if it is not treated, its
detrimental effects can have grave consequences. It may also result in decreased longevity. Since
the symptoms mimic other disorders, it is imperative that the ADHD diagnosis be made by an
experienced professional who has been trained to recognize the disorder.