It consists of persistent problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior that are associated with adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Low self-esteem, poor work or school performance, and unstable relationships are some of the issues caused by adult ADHD.
 
While it is referred to as adult ADHD, it is actually a childhood disorder that persists into adulthood. It is not uncommon for ADHD to be recognized or diagnosed as an adult. There may not be as much clarity in adult ADHD symptoms as there is in childhood ADHD symptoms. Hyperactivity may decrease in adults, but impulsiveness, restlessness, and difficulty paying attention may persist.

A person with ADHD may be hyperactive, impulsive, inattentive, or a combination of the three. Physicians use the DSM-5 to diagnose each presentation based on a set of behavioral symptoms.
 
There is a constant need for movement in people with hyperactive ADHD. It is common for them to fidget, squirm, and have difficulty staying seated. It is common for people of all ages to talk non-stop, interrupt others, blurt out answers, and lack self-control. Children and men are more likely to develop this type of ADHD.
 
Inattentive ADHD sufferers make careless mistakes because they have trouble sustaining attention, following detailed instructions, and organizing tasks and activities. Their working memory is weak, they are easily distracted by external stimuli, and they often lose things. Adults and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with this type of ADHD.
 
Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are present in six or more symptoms of combined-type ADHD.
 
Symptoms described in the DSM-V are used by physicians to diagnose ADHD. There are nine symptoms listed in the DSM-V that indicate ADHD is predominantly hyperactive and impulsive, and nine symptoms that indicate ADHD is predominantly inattentive.

ADHD can be fairly serious in adults as the symptoms may get in the way of living your life to the fullest potential including causing career or relationship issues. ADHD can also occur alongside other conditions to a greater detriment. In spite of the fact that ADHD is not associated with other psychological or developmental disorders, other disorders often accompany ADHD and complicate treatment.
 
There are many adults with ADHD who also suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, or another mood disorder. In addition to mood problems, ADHD can worsen depression if failures and frustrations are repeated.
 
Adults with ADHD are at risk of anxiety disorders fairly frequently. There are many symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, including anxiety, nervousness, and overwhelming worry. As a result of ADHD, anxiety can be exacerbated by challenges and setbacks.
 
There is an increased risk of other psychiatric disorders among adults with ADHD, such as personality disorders, intermittent explosive disorder, and substance abuse disorders. The academic scores of adults with ADHD may be lower than expected based on their age, intelligence, and education level. Communication and understanding problems can be part of learning disabilities.

ADHD symptoms can be triggered or intensified by stress. Having ADHD can also lead to a perpetual state of stress. It has been shown that stress affects the prefrontal cortex, the same area of the brain that is affected by ADHD.
 
A majority of people diagnosed with ADHD also experience sleep problems. ADHD symptoms overlap with many symptoms of sleep deprivation. Mental sluggishness can result from inadequate sleep for anyone. It is possible for ADHD symptoms to worsen or be exacerbated by poor sleep when you live with the condition.
 
Sensory overload, or overstimulation, is common in people with ADHD. Computers, cell phones, televisions, and the Internet can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms when they are constantly stimulated.
 
You can better manage ADHD symptoms once you recognize what triggers your symptoms.
 
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults since some ADHD symptoms are similar to those caused by anxiety or mood disorders. Adults with ADHD are also likely to have at least one other mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.
 
ADHD treatment is available at Psychiatry Unplugged. We are conveniently located at 6801 Park Terrace, Suite 530B Los Angeles CA 90045. For more information, call us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Beverly Hills CA, Santa Monica CA, Encino CA, and Pacific Palisades CA.