Resources  email page print page Basic Information Childhood ADHD Overview Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Symptoms of ADHDHistorical Development of ADHDThe ADHD DiagnosisOnset and Prevalence of ADHDADHD ComorbidityControversies Surrounding ADHD Causes and Nature of ADHD in Children The Causes of ADHD ADHD Causes ContinuedThe Nature of ADHDADHD Stressors ADHD Assessment & Diagnosis in Children ADHD Assessment and DiagnosisADHD Testing - Structured Interviews / Questionnaires / ChecklistsADHD Testing - Intelligence and AchievementADHD Testing - Attention, Executive Functioning and Memory Childhood Treatment of ADHD ADHD TreatmentMechanism of Action in ADHDADHD Medication ContraindicationsSide Effects of ADHD MedicationsAddiction Issues with ADHD MedicationsOther Medications Used to Treat ADHDOther ADHD Treatment Options - Environmental ApproachesFacilitating Interactions with Peers and Educational Inverventions for ADHDIndividual Approaches for ADHD TreatmentNeurofeedback and ADHD CoachingADHD Group ApproachesAlternative Treatments for ADHDADHD Alternative Treatments Continued Living with ADHD in Children Living with ADHDSafety Concerns and ADHD Additional Resources for ADHD ADHD in Adults Adult ADHD OverviewSymptoms of Adult ADHDThe Nature of Adult ADHDDiagnosis of Adult ADHDAdult ADHD Treatment - Medications Living with Adult ADHD Resources and Reading List/References ADHD Reading ListAdditional Resources for ADHD More Information "I Can't," Living with ADHDA Look at Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderAdditional Information about ADHDADHD and Brain Stimulation ADHD and Stimulant Medications, A Matter of JudgementADHD OverviewADHD SymptomsADHD TreatmentsADHD, Medication and ExerciseAdolescents with ADHD and the Risk of Internet AddictionAdult ADHD and the HolidaysAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderChildren, ADHD and Stimulant MedicationChoosing Appropriate Toys for Children with ADHDDo I Have ADD?Intervention, ADHD, Addiction and Enabling and the Family CrucibleIt Is Me, Vinnie's Mom: Intervention, ADHD and the Family Crucible ContinuedOnline Resources for ADHDParenting, ADHD and Childhood Behavior ProblemsSelf Help for Adult ADHDThe ADHD e-BOOKThe Brain, Nutrition and ADHDThe Holidays with ADHD Children Tests Jasper/Goldberg Adult ADD Questionnaire Latest News Lead Exposure May Contribute to ADHDClinical Trials Update: Feb. 1, 2010Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 18, 2010Clinical Trials Update: Dec. 7, 2009Toxicants Associated With Increased Risk of ADHDSmoking During Pregnancy, Lead Exposure Raise ADHD Risk in KidsClinical Trials Update: Nov. 17, 2009Clinical Trials Update: Nov. 9, 2009Folate Levels in Pregnancy Tied to ADHD in OffspringTeens With ADHD, Depression Risk Internet AddictionDopamine Reward Pathway Linked to ADHD DeficitsMotivation May Be at Root of ADHDIntuniv Approved for Pediatric ADHDAbuse of ADHD Drugs on the RiseHundreds of Genes Could Be Linked to ADHDAttention-Deficit Drugs Linked to Better Test ScoresWorking Memory Fluctuates in Kids With ADHD Questions and Answers Depression in College SeniorsOdd Eating Behavior5 Year Old Behavior-Is it ADHD or Bipolar or Both?odd (ADHD)Attention Deficit and DepressionWhat Should I do? Noah16 year old girl with Attention Deficit DisorderThoughtsDiagnosed ADHD at 13, now being told I have bipolar disorderADHD in Twins Inherited ADHDHow to get off Focalinnew diagnosisam i off my head i feel i have no feelings and want to harm ppl17 yr old refuses help with bi-polar disorderIs Depression a Factor in Children With ADD?IS ADHD CAUSING HIM TO FAIL?heightened sexual behavior in my 8 yr. old with adhdseperation anxiety disorder or environment?my 7 year old nephewmy daughterDo I have adult ADD?Fantasy land for attention13 Yearl OldADDMisdiagnosed and Lied ToFunding Treatment (Without Insurance)Can ADHD Turn Into Bipolar?How Long To Diagnose ADHD? Blog Entries It Is Me, Vinnie's Mom: Intervention, ADHD and the Family Crucible ContinuedIntervention, ADHD, Addiction and Enabling and the Family CrucibleThe Holidays with ADHD Children Getting Unstuck from the Cycle of Bipolar DisorderSelf Help for Adult ADHD3 Steps to Mindfully Work with ADHD and ProcrastinationParenting, ADHD and Childhood Behavior ProblemsWhy it May be Good If Your Kid has ADHD or Bipolar GenesAdult ADHD and the HolidaysDepression, ADHD, Psychotherapy and MedicationAdult AD/HD: Effects on Relationships and Self-EsteemThe Brain, Nutrition and ADHD"I Can't," Living with ADHDExploring the Upside of ADHDDo I Have ADD?Mindfulness and ADHD: A Tip from Dr. Lidia ZylowskaADHD - Breaking the Cycle of ShameADHD, Medication and ExercisePersonality Disorders and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderAdolescents with ADHD and the Risk of Internet AddictionMindful Approaches for Adult ADHDChildren, ADHD and Stimulant MedicationThere is No Such Thing as ADDADHD and Brain Stimulation ADHD and Stimulant Medications, A Matter of JudgementLearning While Fidgeting: ADHDIt Is Not All PsychologicalParents of Children with ADHDChildren with ADHD and their FamiliesADHD Psychological Coaching: Learning to Cope without MedicationThe Amazing Story of a Boy Who Would Never Focus on AnythingI Thought I was Dumb: The Story of Ben Kilham, Bear ExpertAn Additional Comment About ADHD, It's Really RealADHD, It's Really RealInvolving Fathers in the Treatment of Children with ADHDAttention Deficit Disorder, A Personal AccountAdult ADHD: The Importance of Learning Social SkillsDo You Have Adult ADHD?Marriage, Family and Adult ADHDSmoking and ADHDDose-Response Curves and Treatment of ADHD, AddictionsNew drug warnings for ADHD stimulantsA New Way to Buffer Amphetamine For ADHD TreatmentTeachers as Brokers for ADHDPlaystation Neurofeedback Hybrid for ADHD TreatmentDaytrana skin patch for ADHD just approvedAdult ADHD: Difficult to Diagnose and Often Misunderstood Videos Treatment Options for Children with ADHDNot Just for Kids: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in AdultsRunning on Ritalin: Abuse Rises on CampusAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What Every Parent Should KnowDiagnosing Childhood ADHDA Special Place for Kids with ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Myths and FactsHelping Kids With ADHD Succeed in SchoolDiagnosing and Treating Adult ADHDTreating ADHD During the School YearADHD: It's a Family AffairManaging Adult ADHDDoes Your Child Have ADHD?ADHD in Children Links [2] Articles[6] Associations[2] Community[17] Information[1] Training[1] Software[14] Videos[1] Personal Experiences[2] Blogs Book Reviews 10 Simple Solutions to Adult ADDA Walk in the Rain With a BrainADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your LifeADHD & MeADHD Grown UpADHD in AdultsAttention Deficit DisorderAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderDriven to DistractionHealing ADDI Am Not Joey PigzaJoey Pigza Loses ControlJoey Pigza Swallowed the KeyLearning Outside the Lines Making ADD WorkMedicating ChildrenMind FieldsNew Look at ADHD: Inhibition, Time, and Self-ControlParenting Children With ADHDReclaiming Our ChildrenRethinking ADHDRitalin is Not the Answer Action GuideRitalin NationRunning on RitalinShould I Medicate My Child?Taking Charge of ADHD, Revised EditionThe Explosive ChildThe Gift of Adult ADDThe Little MonsterThumbsuckerWhat Would Joey Do? Self-Help Groups CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

Community Talk about this issue in our mental health support community

Therapist Search Find a Therapist:  (USA/CAN only) Use our Advanced Search to locate a therapist outside of North America.

Related Topics Bipolar Disorder Child & Adolescent Development Overview Learning Disorders Child Development and Parenting: Infants Child Development and Parenting: Early Childhood Mental Disorders Autism ADHD Alcohol & Substance Abuse Anxiety Disorders Bipolar Disorder Conversion Disorders Depression (Unipolar) Depression Primer Disorders of Childhood Eating Disorders Dissociative Disorders Impulse Control Disorders Internet Addiction Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Personality Disorders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Schizophrenia Sexual Disorders Suicide & Self-Harm Tourettes and other Tic Disorders Medical Disorders Alzheimers And Other Dementias Cancer Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Colds and Flu Crohns Disease / Irritable Bowel Diabetes Epilepsy Heart Disease High Blood Pressure Memory Problems Men's Health Multiple Sclerosis Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sleep Disorders Stroke Women's Health Wellness Anger Management Emotional Resilience Exercise Smoking Stress Reduction Weight Loss Life Issues Abuse Adoption Child Care Dating Disabilities Disasters Divorce Domestic Violence and Rape Elder Care Family & Relationship Issues Grief & Bereavement Issues Pain Management Parenting Parenting Child & Adolescent Development Overview Child Development and Parenting: Infants Child Development and Parenting: Early Childhood Pregnancy Infertility Child Care Relationship Problems Self Esteem Sexuality & Sexual Problems Speech Problems Terrorism & War Healthcare Health Insurance Health Policy & Advocacy Health Sciences Mental Health Professions Treatments & Interventions Alternative Medicine Assessment Medications Psychotherapy Lifespan Development Pregnancy Child & Adolescent Development Overview Child Development and Parenting: Infants Child Development and Parenting: Early Childhood Sexuality & Sexual Problems Homosexuality & Bisexuality Aging & Geriatrics Death & Dying

Adult ADHD symptoms often look different than children's symptoms; they are more likely to be very distractible and impulsive, rather than blatantly hyperactive. Often, the most prominent characteristic in adults with ADHD is difficulty with executive functioning (the ability to redirect attention, inhibit inappropriate behavior, make decisions, and switch problem-solving strategies). This significant function affects individuals in all aspects of their lives and can impair their ability to structure their lives and to plan even simple daily tasks. Other symptoms observed in adults include disorganization, impulsivity, restlessness, difficulties focusing attention, emotional instability and low stress tolerance, as evidence by the following:

Disorganization and Difficulty with Task Completion-

• Poor organizational skills
• Chronic procrastination or trouble getting started
• Working on many projects simultaneously
• Trouble with follow through on promises or commitments
• Changing plans, enacting new schemes or career plans and the like
• Difficulty structuring time and setting priorities (e.g., chronic lateness)

advertisement

Impulsivity-

• A tendency to say what comes to mind without considering the timing or appropriateness of the remark
• Difficulties with self-control
• Spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment behaviors or comments
• Frequently interrupting others when they are talking
• A tendency toward addictive behaviors

Hyperactivity-

• Physical or cognitive restlessness
• Craves excitement, frequently searching for high stimulation
• An intolerance of boredom

Attention Problems-

• Easily distracted, trouble focusing attention (e.g., tunes out or drifts away in the middle of a page or a conversation)
• Chronic forgetfulness
• Inaccurate self-observation

Emotional Instability-

• An ongoing tendency to worry excessively, that may alternate with disregard for actual dangers
• A sense of insecurity
• Mood swings
• Chronic problems with self-esteem
• Frequent boredom and discontent
• A chronic sense of underachievement, of not meeting one's goals, regardless of actual performance

Low Stress Tolerance-

• Impatient, doesn't deal well with frustration
• Easily flustered, tense
• Exaggerates the significance of negative events (i.e. makes "mountains out of molehills")
• Short temper, likely with a history of explosive episodes

Share:

Link: (Here's how to do it ... )

To link to this article:

1. Copy the HTML link code shown in the box just below.
2. Paste this HTML code into your blog or web page, into a forum post or a blog comment you make, into your Facebook feed, etc.

<a href="http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=13876&cn=3">Symptoms of Adult ADHD</a>

Thank you!

Help - Allan N. Schwartz, PhD - Oct 1st 2009

Dear Denise,

There is help available for your son even if he is homeless. What you can do, if he cooperates, is take him to the emergency room of the local hospital and explain to them his urgent need for emergency psychiatric intervention because he is in danger of dying. That is the truth.

They will either admit him to their hospital or they will move him to a psychiatric hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Once admitted they will file for emergency Medicaid and that is what will pay for the hospital.

I must emphasize that you do not know his diagnosis. He could have a Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic disorder including Schizophrenia or ADHD but with something else.

I agree, he needs treatment and he needs it now.

Best of Luck

I think my son age 28 has ADHD! - Denise - Oct 1st 2009

Hi  I hope I can put him in touch with the right people to get help. He is a very good person but is constantly misdirected by differnt situations that come up in his life. He is homeless now and I am trying to help him get his life on track. I have watched him make many accomplishments but everything has slipped through his hands..He has been out of control for many years now and is finally asking for some direction. I want to help but I know the first step is proper diagnosis. He has limited funds and I have my own health and mental issues with very limited funds myself, I still want to help him get what he needs to function properly. I know this problem has been with him along time but did not know who to talk to about it. He has been in and out of juvenile  and adult incarceration facilities and still this problem has never been addressed. I don't want anything to happen to my son, I know he is a good person and his heart is in the right place but needs helpr. If you can please help me help help him I would be forever grateful I love my son.. he is the youngest of my 5 children and the closest to my heart. Denise C.

People say I have ADHD but I don't know....hey look a chicken. - LADY - Jun 24th 2009

For many years I have been asked if I have ADHD, or asked if I'm drunk/on drugs, because of the way I get in social settings.  After reading the signs of ADHD, I think I really might have it, along with so social anxiety disorders ( including shyness).  I have managed to make a life that works for me.  However I have poor relationships with family, few friends, and can't seem to find a guy willing to stay with me for very long, much less marry me!

To the lady with cocern about her son - - Mar 18th 2009

The lady with cocern about her son I would say to try an pray with him try to understand  what's brothing him . May GOD the MOST HIgh keep us bless us continusly In CHRIST JESUS HOLY NAME AMEN

Reflection on own diagnosis - Nalgene - Dec 18th 2008

I have been diagnosed with ADHD not otherwise specified.  Whatever that means.  I don't have a short temper... I brush off a lot of things other people can't take, but I am very sensitive and make Mountains out of Mole Hills.  I am considered overly analytic.

 I am considered an introvert, but I'm truely sociable, I just can't pay attention and behave normally in a large group of people.  I just can't unless I have something to do like cards or a board game.  I NEED that, or I will become "anti-social"

ADHD - Lynn - Dec 7th 2008

My son has suffered from ADHD all his life.  He has been off medication for about 8 months now.  He is now nearly 19 and has been on a controlled drug from the age of 6.  I would like some advice from adult ADHD on how I can help him.  I love my son so much and he has started to self harm himself.  I don't know what to do.  Please help me to try to help my son.

                                                                                  Lynn

about the child development - jasmine - Dec 18th 2007
i want to have a child but i rethere adpot one cause i think childrens these days have adhd but if you get them check out thats the only way you can fine out!!