Signs of ADHD in Adults

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is not easy, as doctors often need to study not only current symptoms but also look at the medical history of the patient, including school problems or behavioral considerations while growing up.

Types

• There are three very distinct types of ADHD: one that causes a person to be hyperactive, one that results in people being unable to concentrate and one that combines both characteristics (although one tends to be dominant).

Misconceptions

• Many of the symptoms of adult ADHD may seem to indicate a "weak personality" and can include difficulty making decisions or completing tasks, poor organizational skills, procrastination and excessive impulsivity.

Features

• Adults with ADHD have trouble staying put, often fidgeting with their hands or objects around them or engaging only in activities that require movement or lots of talking, avoiding "quiet time" as much as possible.

Identification

• A clear sign of ADHD is avoiding activities that require lots of attention, or being easily distracted by outdoor stimuli when engaging in them, often failing to complete tasks.

Considerations

• Many adults with ADHD break into fits of rage for little to no apparent reason and are unable to listen or pay attention to others.