Traits and Management of Adult ADHD

ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a brain disorder known to manifest in childhood but carries on through adulthood. It disrupts attention, organization, and mood in thousands of adults who suffer from ADHD. There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatment plans that can assist in managing the symptoms of adult ADHD.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. – Psalm 28:7, ESV

What are the traits of adult ADHD?

Adults who suffer from ADHD can experience a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. The symptoms affect individuals differently. To be diagnosed with adult ADHD, an individual must present with at least five symptoms that are associated with the condition. Most commonly, the symptoms of adult ADHD will be life-disrupting.

Most commonly seen traits:

Organization issues

This will create a life that is challenging and overwhelming for the person who struggles with ADHD.

Living in the moment

Most individuals with ADHD struggle with keeping track of time. They miss appointments and have no idea how to estimate how long it will take to complete a project or task.

Relationship issues

Adults with ADHD find it hard to maintain a healthy relationship regardless of the nature of the relationship. Whether it is work, romantic, or friends, a person who struggles with ADHD in adulthood will have problems with attentiveness within the relationships. They may seem insensitive, uncaring, cold-shouldered, and irresponsible.

Physical health concerns

A person struggling with ADHD may find that they develop other physical health issues. Impulsivity may contribute to overeating, obesity, and consequentially compromise health. Impulsive decision making on high-risk behaviors or lack of attentiveness may make one more vulnerable to accidents and injuries.

Hyperfocus

When a person fixates on one activity or thought process, this is called hyperfocus. This happens because a person with ADHD finds it difficult to switch between tasks.

Emotional sensitivity

Adults suffering from ADHD will often experience a symptom that is known as rejection-sensitive dysphoria. Meaning the person will feel actual pain when they experience criticism or rejection.

Impulsivity

A person who struggles with ADHD will often have trouble staying focused when they are engaging in social interaction. This can manifest through interrupting others when they speak, rushing through tasks, socially unacceptable behavior, and acting without thought as to the consequences. This can also be manifested in financial decisions.

Restlessness and anxiety

The adult with ADHD will often feel as though they have to keep moving. This trait is not as apparent in adults as it is in children. Though the need to move is still there, it looks different. It could look like multi-tasking and fidgeting. It can also be a hamster-wheel of thoughts in the brain that do not end easily.

Lack of focus

On the opposite end of hyperfocus is the lack of focus in adult ADHD. This typically manifests as being easily distracted and having a hard time focusing on the conversation at hand. Overlooking details and incomplete projects are also another indication of lack of focus.

Lack of motivation. The need to constantly move can lead to a lack of motivation concerning the difficulty with the organization. Feeling overwhelmed how to start or organize a task may lead to procrastination, which plays a role in the lack of motivation as well.

Forgetfulness

Everyone forgets things on occasion, but an adult struggling with ADHD will experience forgetfulness regularly. This can range from item placement to important dates. This can affect relationships and jobs. Short term memory is compromised in a person with ADHD.

Substance misuse

Not every adult with ADHD will engage in substance misuse. It is thought that the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs may be done in the hope of helping with anxiety, focus, and lack of sleep.

Because no two people are alike, the symptoms and traits presented will differ from person to person. Some people can focus because they are excited about the task, while others struggle with focusing no matter what. Some may be withdrawn, and others may be social butterflies. It is important to know that ADHD looks different for each person.

Types of ADHD

ADHD is distinguished into three main subtypes: predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-I), Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (ADHD-PH), and Combined Type (ADHD-C). These subtypes allow individuals to understand their symptoms and learn how to manage them to navigate specific circumstances. If a person has six symptoms from each subtype, they are considered a combined type.

Inattentive symptoms typically negatively affect relationships, work, and school. To be diagnosed with this subtype, an individual must present at least six of the symptoms for six months. Some of the symptoms include:

• Careless mistakes and missed details that create issues with work and school performance.
• Having trouble with planning and reaching goals
• Difficulty with organizing tasks and completing projects
• The inability to remain focused (i.e., on a task or during conversations)
• Avoiding tedious or mundane tasks such as housework or homework

Hyperactive/Impulsive symptoms are those that are related to social skills and interactions. The diagnosis requirements are the same as the inattentive symptoms.

• Conversations in which a person feels as though they have no filter, excessive talking, over-explaining, or interrupting
• Fidgety behavior, such as bouncing a leg, tapping a foot, or playing with a pen
• Difficulty staying seated, especially in children, which can create intense disruptions in certain settings.
• Always on the go, the person appears to be in a constant state of hurry
• may have difficulty enjoying a quiet hobby or relaxing activity

ADHD Causes

There are no specific causes of ADHD that have been noted scientifically. It has been found that it runs in families, which indicates it could be genetic. There has been evidence that individuals with ADHD have a different brain structure, and the cells that send and receive signals tend to work differently.

There are a few factors that seem to be related to ADHD. Exposure to alcohol and drugs while in the womb and having co-existing mental health conditions are among the possible reasons for ADHD.

Whether ADHD can develop in adulthood has not been decided conclusively in scientific research. It is the common thought that adult ADHD is a result of undiagnosed ADHD in childhood. However, it is also believed that a person can go through childhood and not exhibit any symptoms of ADHD until adulthood. Points of transition and change can exacerbate ADHD and sometimes that is when someone is signaled to explore a diagnosis.

How ADHD Symptoms Present in Various Areas of Life

A person with ADHD may struggle at school when they are young. They are more prone to get in trouble or to receive low grades because they forgot to turn in an assignment, study for a test, or zoned out in class. Once in a while, they may even be held back a grade because their executive function is not the same as their peers.

Once an adult or young person, a person with ADHD may struggle at work, as well. They may frequently change jobs, and have inadequate job performance because of inattentiveness or impulsivity. Likewise, they may have job discontentment with poor performance, discipline, or because they are not doing work that gives them the dopamine rush that their brain relies upon at a different level than a neurotypical person.

In everyday life, a person with ADHD, due to their impulsivity, might be a higher risk taker not hesitating with high-risk activities like speeding, using drugs and alcohol, or risk-taking that gives an adrenal rush. They may not have the forethought to think through all the consequences before taking an action, committing to something, spending money, or taking a risk. This can lead to money problems, car accidents, speeding tickets, personal injury, and the like.

Relationships do not escape the impact of ADHD either. The frustration that comes from impulsivity and inattentiveness may cause tension in the relationship, including forgetfulness, poor judgment, and money and time mismanagement. This can weary a partner and come across as uncaring, selfish, or immature. People with ADHD are therefore at risk of divorce, separation, multiple marriages, and unstable relationships.

Managing Adult ADHD

ADHD has no cure, so the person who struggles with the symptoms must learn to manage them in a way they can live a healthy and productive life. Learning to minimize the effects of symptoms can maximize the person’s ability to function without intense difficulties.

A few lifestyle modifications can be made that will enhance the management of ADHD symptoms. The success of these changes will depend on the major traits of the person’s ADHD and their personality. The right skills can help with adult ADHD. It will take time and practice for the strategies to become consistent, but these will aid in creating a sense of peace and self-worth.

Develop Structure

• Create space in your daily calendar.
• Use a planner.
• Use lists.
• Don’t wait.

Time Management

• Set up reminders.
• Add more time to the estimated time needed.
• Have a watch or clock visible.
• Use a timer for tasks.

Paperwork Management

• Deal with mail when checked.
• Create a filing system.
• Choose paperless when available.

Prioritize Tasks

• Stay on task.
• Focus on one project at a time.
• Make a priority list.

Money Management

• Choose online banking.
• Set up bill reminders.
• Use technology to help with budgeting.

Eliminate Impulse Shopping

• Shop with cash only.
• Keep only one credit card.
• Use a calculator when shopping.
• Do not shop when stressed.

Staying Focused and Productive

• Set daily organization time.
• Use a color-coded list.
• Create a prioritized to-do list.

Stop Distractions

• Choose a productive workspace.
• Write down the big ideas for later.
• Keep the space free of clutter.
• Turn the workspace away from the main hub.
• Echo directions.
• Get advanced notes for meetings.

Mood-Boosting

• Exercise daily.
• Get proper sleep.
• Create healthy eating habits.
• Be mindful of the present.
• Set a time for daily prayer and reflection.

Next Steps

Adult ADHD is typically a lifelong condition that went undiagnosed in childhood. ADHD can look different from person to person. Identifying the symptoms and traits can help with managing them in adults. Once an individual has become aware of their ADHD diagnosis, they can find strategies and tools to help themselves.