ADHD In Adults Symptoms UK: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier

· 6 min read
ADHD In Adults Symptoms UK: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier

ADHD in Adults Symptoms uk

As we age, ADHD symptoms can be harder to diagnose. This is because environment and expectations change.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that could help. The NHS website can help you find a therapist in your area. It is recommended to find someone who knows about ADHD and has experience in treating it.

1. Poor concentration

ADHD is usually diagnosed in adults who have difficulty in focusing. It can impact school or work performance and make it difficult for people to manage the demands of life, and can cause relationship problems. A sign of poor concentration is usually present in childhood but can continue to be present into adulthood and have a significant impact on the quality of life of a person.

In a world full of texts and social media notifications and the sounds of the world it's easy to lose focus. People with ADHD are unable to ignore. They're also more easily distracted by their thoughts and emotions, which makes it difficult to prioritize tasks or follow through on commitments. This can lead to procrastination as well as missed deadlines.

Hyperfocus is a term used to describe how some people with ADHD can concentrate better on things that they are passionate about or love. This can be helpful in certain circumstances, but it's also an indication of their ADHD symptoms becoming more evident.

Stress, mental health issues, and certain physical ailments can cause symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD, and so it's important that a proper diagnosis is made. The first step is talking to your GP. They can refer you to a specialist service for assessment if needed. You can improve your concentration by planning ahead and removing distracting factors. A good night's sleep and staying away from sugar, caffeine and alcohol before bed can help.

2. Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way the brain functions. People with ADHD have difficulties in different areas of their lives. it can cause problems at home, work and in relationships. There are some who suffer from anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.

It is not uncommon for ADHD symptoms to persist into adulthood, particularly if they started in the early years of childhood. The most prominent symptoms of the disorder include difficulty paying attention, easily distracted and losing things. It can also be difficult for adults with ADHD to prioritise tasks or remain productive, leading to stress and poor performance at work or school. They may also have difficulty sleeping, feeling restless even in the time they should be relaxing. Walking, fidgeting or feeling the need to move can be physical signs of a lack of sleep.

Inattentive ADHD is the most prevalent kind of ADHD. Children with this disorder typically struggle to stay still, have a lot of excess energy, and are extremely vocal. They can also be impatient in their behavior, interrupting others or acting without thinking.

Some people who are struggling with ADHD symptoms may decide to participate in a clinical trial for new treatment options. This is a good idea because it can aid them in reducing their symptoms and live an enjoyable life. It is important to keep in mind that the objective of a clinical study is to gather new information. It's important to consult a medical professional prior to taking part in a clinical study.

3. Impulsivity

This could be an indication of ADHD in the event that you are inclined to do or say things without thinking. This kind of impulsivity may be a sign that you're more likely to take risks or make hasty decisions, which can be detrimental to your relationships.

Inhibition issues is also a sign of ADHD however it could appear different in adults than in teenagers or children. You may find it difficult to manage your emotions or stop yourself from engaging certain risky actions, such as gambling. You may also find it difficult to keep yourself from eating out or spending too excessively.

This is one of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults, especially women. It is often aggravated by, for instance, hormonal changes that occur in menopausal women. It can also be difficult to complete everyday tasks like household chores and writing letters.

It is essential to talk with your GP if you are worried about ADHD. Your GP can then refer you to a mental health professional for an assessment, though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also get private assessments through Psychiatry UK which has a contract with the NHS to conduct these assessments. They have a vast network of experts who can quickly schedule an assessment.

4. Problems with memory

Memory problems are a common ADHD symptoms for adults. It could be due to forgetting important details while completing tasks or activities, being unable to locate items required for daily living (eg keys papers, wallets, keys) and having trouble remembering names.

You might also find it difficult to recognize faces of people you know. This is especially true for women prior to and during menopausal symptoms. Having trouble remembering things might be linked to being under stress or having a lack of sleep. If this is the case, your doctor may suggest Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) A therapy for talking which aims to alter the way you feel and think about a situation.

People suffering from ADHD often experience impulsivity in adulthood too. This can cause problems with relationships since people might make decisions without considering the consequences. They also may struggle to control their emotions. They may experience'meltdowns' in which they are overwhelmed by a variety of emotions simultaneously such as crying screaming, laughing, or shouting and moving at the same time.

It is suggested that adults who suspect they may have ADHD get a professional assessment. This can be done by a GP however waiting times for referrals may be long. In the meantime, there are self-help strategies that can help with symptoms. This could include eating healthy meals and getting enough rest and not drinking alcohol for 2 hours prior to bed, and avoiding screen-time before going to sleep.

5. Organizational issues

People with ADHD often struggle to organise their home and work lives. This can lead to them not remembering appointments or leaving work unfinished. It can be a challenge to stick to a regular schedule of sleep and wake up in the mornings. This can be especially difficult for women who are going through menopause when ADHD symptoms may become worse.

If someone regularly daydreams excessively or interrupts conversations, or has trouble taking turns during a conversation, this could be an indication of ADHD. If someone is frequently in trouble at school or work for making quick decisions or acting without considering the consequences, then this could be an indication of ADHD.

Emotional issues are a frequent problem for people with ADHD. They are also an important component of the disorder. They can manifest as mood swings, irritability, or hyperactivity and impulsivity. People who suffer from impulsive ADHD tend to have more frequent symptoms than those who have inattentive ADHD.

Talk to your GP If you think you might have ADHD. Although they can't formally determine ADHD however, they can refer you to specialists who can assess your symptoms and arrange treatment. You can also speak to your local ADHD group. They may offer tips and suggestions on how to manage your symptoms. For more information on where to find groups, the website ADHD And You has a list of groups by country. It is worth asking your employer to make adjustments to help you with your work life.

6. Poor social skills

A lack of social skills makes it difficult for people to discern subtle signals that others give them. This can lead to awkward interactions or misunderstandings and can cause others to distance themselves from them.

People with ADHD tend to have a lack of social skills. This is especially true in the early adulthood stage or the early years of childhood. The symptoms should have lasted at least six months and affected the person's life at home, school or work.  what are ADHD symptoms in adults  must also not be able to be explained by another psychiatric disorder.


ADHD symptoms can manifest in adults in a variety of ways. For instance, some people have trouble staying focused in conversations or get distracted by external stimuli like phones food, other people, or even their own. They may also have difficulty to build and keep relationships and are often self-conscious about their behaviour.

In some instances, those who suffer from ADHD may develop anxiety and depression which can make it even harder for them to be a productive member of society. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can lead to issues at home and at work. They might become withdrawn and lose contact with friends, or be more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to feel comfortable. In the long run, this could lead to serious health problems. They may also engage in illegal activities that could have legal consequences.