The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) is the guide doctors use when diagnosing ADHD. But much of the wording included in this reference indicates how symptoms will manifest themselves in children, for example: “doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort… (such as schoolwork or homework),” or “often loses things… (toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools).” Although the diagnostic manual does provide some information for diagnosing adults, for example, “makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities,” it can be confusing to understand how the symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity appear in adults.
Keeping in mind that ADHD is unique in each individual, it can be even more difficult to determine symptoms of ADHD in adults. However, the list below will provide a guideline for how symptoms manifest themselves in adults with ADHD. (Please note that this should not be used for diagnostic purposes, if you feel that you may have ADHD, please discuss your concerns with your physician or a medical professional that is qualified to make a diagnosis.)
Inattention can appear in many different ways:
· May lose or misplace items such as keys, important papers, phone numbers and other things used on a daily basis. This often occurs on a regular basis.
· Often forgetful, may consistently forget to take out the trash, may forget to pick up the children from activities, may forget to complete tasks, even after instructions have been given.
· Beginning, but not completing tasks.
· Often distracted, for example, may begin a task such as mowing the grass, but hear the phone ring, go inside, get a drink, pay attention to what is on television, talk with your children and completely forget to finish mowing the lawn until hours later.
· May have difficulty following conversations. May be easily distracted and miss important details of conversations.
· Lacks self motivation, even if the project sounds like something you would like to complete.
