Learn more about ADHD here and find out if your symptoms match ADHD.
Here you can find out everything about the course, causes and most commonADHD symptoms. Do you think you might be affected yourself? Then take our free test to get an initial assessment or make an appointment with us directly to have yourself checked by our experts.
ADHD begins in childhood and is therefore classified as a neurological developmental disorder. This means that the causes lie in the structure of the brain and therefore often lead to a chronic course into adulthood.
The prevalence, i.e. the number of people affected by ADHD, is estimated internationally at 5% to 7% in the child population and 3% to 4% in adults.
ADHD symptoms
People with ADHD exhibit a disorder of attention, particularly during activities that are either cognitively demanding or boring for the person concerned. This affects both long-term attention, also known as sustained attention, and selective attention, i.e. focusing on certain activities while simultaneously ignoring irrelevant stimuli.
Specifically, this means that they do not pay close attention to detail and often make careless mistakes. The symptoms in this category also include difficulties following instructions and keeping order. In addition, mentally demanding or boring tasks are avoided and less attention is paid to them.
Those affected report that they find it difficult to follow longer conversations in particular. Maintaining constant attention is very difficult. Do you frequently misplace your keys or wallet? Do you procrastinate, especially on tasks that seem either very demanding or very boring? Do you feel like you’ve made more careless mistakes in schoolwork than your classmates? These could all be signs of ADHD.
Motor restlessness, which is particularly noticeable in calm situations, and the feeling of being internally driven often prevent people with ADHD from reaching their full potential.
Motor restlessness, which is particularly noticeable in quiet situations, and the feeling of being internally driven often prevent people with ADHD from reaching their full potential. They find it challenging to sit still for long periods of time, whether in class, at work or in social situations. This often manifests itself in fidgeting, uncontrolled movements or a constant need to move.
Another characteristic is impulsiveness in actions and decisions. Those affected often act without thinking for long, interrupt others in conversation or are prone to risky behavior. These difficulties can have an impact on school, work and social relationships, as it is more difficult to control impulses.
Many report that they find it difficult to stick to rules or routines. For example, they find it difficult to sit still in meetings or lectures. Those affected stand up more often for no apparent reason, walk around or quickly feel bored. Do you find yourself playing with objects or constantly looking for new stimuli? Do you feel impatient, especially when things don’t happen immediately? Do you often interrupt conversations or say things that you later regret? These can all be signs of ADHD.
There are three types of impulsivity in ADHD: cognitive (rash actions), motivational (inability to postpone needs) and emotional (low frustration tolerance). Typical symptoms are difficulties in waiting and frequent interruptions in conversations.
There are three types of impulsivity in ADHD: cognitive (rash actions), motivational (inability to postpone needs) and emotional (low frustration tolerance). Typical symptoms include difficulty waiting and frequent interruptions in conversations. Those affected often act spontaneously without weighing up the possible consequences, which can lead to problems in social, academic or professional situations.
The lack of impulse control is particularly challenging in stressful or emotionally charged moments. People with ADHD often have difficulty controlling their reactions – be it in the form of rash comments, impulsive purchases or sudden mood swings. This impulsiveness can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts and frustration in everyday life.
Do you know the feeling of wanting to give an answer before someone has finished their sentence? Or do you find it difficult to stay calm in a queue? People with ADHD report that they often make hasty decisions without weighing up all the options. This can range from small things like spontaneous spending to risky behavior in certain situations. Do you quickly become impatient or angry if something doesn’t work out immediately? Do you sometimes overreact to little things? These can all be signs of ADHD.
ADHD symptoms manifest differently in adults than in children. An important difference is that, in addition to the symptoms prevalent in childhood and adolescence, there are also mood swings and impatience, which are generally summarized as emotional dysregulation. Unlike in children, hyperactivity no longer usually manifests itself in obvious motor overactivity, but rather as general restlessness.
Types of ADHD
In this form, the main symptoms are those from the category of hyperactivity and impulsivity. It affects around 20% of adults with ADHD.
This is the most common form and affects 50%-75% of all cases. People with this form show all ADHD symptoms of the Inattentive and Hyperactive type.
ADHD often occurs together with other disorders, the so-called comorbidities. By definition, they are not ADHD symptoms and must be clearly differentiated due to their frequency.
In fact, ADHD also has advantages for those affected and those around them. The high level of energy means that they can easily carry others along and get them excited about things. They are also perceived as more quick-witted, funnier and more interested. Other characteristics of people with ADHD are their pronounced empathy and sense of justice. They are very resilient and function well under pressure when they have a lot of responsibility. Their mental leaps mean that they are more creative and flexible than their peers and can “think outside the box”.
Statistically, people with ADHD have a higher risk of accidents, developing personality disorders, depression, substance abuse, job loss and even imprisonment. A diagnosis by experts can provide clarity and is the first step in learning how to deal with ADHD and thus reduce the risks. It is also needed in order to start treatment, as medication, for example, can only be prescribed if ADHD has been professionally diagnosed.
Although ADHD is being diagnosed more and more frequently in Germany, there is still a lack of awareness of this disorder. This can make it difficult for those affected to deal with ADHD and its effects. It is therefore important to offer appropriate support to those affected and their families and to work together to improve understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
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Most people are a little nervous about getting tested for a disorder like ADHD. This is normal and should not deter anyone from getting screened if they are having significant problems in life and ADHD is suspected. Unfortunately, some of the common misconceptions about ADHD, such as “it only occurs in children” or “the person is just looking for an excuse”, prevent many people from seeking help.
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