A BIT ABOUT ADULT ADHD – Part 2
As discussed in ‘A Bit About Adult ADHD part 1’, there are some readily available checklists for common symptoms of ADHD: symptoms that have to do with challenges with attention, organisation and memory (mainly Inattentive Type); Symptoms that have to do with hyperactivity and impulsivity (mainly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type), or both (Combined Type).
Here are some of the less know or spoken about symptoms of adult ADHD:
Different nervous system
People with ADHD have a different nervous system: nervous system that is activated by interest, novelty, challenge, urgency or passion unlike the nervous system of people who do not have ADHD which is able to be activated by importance, reward and consequences.
In other words, if you take a person without ADHD and tell them they need to work on this task/project and they will get a bonus, or it will increase their chances to get a better role, it is very likely that the person will be internally driven by this motivation for a reward and will make their nervous system do the work that needs to be done (listen, focus, remember, concentrate, think, organise etc.).
On the other hand, if you put the same task to the person with ADHD, they will not be able to ‘make’ their nervous system ‘listen’ and do that work, even if they believed it would be good for them. They would not be able to sustain the attention and effort needed to complete that task/project.
Therefore, the only times that the nervous system of the person with ADHD would ‘listen’ and do the effort consistently would be in situations when the person felt urgency, anxiety, meaningful challenge, special interest or passion (for further reading go to: https://www.additudemag.com/symptoms-of-add-hyperarousal-rejection-sensitivity/).
It’s like the nervous system of the person with ADHD speaks a different language compared to that of the person without ADHD.
Strong Emotions
People who have ADHD experience strong emotions which can shift quite rapidly, in minutes. This is usually called Emotional Hyperarousal. Emotional hyperarousal is triggered by everyday events and perceptions, and shifts quickly. It is when a person finds it difficult to ‘get over’ seemingly small things, and seems to get stuck in emotions or thoughts where the brain just can not seem to let go even when the person wants to. It can be very challenging, painful and draining for both people with ADHD and their significant others.
Once again, it is important to remember that this is not something that the person with ADHD chooses to do, this is how they are, how they are neurologically built.
Rejection Sensitivity
Most people with ADHD experience a feeling which they find hard to describe when they believe (whether it is true or not) close people are rejecting them, judge, tease or criticize them, as well as their own perception that they have failed. This feeling is sometimes described like a physical pain, like they were stabbed in the chest.
This is an involuntary reaction which may bring feelings of shame, lack of control and inner vulnerability for people living with ADHD.
This experience and reaction can be confusing and overwhelming for both the person who has it (person with ADHD) and their family members who may not understand this reaction (as it may seem illogical/irrational/too intense/unfair…
Author: Ilana Gorovoy, B.Arts (Psych), B. Arts (Hons.)(Psychology), MPsych (Couns.)
With a Master’s in Counselling, Brisbane Psychologist Ilana Gorovoy draws on therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Existential and Strengths-based approaches, Person-Centred and Positive Psychology, to assist her clients to become conscious of their strengths and difficulties, design and reach their goals, live a life of meaning and purpose, and reach their full potential.
More articles on ADHD by Ilana Gorovoy:
- Fear of Rejection in Adults with ADHD
- Getting Diagnosed with Adult ADHD
- Lesser Known Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
- Work-Life Balance for Adults with ADHD
To make an appointment with Brisbane Psychologist Ilana Gorovoy, try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call M1 Psychology on (07) 3088 5422.