Adult Signs of ADHD
Adults with ADHD are often not diagnosed and are often untreated. They may have difficulty managing their responsibilities at school and work. This can cause problems in their personal life.
A thorough evaluation may include having a spouse or partner interview the person to learn about their experience with ADHD symptoms or behavior.
1. You Can't Focus
ADHD is a condition that can be identified in people who have difficulty in focusing. They may struggle in school or with work responsibilities, like making reports or meeting deadlines. Their brains are easily distracted and they have trouble regulating their emotions such as anger, depression, or anxiety. Additionally, they have trouble following multi-step instructions or remembering details.
ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in childhood, but they can be seen in adults too. Many people who are diagnosed having ADHD are shocked because they didn't experience symptoms prior to. They may have made it through college or beyond without realizing they had ADHD, but as they took on more demanding responsibilities--such as working full-time, raising a family, or managing their finances--the challenges they experienced became more pronounced.
Being diagnosed with an adult ADHD diagnosis can be a great relief. It is now clear why you have always had difficulties focusing and realize that it's not your fault. You can take action to improve your life.
If you are suffering from ADHD, the most effective way to identify it is through an experienced health professional who can perform a thorough evaluation and make an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your physician for a referral or contact a local university hospital, medical school or graduate school of psychology to see if they know someone who is qualified. Some insurance plans provide professionals according to their specialties and can assist you in finding one who is right for you. You can also join an adult ADHD support group and get suggestions from other people who suffer from this disorder.
2. You're Always Fidgeting
If you find it difficult to stay still and have trouble focusing, fidgeting may be a sign of adhd. Fidgeting isn't uncommon, but it can be an indication of underlying issues such as ADHD. Fidgeting can occur in any part of the body, however it is most prevalent in the feet and hands. It could look like drawing during a meeting, biting your nails or tapping your feet. It's not an ideal idea to be fidgeting when driving or operating machinery.
Adult hyperactivity is more difficult to detect than the hyperactivity of children. Some people who suffer from ADHD do not show obvious signs of being restless however they are constantly stressed or overwhelmed by the sheer amount of to do. They may barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt conversations even when they're not asked to participate. Consult your doctor about an ADHD assessment if your hyperactivity is affecting your ability to sleep or work.
You should be able to get an appointment from your doctor or via the website of a CHADD professional directory. If you are insured and want to know more, ask your insurance provider to assist you in finding a doctor who performs ADHD tests. It is important to be honest and open with your doctor about your ADHD symptoms. They need to know all your symptoms and how they affect your life. If you keep information from them, it could lead to a mistaken diagnosis or an treatment plan that doesn't work for you. A reputable doctor will examine you and develop an appropriate treatment plan that will include counseling, medication, and lifestyle modifications. They may also suggest that you join a support group.
3. You Are Always Late
Most of us have a friend who is perpetually late and, while it may be the topic of jokes in certain social settings however, it can be incredibly stressful for those around them. It could also indicate that an adult suffers from ADHD.
Being consistently late may stem from adhd in adults signs overbooking of the day, a need to complete a task before tackling another or a failure to plan ahead (this is a common mistake called the planning fallacy). It could also be because the person is in a state of impulsivity, and doesn't think about their actions prior to deciding. For example, rushing into rooms without knocking on doors or interrupting conversations without being asked. This kind of behavior could result in broken relationships and missed opportunities for both the individual and their loved ones.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not realize the fact that they are a problem or how it affects other people. Some people may be able conceal their symptoms at workplace or in social settings. If the symptoms are causing problems, it is essential to talk to a mental health professional or doctor.
As part of the assessment, it can be helpful to speak with the non-ADHD partner or spouse of those who have been identified with ADHD to gain a better understanding of how the condition affects their lives. This can also help the non-ADHD partner to develop a more compassionate attitude towards the person they are with and can help improve their relationship after the diagnosis is confirmed. A positive view of ADHD can help you keep from feeling embarrassed and shame.
4. You're Always Unorganized
If you're constantly disorganized, you may be struggling to find your keys or remembering important appointments. You might also find it difficult to complete work or household tasks. These issues could cause a loss of self-esteem and confidence in your own abilities. If not addressed, the disorder can cause problems for your personal and professional relationships, and overall health. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can give you some relief and optimism, since it demonstrates that your problems aren't due to lack of intelligence or apathy.
In our society, being disorganized or forgetful is often misunderstood as a flaw in character. It is also more common among women than men and may also be associated with other illnesses like anxiety or depression.
Hyperactivity is also more difficult to detect in adults than children who exhibit it with obvious indicators like running and jumping. Hyperactivity in adults can manifest as a lack of rest or a difficulty of sitting still. Hyperactivity may also manifest as the tendency to tap your feet or gnaw your nails.
Symptoms of impulsivity, another characteristic of ADHD, can include interrupting people when they're speaking, acting without thinking and disobeying social norms. It could also manifest by a tendency to make decisions without considering the pros and cons or engage in an activity without weighing the pros and con.
If you aren't sure if your symptoms are related to ADHD you should ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist who will perform an assessment. Ask your insurance provider for the names of local experts who are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. You can also contact local support groups, university-based hospitals or graduate schools to find out whether they have specialists who are familiar with treating adults with ADHD.
5. You Have a Hard Time Multitasking
A person with ADHD might have difficulty completing multiple tasks at the same time. This is because the brain of a person with ADHD is prone to become absorbed in completing the task that is interesting to it and has difficulty shifting its attention away from it. This can result in being unable to finish tasks and also result in procrastination.
This issue may also manifest in the workplace if adults struggle to finish projects or maintain their productivity. For example, an adult may be prone to jumping between projects despite having numerous deadlines and other commitments to work. They might have difficulty organizing their calendar and keeping the track of important events, like doctor's appointments.
Children's hyperactivity is more evident than it is in adults, but a person with ADHD can still exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity. They may be distracted during meetings or play with their hair or fingers and may be unable to stay focused due to these activities.
If you're struggling to manage your responsibilities or are seeing signs of hyperactivity, speak to your health care professional about an ADHD evaluation. Your doctor or mental health specialist could be able recommend an expert in healthcare who is qualified to conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You may also consult your family member or friend or a support group the benefits department of your employer for recommendations.
It is important to remember that ADHD doesn't define your capabilities. It could be a positive thing, such as creativity and adaptability. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD and are struggling with it, you can work with a professional to devise strategies and frameworks that help you overcome your issues and be successful in the workplace and at home.