Adult Signs of ADHD
As adults, people suffering from ADHD often go undiagnosed and untreated. They might have a hard dealing with their responsibilities at work and at school, which can result in difficulties in their personal lives as well.
A thorough evaluation will usually include the involvement of a spouse or partner to interview the individual to learn about their experience with ADHD symptoms or behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
ADHD is a condition that can be identified for those who have trouble focusing. They may have difficulty with their school or work responsibilities, like reporting on deadlines or writing reports. Their brains are easily distractible and they are unable to regulate emotions like anxiety, depression or rage. Additionally, they have trouble following multi-step instructions or remembering details.
ADHD symptoms are more common in childhood, however they can also be found in adults too. Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD as adults are shocked to learn they have it because the symptoms weren't a concern 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.
Having an adult ADHD diagnosis can be a relief. It is now clear why you've always struggled with focusing, and realize that it's not your fault. You can take steps to address it and improve your life.
You can diagnose ADHD by speaking with an experienced health professional who will conduct an extensive assessment and give an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for recommendations or contact an area hospital affiliated with a university or medical school, or graduate school of psychology to find out whether they have a qualified person. Certain insurance plans also list professionals by specialty and can assist you in finding the right one for you. You can also join an adult ADHD support group and get recommendations from others who have this condition.
2. You are always fidgeting
If you can't remain still and are having difficulty focusing, fidgeting could be a sign of adhd. Many people think it is normal to fidget, but continuous fidgeting may be a sign of more serious problems like ADHD. Fidgeting can be experienced by any part of the body, but it is most common in the feet and hands. It can look like doodling in a meeting, biting your nails or tapping your feet. Fidgeting is not a good idea when operating machinery or driving.
Adults with hyperactivity are more difficult to recognize than it is in children. adhd adult symptoms suffering from ADHD do not display obvious indications of being anxious, but they feel constantly on edge or overwhelmed by a lot to do. They may barge in without knocking on doors, or interrupt conversations even if they're not invited. Consult your doctor about an ADHD assessment if you notice that your hyperactivity is affecting your ability to sleep or perform tasks.
You can get a referral from your doctor or the website of the CHADD professional directory. If you have insurance you may request your insurance company to assist you in finding a doctor that performs ADHD assessments. It is recommended to discuss your ADHD symptoms openly and honestly with your doctor. They need to be aware of all your symptoms and how they affect your life. If you keep information from them it could result in a mistaken diagnosis or a treatment plan that isn't working for you. A reputable doctor will examine your condition and create a treatment plan that would include counseling, medication and lifestyle changes. They will also recommend a support group to join.
3. You Are Always Late
We all know someone who is always late and while it could be the topic of jokes in certain social settings, it can be very stressful for the people who are. It can be a sign that an adult suffers from ADHD.
Being consistently late may stem from an overbooking of the day, a desire to finish a certain project before beginning another or simply a failure to plan ahead (this is a frequent mistake called the planning fallacy). It could also be due to the fact that the person is extremely impatient and doesn't take the time to think about the consequences before taking action, for example, barging into rooms without knocking, or interjecting in conversations without being asked. This kind of behavior could result in strained relationships and missed opportunities for both the person as well as their loved ones.
Many adults with ADHD don't recognize that their tardiness is a problem or how it affects others. In some cases people may be able to hide their symptoms in work and social settings however if they are constantly causing problems, it is important to talk about them with a seasoned physician or mental health professional.
For those who have been diagnosed with ADHD It is often beneficial to have their non-ADHD partners or spouses interviewed in the assessment process to gain a better understanding of the effect it has on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD person develop a more understanding attitude towards the person they are with and will help improve their relationship after the diagnosis is confirmed. Having a healthy perspective on the effects of ADHD can help to avoid feelings of shame and embarrassment.
4. You Are Always Disorganized
You may have trouble finding your keys or remembering important dates if are constantly unorganized. You may also be struggling to keep up with household tasks or complete work projects. These problems can lead to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem. Undiagnosed problems with organization can affect your work as well as your relationships with others and even your health. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can bring hope and relief, since it demonstrates that your problems aren't due to lack of intelligence or laziness.
In our society, being disorganized or forgetful is often misunderstood as a character flaw. It is also more common among women than men and can also occur with other disorders like anxiety or depression.
Hyperactivity is also harder to recognize in adults than children, who show it with obvious signs such as running and jumping. Adults who are hyperactive can manifest as a lack of rest or a difficulty to remain still. It can also show up as a tendency to bite your nails or tapping your feet.
Other symptoms of ADHD include interrupting others when they're talking, acting without thought and disregarding social rules. It may also manifest as a desire to get involved in activities before you've weighed the pros and cons, or to make decisions on the fly.
If you're unsure if your symptoms are related to ADHD you should ask your doctor to refer you to an expert who will perform an assessment. Ask your insurance provider for an area-specific list of experts who are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. You can also contact local support groups, hospitals that are based at universities or graduate schools to determine whether any specialists are experienced with treating adult ADHD.
5. You Have a Hard Time Multitasking
A person with ADHD may have trouble completing several tasks at once. This is due to the fact that the brain of someone with ADHD is prone to get caught up in an activity that it finds fascinating and has difficulty shifting its focus away from it. This leads to an inability to finish tasks, and it can result in procrastination and an overall feeling of disorganization.
This type of symptom can be observed in the workplace, when adults struggle to finish tasks or maintaining productivity. For instance, an adult might be inclined to jump from one project to the next, even though they have many deadlines and other commitments to work. They might have a difficult time organizing their calendar or keeping track of important events such as meetings and appointments with doctors.
Children are more hyperactive than adults. However, a person who suffers from ADHD might still exhibit signs of hyperactivity. They may play with their hair or fingers during a meeting, or doodle during the course of a meeting. They might also have difficulty staying focused.
Talk to your doctor about an ADHD evaluation if you're having trouble staying on top of your work or seeing signs of hyperactivity. Your doctor or mental health professional might be able to suggest a healthcare provider qualified to perform ADHD assessments on adults. You could also ask a friend or family member, a support group or the benefits department at your workplace for recommendations.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD doesn't define your potential and can be a positive thing in certain areas, such as the ability to think creatively or be flexible. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD and you are able to consult with a professional to develop strategies and structures to help you manage your symptoms and excel in the workplace and at home.