Adult Signs of ADHD
As adults, people with ADHD often go undiagnosed and untreated. They may struggle with their school and at work. This can cause problems in their personal life.
A thorough evaluation usually includes having a partner, spouse or family member interview the person about the history of ADHD symptoms and behavior.
1. You Can't Focus
ADHD is a condition that can be identified in those who are having difficulty focus. They may have difficulty in school or with work tasks, such as writing reports or meeting deadlines. The reason for this is that their brains are easily distracted and have a hard to regulate emotions like anger, depression, anxiety or depression. In addition, they have trouble following instructions in multiple steps or retaining information.
ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in children, but can also be observed in adults. Many people who are diagnosed having ADHD are surprised 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.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a huge relief. You now understand why you've always had trouble focusing, and realize that it's not your fault. You can address it and improve your life.
You can determine ADHD by contacting an experienced health professional who will conduct an extensive assessment and give an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for a referral or call a local university-based hospital or medical school graduate school of psychology to find out whether they have a qualified person. Certain insurance plans will also list professionals by specialty and can help you locate the one that is suitable for you. You can join an adult ADHD support group and receive recommendations from others who have this condition.
2. You're Always Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a sign of adhd in adults. Fidgeting isn't uncommon however it could be an indication of an underlying issue, such as ADHD. Fidgeting is common on the feet and hands but it can also occur everywhere on the body. It may appear as doodles during a meeting or tapping your feet. Fidgeting is not a good idea when operating machinery or driving.
Adult hyperactivity is harder to detect than the hyperactivity of children. Some people with ADHD might not display any obvious signs, however they are still agitated or overwhelmed. They may barge in without knocking on doors, or interrupt conversations even if they're not invited. If you have excessive hyperactivity that affects your ability to work or sleep well consult a physician about an ADHD evaluation.
You can obtain a referral from your doctor or the website of the CHADD professional directory. If you have insurance you may ask your insurance provider to help you find a doctor who performs ADHD tests. It is best to discuss your ADHD symptoms openly and honestly with the doctor. They should be aware of the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Refraining from information could lead to a false diagnosis or a treatment that doesn't suit your needs. A good doctor will analyze your condition and devise an appropriate treatment plan that includes counseling, medication and lifestyle changes. They will also recommend joining an organization for support.
3. You are always late
Most of us have a friend 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 around them. It could also be a sign that an adult suffers from ADHD.
Being consistently late may stem from an overbooking of the day, a need to finish a certain project before starting another or simply the inability to plan ahead (this is a common mistake called the planning fallacy). It may also be because the person is in a state of impulsivity, and doesn't plan their actions prior to taking action. For example, they may rush into rooms without knocking at the door or interrupting conversations without being asked. This kind of behavior could cause tension in 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 others. Some people may be able hide their symptoms at work or in social situations. If the symptoms are causing issues, it is crucial to speak with a mental health professional or doctor.
For those who have been diagnosed with ADHD It is often beneficial to have their spouses or non-ADHD friends interviewed in the assessment process in order to gain a more comprehensive knowledge of the effects on their lives. This can also help the non-ADHD spouse develop a more empathic attitude towards the person who is diagnosed, and also improve their relationship following the diagnosis. Having a positive view of the effects of ADHD can also help avoid feelings of shame and embarrassment.
4. You're Always Disorganized
It is possible that you have trouble finding your keys or remembering important dates if are a chronically chaotic. It is also possible that you struggle to complete household chores or to finish work projects. These problems can lead to an insecurity and a low self-esteem. If undiagnosed, disorder can have a negative impact on your personal and professional relationships and health in general. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can give you hope and relief, since it shows that your struggles are not due to a lack of intelligence or laziness.
It is often misunderstood by our society, and being unorganized or forgetful could be seen as a character flaw or sign of mental illness. It is more common in females than males, and can occur with other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Hyperactivity is also more difficult to spot for adults than children who exhibit it with obvious signs such as running and jumping. Hyperactivity in adults can manifest as restlessness or an inability of sitting still. Hyperactivity can also manifest in an urge to tap your feet or bite your nails.
The signs of impulsivity, a different sign of ADHD can include interrupting people when they're talking or acting out without thinking and disobeying social norms. It can also be manifested as a tendency to make decisions without weighing the pros and cons or get into an activity without considering the pros and cons.
If you're unsure if your symptoms are link ed to ADHD, consult your doctor for a referral to an expert who can conduct an evaluation. You could also ask your insurance company for an inventory of specialists in your area who are certified to treat ADHD. You can also reach out to local support groups, hospitals that are based at universities or graduate schools to find out whether any specialists are experienced with treating adult ADHD.
5. You Have a Hard Time multitasking
A person suffering from ADHD may struggle to complete multiple tasks at the same time. This is because the brain of a person with ADHD is prone to become absorbed in completing a task it finds interesting and has difficulty shifting its attention away from it. This results in a failure to complete tasks, which can lead to procrastination and a general feeling of disorganization.
This symptom can also show up in the workplace if an adult struggles to complete projects or maintain their productivity. Adults can jumping from project to project despite having numerous deadlines and work-related obligations. They might have difficulty organizing their calendars or keeping the track of important events like appointments with doctors.
Children's hyperactivity is more apparent than in adults, however, a person with ADHD may show signs of hyperactivity. They may doodle during meetings or play with their hair or fingers and might have a hard time staying focused because of these behaviors.
If you're struggling to keep up with your responsibilities or notice signs of hyperactivity, talk 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 could also ask your family member or friend or a support group, or the benefits department at your workplace for suggestions.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD doesn't define your capabilities and may be a positive thing in certain areas, like flexibility or creativity. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, a professional can help you develop strategies and frameworks to help you manage symptoms and thrive both at work and at home.