Adult Signs of ADHD
As adults, those with ADHD often go undiagnosed and untreated. They may have a difficult managing their responsibilities at the workplace and at school, resulting in issues in their personal lives too.
A thorough evaluation typically includes having a spouse, partner or family member interview the person about his or her past experiences with ADHD symptoms and behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
People who have trouble focusing might have an ADHD diagnosis. They may have difficulty with school or work responsibilities, such as making reports or meeting deadlines, because they are unable to remain focused. Their brains are easily distractible and they have trouble regulating their emotions like anxiety, depression or rage. In addition they struggle to follow multi-step instructions or remembering details.
ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in children, but can also occur in adults. Many adults who are diagnosed having ADHD are shocked because they didn't have symptoms before. 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. You now understand the reasons you've had difficulty in focusing, and realize it's not your fault. You can take steps to improve your life.
If you are suffering from ADHD, the best way to diagnose it is to consult a health care professional who can conduct an extensive evaluation and provide an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your physician for recommendations, or you can contact a local hospital medical school, medical school or graduate school of psychology to find out if they know someone who is qualified. Certain insurance plans provide professionals based on their specialties. They can also assist you in finding the best one for your needs. You can join an adult ADHD support group and receive suggestions from other people who suffer from this condition.
2. You're Always Fidgeting
If you can't sit still and have difficulty focusing, fidgeting could be a indication of adhd. Fidgeting is not unusual however it could be an indication that you may have underlying issues such as ADHD. Fidgeting is common in the feet and hands however it can happen everywhere on the body. It could look like drawing in a meeting, gnashing your nails or tapping your foot. It's not an ideal choice to play with your hands while you are driving or operating machinery.
Adult hyperactivity is more difficult to detect than the hyperactivity of children. Some people with ADHD may not display any obvious signs, however they may feel agitated or overwhelmed. They might be a nuisance, knocking on doors or interrupt conversations even if they're not invited. If you have hyperactivity and it interferes with your ability to be productive or sleep well Talk to a doctor about an ADHD evaluation.
You can request an appointment with your doctor or via the website of the CHADD professional directory. If you are insured and want to know more, ask your insurance provider to refer you to a doctor that performs ADHD assessments. It's best to discuss your ADHD symptoms openly and honestly with the doctor. They need to be aware of your entire symptoms, and how they affect your life. In the absence of information, you could be prone to a wrong diagnosis or treatment that isn't suited to you. A reputable doctor will examine your condition and create a treatment plan that will include counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes. They will also recommend a support group for you to join.
3. You're Always Late
We all know someone who is always late. While it might be a source of humor in certain social settings however the stress it creates for those around them can be extreme. It could also be an indication that a person is suffering from ADHD.
It could be that you're always late due to an overbooked schedule or the need to finish one task before beginning another, or lack of planning (this is called the "planning fallacy"). It could also be that the person is extremely quick-witted and doesn't consider the consequences before taking action such as stepping into rooms without knocking, or interrupting conversations without asking. This type of behavior can lead to strained relations and missed opportunities for the individual and those around them.
The issue is that a majority of people suffering from ADHD aren't aware of their tardiness as a result of the disorder or don't know how much their condition affects other people. Some people might be able to hide their symptoms at workplace or in social settings. However, if symptoms are causing problems it is crucial to speak with an expert in mental health or doctor.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is often beneficial to have their spouses or partners who are not ADHD interviewed in the evaluation process to gain a more comprehensive knowledge of the effects on their lives. This can also assist the spouse with no ADHD in developing a more empathic attitude towards the person, and improve their relationship after the diagnosis. A healthy perspective on ADHD can help avoid embarrassment and shame.
4. You Are Always Disorganized
If you are chronically disorganized you might be struggling to locate your keys or remembering important appointments. It is also possible that you struggle to manage household chores or finish work tasks. These issues can lead to an insecurity and a low self-esteem. If undiagnosed, disorder can cause problems for your personal and professional relationships and health in general. A diagnosis of adult ADHD provides hope and relief, as it proves that your problems aren't caused by a deficiency in intelligence or apathy.
It is often misunderstood by our society, and being messy or forgetful can be perceived as a flaw in character or sign of mental illness. It is more common in females than men, and can be associated with other illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
Adult hyperactivity is more difficult to detect than in children who show it through obvious signs such as jumping and running. Instead adult hyperactivity could come in the form of restlessness or an inability to remain still. Hyperactivity can also manifest in a tendency to tap your feet or gnaw your nails.
Other symptoms of ADHD include interrupting people when they're talking, or acting without thought and disregarding social rules. It can also be manifested by a tendency to make decisions without considering the pros and cons, or engage in an activity without taking into account the pros and cons.
If you aren't sure if your symptoms are caused by ADHD you should ask your doctor to refer you to an expert who will conduct an evaluation. You can also ask your insurance provider for an inventory of specialists in your area who are able to treat ADHD. You can also contact local support groups, hospitals that are university-based or graduate schools to determine if they have any professionals who are experienced in treating adults with ADHD.
5. You're having a hard time Multitasking
A person with ADHD might have difficulty with multiple tasks at the same time. The reason is that the brain of a person with ADHD tends to be immersed in something that is exciting to it, and it has trouble shifting attention away from the task at hand. This can lead to an inability of completing tasks, and may cause procrastination.
This symptom may also manifest in the workplace if an adult is struggling to finish projects or maintain productivity. For instance, an adult could be inclined to jump from one project to the next, even though they have a lot of deadlines and other work-related commitments. They may have trouble organizing their calendars and keeping on top of important events such as meetings or doctor's appointments.
Children are more hyperactive than adults. However those with ADHD might still exhibit signs of hyperactivity. adhd symptoms adult might fiddle with their fingers or hair during an event, or even doodle during the course of a meeting. They may also have difficulty staying focused.
Discuss with your doctor an ADHD evaluation if you're experiencing trouble managing your time, or noticing signs of hyperactivity. Your doctor or mental health professional can recommend an experienced healthcare professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask a family member or friend, a support group or your employer's benefits department for recommendations.
It is important to remember that ADHD is not a defining factor for your potential and can be a positive thing in certain areas, such as creativity or adaptability. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and are struggling with it, you can collaborate with a specialist to devise strategies and frameworks to help you manage your symptoms and thrive in your work and at home.