Adult Signs of ADHD
Adults with ADHD are often undiagnosed, and therefore, not treated. They may have a difficult time managing their responsibilities in work and at school, which can result in problems in their personal lives too.
A thorough assessment will typically include having a spouse or partner interview the individual to learn about their past experiences with ADHD symptoms or behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
ADHD is a condition that can be identified for those who have trouble focus. They might have difficulties with their school or work responsibilities, like reporting on deadlines or writing reports. The reason for this is that their brains are easily distracted and have a tough to regulate emotions like anxiety, depression or anger. They also have trouble following directions with multiple steps or remembering specific details.
ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in children, but they can also be observed in adults. Many adults who are diagnosed as 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.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a huge relief. It is now clear why you've always struggled with staying focused, and realize that it's not your fault. You can take steps to improve your life.
If you have ADHD, the most effective way to identify it is to consult a health care professional who can perform a thorough evaluation and make an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for a referral, or you can contact a local hospital or medical school, or a graduate school of psychology to find out if they know someone who is qualified. Some insurance plans list professionals according to their specialties. They can also assist you in finding the right one for you. You could also consider joining an adult ADHD support group to receive recommendations from other people who have this condition.
2. You're Always Fidgeting
If you find it difficult to remain still and are having trouble focusing, fidgeting may be a sign of adhd. Many people think it is normal to be fidgeting, but the constant fidgeting could be a sign of more serious problems like ADHD. Fidgeting can happen with any part of the body, however it is most common in the hands and feet. It may look like doodles during a meeting, biting your nails or tapping your foot. It's not an ideal choice to play with your hands while driving or operating machinery.
Hyperactivity in adults is harder to detect than in children. Some people with ADHD might not display any obvious signs, but they are still agitated or overwhelmed. They may be seen knocking on doors, or interrupt conversations even when they're not invited. If you experience hyperactivity that hinders your ability to work or get good sleep consult a physician about an ADHD assessment.
You will likely receive a referral from your physician or through the website of a CHADD professional directory. If you are covered by health insurance, you may also ask your health plan for help finding a doctor who can conduct ADHD assessments. It is important to be open and honest with your physician about your ADHD symptoms. They need to be aware of your entire symptoms, and how they affect your life. If you aren't forthcoming with information it could result in a mistaken diagnosis or an treatment plan that doesn't work for you. A good doctor will analyze your condition and devise an effective treatment plan that incorporates medication, counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They will also recommend that you join 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 subject of jokes in some social settings however, it can be incredibly stressful for those around them. It can be a sign an adult suffers from ADHD.
Being consistently late can result from an overbooking of the day, a need to finish a particular task before tackling another, or simply an inability to plan ahead (this is a common mistake known as the planning fallacy). It could also be that the person is overly impulsive and doesn't think through the consequences before taking action such as stepping into rooms without knocking or interrupting conversations without being asked. This type of behavior can result in strained relationships and missed opportunities for both the person and their loved ones.
The issue is that a majority of people suffering from ADHD are unaware of their inability to cope as a problem or don't know how much their disorder impacts others. In some cases, a person may be able to hide their symptoms at work or in social settings however if they are constantly causing problems it is essential to discuss them openly with a seasoned doctor or mental health professional.
For those who have been diagnosed with ADHD It is often beneficial to have their spouses or partners who are not ADHD interviewed during the assessment process in order to gain a better knowledge of the effects on their lives. This can also help the non-ADHD spouse develop a more understanding attitude towards the person, and can help improve their relationship after the diagnosis has been confirmed. A positive view of ADHD can help keep from feeling embarrassed and shame.
4. You Are Always Disorganized
It is possible that you have trouble finding your keys or remembering important dates if you are constantly unorganized. You may also find it difficult to complete household or work tasks. These issues could cause a loss of self-esteem and confidence in your own abilities. Undiagnosed disorder can impact your work, relationships with others, and health. A diagnosis of adult ADHD gives you hope and relief, as it shows your struggles aren't caused by a deficiency in intelligence or laziness.
Disorganization is often misunderstood in our society, and being messy or forgetful may be perceived as a character flaw or a sign of mental illness. It is more prevalent in females than males, and may be associated with other disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Hyperactivity is also harder to spot in adults than in children who exhibit it with obvious signs like running and jumping. Adults who are hyperactive can manifest as restlessness or inability of sitting still. Hyperactivity may also manifest as the tendency to tap your feet or bite your nails.
Symptoms of impulsivity, another symptom of ADHD, can include interrupting people while they're talking or acting without thinking, and disregarding social norms. It can also manifest as a desire to jump into activities before weighing the pros and cons, or to make decisions on the fly.
If you're unsure if your symptoms are related to ADHD, ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist who will perform an assessment. Request from your insurance provider a local list of specialists who are certified to diagnose and treat ADHD. You can also reach out to local support groups, hospitals that are based at universities, or graduate schools to find out if any professionals are familiar with treating adult ADHD.
5. You're having a hard time Multitasking
A person with ADHD may struggle to complete multiple tasks at the same time. This is because the brain of a person with ADHD is prone to get absorbed in a task it finds interesting and has a difficult time shifting its attention away from it. This causes a lack of ability to finish tasks, and it can result in procrastination and a general feeling of disorganization.
This type of symptom can be observed in the workplace, as an adult is struggling to complete projects or maintaining their productivity. For instance, an adult might be prone to jumping between projects despite having numerous deadlines and other obligations related to work. They may have trouble organizing their calendar or keeping appointments such as meetings and doctor's appointments.
Children are more active than adults. However those who suffers from ADHD may still show signs of hyperactivity. They may be distracted during a meeting or fiddle with their fingers or hair and might have a hard time staying focused due to these activities.
If adult adhd symptom struggling to manage your obligations or are noticing signs of hyperactivity, talk to your doctor about an ADHD assessment. Your doctor or mental health specialist can recommend an experienced healthcare professional who performs ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask your friends or family members, a support group, or the benefits department of your company for suggestions.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD doesn't determine your potential. It can be a benefit like creativity or adaptability. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and you are able to collaborate with a specialist to develop strategies and structures that help you manage your symptoms and excel in your work and at home.