Adult Signs of ADHD
Adults with ADHD are often not diagnosed and untreated. They may struggle with their responsibilities at school as well as at work. This can cause difficulties in their personal lives.
A thorough assessment usually involves having a spouse, partner or a family member speak with the individual about his or her past experiences with ADHD symptoms and behavior.
1. You Can't Focus
People who have trouble focusing might have an ADHD diagnosis. They may have trouble with school or work tasks, like making reports or meeting deadlines, because they are unable to stay on task. The reason is that their brains are easily distracted and have a tough managing emotions such as anger, depression, anxiety or depression. Additionally they struggle to follow instructions in multiple steps or retaining information.
ADHD symptoms are more common in children, but they can also occur in adults. In fact, many people who are diagnosed with ADHD as adults are surprised to find out they are suffering from it since the symptoms weren't a problem 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 great relief. You can now see why you've always struggled with in focusing, and realize it's not your fault. You can make changes to fix it and improve your life.
You can identify ADHD by contacting an expert in health care who will conduct an exhaustive assessment and provide 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 find out whether they know someone who is competent. Certain insurance plans will provide professionals according to their specialties and can help you find one who is right for you. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get suggestions from other people with this condition.
2. You're always fidgeting
Fidgeting is a sign of adhd in adults. Many people believe that it's normal to fidget, but persistent fidgeting can be a sign of deeper problems like ADHD. Fidgeting is commonplace on the feet and hands however it can happen everywhere on the body. It may appear as doodles at a conference or tapping your feet. Fidgeting should not be done while driving or operating machinery.
Adult hyperactivity is more difficult to detect than the hyperactivity of children. Certain people suffering from ADHD may not display any obvious signs, but they still feel restless or overwhelmed. They might enter rooms without knocking or interrupting conversations, even if they're not asked to participate. Consult your doctor about an ADHD assessment if you notice that you are experiencing problems with your ability to sleep or work.
You can get an appointment with your doctor or on the website of the CHADD professional directory. If you have insurance you may ask your plan to help you find an expert who can conduct ADHD tests. It's best to discuss your ADHD symptoms openly and honestly with your doctor. They must be aware of all your symptoms and how they impact your life. Refraining from information could lead to a wrong diagnosis or treatment that doesn't suit your needs. A reputable doctor will examine your health and formulate an appropriate treatment plan that will include counseling, medication and lifestyle changes. They may also suggest a support group 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 situations but the stress it causes for those around them could be extreme. It can also be a sign that an adult suffers from ADHD.
It could be that you are always late due to an overbooked work schedule or the need to finish one task before beginning another or a lack of planning (this is called the "planning fallacy"). It could also be that the person is overly impatient and doesn't take the time to think about actions before acting like rushing into rooms without knocking or interrupting conversations without asking. This type of behavior may cause tension and missed opportunities, both for the individual and the people closest to them.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't recognize that their tardiness is a problem or how it affects other people. In symptoms of adhd might be able to conceal their symptoms at work or in social settings however if they are constantly causing problems, it is important to discuss the issue with a seasoned physician or mental health professional.
As part of the evaluation, it can be helpful to interview the non-ADHD partner or spouse of those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to gain an understanding of the way that the condition impacts their lives. This can help the non-ADHD spouse develop a more empathic attitude towards the person, and 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 Unorganized
It is possible that you have trouble finding your keys or remembering important dates if you are chronically unorganized. It is also possible that you struggle to keep up with household tasks or complete work projects. These issues can lead to an erosion of self-esteem and confidence in your own abilities. If not addressed, the disorder can have a negative impact on your career, personal relationships, and overall health. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can bring relief and hope, as it indicates that your difficulties are not caused by a lack of intelligence or laziness.
In our culture being unorganized or forgetful is often viewed as a flaw in character. It is more prevalent in females than males, and may be associated with other disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Adult hyperactivity is harder to detect than in children who show it through obvious signs such as jumping and running. Hyperactivity in adults can manifest as restlessness or inability of sitting still. It may also manifest as biting your nails or tapping your feet.
Other symptoms of ADHD include interrupting others when they are talking, acting out without thinking, and ignoring 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 taking into account the pros and cons.
If you're not sure if your symptoms are related to ADHD you should consult your physician to refer you to an expert who can conduct an assessment. Request your insurance company for a local list of specialists who are certified to diagnose and treat ADHD. You can also contact local support groups, hospitals that are university-based or graduate schools to determine whether they have specialists who are familiar with treating adults with ADHD.
5. You Have a Hard Time Multitasking
A person suffering from ADHD may have trouble completing multiple tasks at once. The reason for this is that the brain of someone with ADHD tends to get absorbed in the task that is interesting to it, and it has trouble shifting attention away from this task. This causes a lack of ability to finish tasks, and could lead to procrastination or a general feeling of disorganization.
This symptom can be seen in the workplace, as an adult struggles with completing projects or maintaining their productivity. For example, an adult may be inclined to jump from one project to another, even though they have numerous deadlines and other work-related commitments. They may have trouble organizing their calendar and keeping the track of important events, like doctor's appointments.
Children are more active than adults. However people with ADHD may still show signs of hyperactivity. They may play with their fingers or hair in meetings, or draw while in a meeting. They might also experience difficulty staying focused.
Consult your physician about an ADHD evaluation if you're having trouble managing your time, or seeing signs of hyperactivity. Your doctor or mental health specialist might be able to suggest an expert in healthcare who is qualified to conduct ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also inquire with your family members or friends or a support group or the benefits department at your workplace for recommendations.
It is important to remember that ADHD does not define your potential. It could be a strength that is a source of creativity and adaptability. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, a professional can assist you in developing strategies and frameworks to assist you in managing your symptoms and thrive at home and at work.