Adult Signs of ADHD
As adults, people with ADHD often go undiagnosed and untreated. They might have a hard time managing their responsibilities in work and at school, which can result in issues in their personal lives as well.
A thorough evaluation usually includes having a spouse, partner or a family member speak with the individual about the history of ADHD symptoms and behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
People who have trouble focusing may have an ADHD diagnosis. They may struggle with school or work tasks, like writing reports or meeting deadlines due to their inability to stay on task. Their brains are easily distracted and they are unable to regulate emotions like anger, depression, or anxiety. In addition, they have trouble following multi-step directions or retaining details.
ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in children, but can be seen in adults as well. Many adults who are diagnosed having ADHD are surprised 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 great relief. It is now clear why you've always experienced trouble focusing, and realize it's not your fault. You can now take action to improve your life.
You can determine ADHD by consulting a health professional who will perform an extensive assessment and give an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your physician for recommendations, or you can contact a local hospital, medical school or graduate school of psychology to see whether they know anyone who is qualified. Some insurance plans list professionals based on their specialties. They can assist you in finding the right one for you. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to receive recommendations from other people who have this condition.
2. You're Always Fidgeting
If you are unable to remain still and are having difficulties focusing, fidgeting might be an adult indication of adhd. Fidgeting isn't uncommon, but it can be a sign that you have underlying issues such as ADHD. Fidgeting can happen with any part of the body, however it is more common in the feet and hands. It could look like drawing in a meeting, biting your nails or tapping your feet. Fidgeting is not a good idea when driving or operating machinery.
Adult hyperactivity is more difficult to detect than that of children. People with ADHD might not display any obvious signs, but they are still agitated or overwhelmed. They may barge in without knocking on doors or interrupt conversations even when they're not invited. Discuss with your doctor an ADHD assessment if hyperactivity is interfering with your ability to sleep or perform tasks.
You are likely to receive a referral from your doctor or via the website of a CHADD professional directory. If you are insured, you can ask your insurance provider to assist you in finding an expert who can conduct ADHD assessments. It is recommended to discuss your ADHD symptoms in a candid and honest manner with the doctor. They need to know all your symptoms and how they affect your life. Withholding information could lead to a wrong diagnosis or a treatment that isn't right for your needs. A reputable doctor will examine you and develop a treatment plan that would include counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes. They may also recommend a support group for you to join.
3. You Are Always Late
We all know someone who is perpetually late and while it could be the source of laughter in certain social situations however, it can be incredibly stressful for those around them. It could be a sign that an adult has ADHD.
It could be that you're always late because of an overbooked schedule or the need to finish one task before beginning another or a lack of planning (this is known as the "planning fallacy"). It could also be that the person is quick-witted and doesn't consider the consequences before taking action, for example, barging into rooms without knocking or interrupting conversations without being asked. This kind of behavior could lead to strained relations and missed opportunities, both for the individual and the people closest to them.
The issue is that many adults with ADHD aren't aware of their inability to cope as a result of the disorder, or they don't realize how much their disorder impacts other people. In some instances the person may be able to hide their symptoms at work or in social settings, but if they are always causing issues it is crucial to discuss them openly with a qualified physician or mental health professional.
As part of the assessment during the evaluation, it is beneficial to talk with the non-ADHD spouse or spouse of those who have been identified with ADHD to gain an understanding of how the condition affects their lives. This Internet page can also help the non-ADHD partner to develop a more compassionate attitude towards the person, and can help improve their relationship once the diagnosis has been given. A positive view of ADHD can help you avoid feelings of embarrassment and shame.
4. You're Always Disorganized
If you're constantly disorganized You may be struggling to find your keys or remembering important dates. You might also struggle to manage household chores or to finish work projects. These issues can lead to an insecurity and a low self-esteem. If undiagnosed, disorder could cause problems for your career, personal relationships and health in general. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can give you relief and hope, as it demonstrates that your problems are not due to a lack of intelligence or apathy.
In our culture, being disorganized or forgetful is often seen as a character flaw. It is more prevalent in females than males, and may be associated with other disorders like anxiety or depression.
Adult hyperactivity is more difficult to detect than in children who display it through obvious indicators like running and jumping. Hyperactivity in adults can manifest as a lack of rest or a difficulty of sitting still. It can also show up as a tendency to bite your nails or tapping your feet.
Impulsivity is a symptom of ADHD can include interrupting other people while they're talking, acting without thinking and disregarding social norms. It may also manifest by a tendency to make decisions without taking into consideration the pros and cons, or engage in an activity without weighing the pros and con.
If you're unsure whether your symptoms are due to ADHD, consult your doctor to refer you to a specialist who can conduct an assessment. Request your insurance company for an area-specific list of experts who are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. You can also contact local support groups, hospitals affiliated with universities, or graduate schools to find out if any professionals are familiar with treating adults ADHD.
5. You're not able to multitasking
A person suffering from ADHD might have difficulty with several tasks at once. This is because the brain of someone with ADHD has a tendency to become absorbed in completing an activity that it finds fascinating and has a difficult time shifting its focus away from it. This results in a failure to complete tasks, and could lead to procrastination or a general feeling of disorganization.
This symptom can be seen in the workplace, where an adult struggles with completing projects or maintaining their productivity. For instance, an adult could be inclined to jump from one project to another despite having numerous deadlines and other obligations related to work. They might have difficulty organizing their schedule and keeping on top of important events such as meetings or doctor's appointments.
Children's hyperactivity is more apparent than it is in adults, but an adult with ADHD can still exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity. They might fiddle with their fingers or hair during a meeting, or doodle during a meeting. They might also have difficulty staying focused.
If you are struggling to keep up with your responsibilities or are seeing signs of hyperactivity, speak with your health professional about an ADHD assessment. Your doctor or mental health specialist could be able recommend an experienced healthcare professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also inquire with your friends or family members, a support group, or the benefits department of your company for recommendations.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD doesn't determine your capabilities. It could be a benefit, such as creativity and adaptability. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, a professional can assist you in developing strategies and structures to assist you in managing your symptoms and excel at home and at work.