Adult Signs of ADHD
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually not diagnosed and therefore, not treated. They may struggle to manage their responsibilities at school as well as at work. This can lead to problems in their personal life.
A thorough assessment usually involves having a spouse, partner or a family member speak with the person about his or her history of ADHD symptoms and behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
People who struggle to concentrate may be suffering from an ADHD diagnosis. They may struggle with school or work tasks, like making reports or meeting deadlines, because they are unable to stay on task. The reason for this is that their brains are easily distracted and have a difficult time regulating emotions like anger, depression, anxiety or depression. Additionally, they have trouble following instructions in multiple steps or retaining information.
ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in childhood, however they can be seen in adults too. Many adults who are diagnosed as having ADHD are surprised since 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 major relief. You can now understand why you've always experienced difficulties focusing and realize that it is not your fault. You can take steps to improve your life.
If you suffer from ADHD, the best way to diagnose it is to consult an experienced health professional who can conduct an extensive evaluation and provide an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or you can call a local university hospital medical school, medical school or graduate school of psychology to find out whether they know anyone who is qualified. Some insurance plans provide professionals according to their specialties and can help you find the one that is suitable for you. You could also consider joining an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations from other people who suffer from this condition.
2. You're always fidgeting
Fidgeting could be an indication of adhd in adults. Fidgeting is not uncommon, but it can be an indication that you may have an underlying issue, such as ADHD. Fidgeting is common in the hands and feet, but can occur anywhere on the body. It can look like doodling in a meeting, gnashing your nails or tapping your feet. Fidgeting should not be done while operating machinery or driving.
Adults with hyperactivity are more difficult to recognize than it is in children. People with ADHD may not show any obvious signs, but they are still agitated or overwhelmed. They might enter rooms without knocking, or interrupt conversations even if they're not asked to participate. Consult your doctor about an ADHD assessment if hyperactivity is interfering with your ability to sleep or be productive.
You should be able to get an appointment from your doctor or from the website of the CHADD professional directory. If you have insurance, you can ask your insurance provider to refer you to a doctor that performs ADHD tests. It's important to be honest and transparent with your doctor regarding your ADHD symptoms. They must be aware of the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your life. If you keep information from them it could result in a mistaken diagnosis or a treatment plan that doesn't work for you. A good doctor will assess your condition and develop a treatment program that includes counseling, medication and lifestyle changes. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults will also suggest that you join an organization for support.
3. You're always late
We all know someone who is always late, and while it might be the subject of jokes in some social situations but it can be extremely stressful for the people around them. It could be a sign that an adult has ADHD.
It could be that you're always late because of an overbooked day or the necessity of finishing one project before starting another or a lack of planning (this is called the "planning fallacy"). It may also be because the person is impulsive, and doesn't consider their actions prior to deciding. For example, rushing into rooms without knocking on the door or interrupting conversations without asking. This type of behavior can cause tension and missed opportunities, both for the person and those closest to them.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not realize that their irritability is an issue or how it affects other people. In some cases people may be able to hide their symptoms at work or in social settings however if they are constantly causing problems, it is important to discuss them openly with a qualified medical professional or mental health expert.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is often beneficial to have their spouses or non-ADHD friends interviewed as part of the assessment process to gain a greater knowledge of the effects on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD spouse develop an empathetic attitude towards the person who is diagnosed, and also improve their relationship after the diagnosis. A positive outlook on the effects of ADHD can help to avoid feelings of shame and embarrassment.
4. You Are Always Disorganized
It is possible that you have trouble finding your keys or remembering important dates if you are a chronically chaotic. You may also be struggling to complete household chores or complete work projects. These issues can lead to the loss of self-esteem as well as confidence in your abilities. Undiagnosed disorganization can affect your work and relationships with other people and health. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can give you some relief and optimism, since it shows that your struggles are not caused by a lack of intelligence or apathy.
In our culture being unorganized or forgetful is often misunderstood as a flaw in character. It is also more common among women than men and it can also be a sign of other disorders like anxiety or depression.
Hyperactivity can be more difficult to detect in adults than in children who exhibit it with obvious signs like running and jumping. Adults with hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness or inability to remain still. Hyperactivity can also manifest as the 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 could also manifest as a tendency for you to make decisions without taking into consideration the pros and cons, or engage in an activity without taking into account the pros and cons.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by ADHD, ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist who will conduct an assessment. Request from your insurance provider an area-specific list of specialists who are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD. You can also inquire with local support groups, universities-based hospitals or graduate schools to determine if they have any professionals who are skilled in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
5. You're having a difficult time multitasking
A person suffering from ADHD may struggle to complete multiple tasks at once. This is due to the fact that the brain of someone with ADHD is prone to become absorbed in completing the task that is interesting to it and is unable to shift its attention away from it. This leads to an inability to complete tasks, which could lead to procrastination or an overall feeling of disorganization.
This type of symptom can be observed in the workplace, as adults struggle to finish tasks or maintaining productivity. For instance, an adult could be prone to jumping between projects, even though they have many deadlines and other work-related commitments. They might have difficulty organizing their schedule and keeping on top of important events like doctor's appointments.
Hyperactivity in children is more evident than it is in adults, however, a person with ADHD may show signs of hyperactivity. They may play with their hair or fingers in a meeting, or doodle during meetings. They might also have difficulties staying focused.
If you're struggling to manage your responsibilities or are seeing signs of hyperactivity, speak with your health professional about an ADHD evaluation. Your physician or a mental health specialist can recommend a licensed healthcare professional who conducts ADHD evaluations for adults. You could also ask your family member or friend, 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 positive thing like creativity or adaptability. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD and you are able to collaborate with a specialist to develop strategies and structures that help you manage your symptoms and thrive in the workplace and at home.