Adult Signs of ADHD
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually not diagnosed and untreated. They might have a hard dealing with their responsibilities at work and at school, which can result in problems in their personal lives as well.
A thorough evaluation will usually include the involvement of a spouse or partner to interview the person to learn about their experience with ADHD symptoms or behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
ADHD is a condition that can be identified for those who have trouble focusing. They may have trouble with school or work responsibilities, such as making 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 anxiety, depression or rage. In addition they struggle to follow instructions in multiple steps or retaining information.
ADHD symptoms are more common in childhood, however they can also be found 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.
Having an adult ADHD diagnosis can be a relief. You now know why you've always experienced trouble focusing, and realize it's not the fault of you. You can take steps to address it and improve your life.
If you have ADHD, the best way to diagnose it is through a health care professional who can perform an extensive evaluation and provide an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for a referral or call an area hospital affiliated with a university or medical school graduate school of psychology to find out whether they have a specialist who is qualified. Some insurance plans provide professionals according to their specialties and can help you locate one who is right for you. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations from other people who have this condition.
2. You're always fumbling
If you can't sit still and have difficulties focusing, fidgeting might be an adult indication of adhd. Many people believe it's normal to fidget, but persistent fidgeting can be a sign of underlying problems like ADHD. Fidgeting can occur in any part of the body, however it is more common in the hands and feet. It may appear as doodles at a conference or tapping your feet. It is not an ideal choice to play with your hands while driving or operating machinery.
Adults with hyperactivity are more difficult to detect than in children. Certain people suffering from ADHD might not display any overt signs, but they are still agitated or overwhelmed. They may be seen knocking on doors or interrupt conversations even if they're not invited. Consult your doctor about an ADHD assessment if your hyperactivity is affecting your ability to sleep or work.
You can request an appointment with your doctor or on the website of the CHADD professional directory. If you have insurance, you can ask your plan to refer you to an expert who can conduct ADHD assessments. It is best to discuss your ADHD symptoms openly and honestly with your doctor. They need to know the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your life. If you keep information from them, it could lead to an incorrect diagnosis or an treatment plan that doesn't work for you. A good doctor will evaluate your medical condition and create an effective treatment plan that incorporates counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes. They will also recommend joining a support group.
3. You're Always Late
We all have someone we know who is always late. While it may be a source of laughter in certain social situations, the stress it causes for those around them could be quite severe. It could also be an indication that an adult suffers from ADHD.
It could be that you are always late due to an overbooked schedule or the necessity of finishing one task before beginning another or a lack of planning (this is called the "planning fallacy"). It could also be due to the fact that the person is extremely quick-witted and doesn't consider actions prior to taking action, for example, barging into rooms without knocking, or interjecting in conversations without being asked. This type of behavior can lead to strained relations and missed opportunities for the person and those closest to them.
The problem is that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD aren't aware of their tardiness as a problem or don't know the extent to which their disorder affects other people. Some people might be able to hide their symptoms at work or in social situations. However, if symptoms are causing problems it is important to speak to a mental health professional or doctor.
As part of the evaluation as part of the evaluation, it may be beneficial to interview the non-ADHD partner or spouse of those who have been identified with ADHD to gain an understanding of the way that the condition impacts their lives. This can help the non-ADHD spouse develop an understanding of the person and improve their relationship following the diagnosis. A positive view of ADHD can help to avoid feelings of embarrassment and shame.
4. You Are Always Disorganized
You may have trouble finding your keys or remembering important dates if you are a chronically chaotic. You may also find it difficult to complete work or household tasks. These issues can lead to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem. Undiagnosed disorganization can affect your career as well as your relationships with others and health. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can provide some relief and optimism, since it shows that your struggles are not due to a lack of motivation or inattention.
Disorganization is often misunderstood in our culture, where being unorganized or forgetful could be viewed as a character flaw or a sign of mental illness. It is also more common among women than men and it can also be a sign of other illnesses like depression or anxiety.
Hyperactivity is also harder to recognize in adults than children who display it through obvious signs such as running and jumping. Adults who are hyperactive can manifest as a lack of rest or a difficulty to sit still. It can also show up as biting your nails or tapping your feet.
Other signs of ADHD include interrupting others when they are talking, not thinking about their actions, and disobeying social rules. It could also manifest 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're unsure whether your symptoms are related to ADHD, consult your doctor to refer you to an expert who can perform an evaluation. Ask symptoms of adhd in adults for the names of local specialists who are certified to diagnose and treat ADHD. You can also contact local support groups, university-based hospitals or graduate schools to determine whether they have specialists who are skilled in treating adults with ADHD.
5. You're not able to multitasking
A person with ADHD might have difficulty completing multiple tasks at the same time. This is because the brain of a person with ADHD is prone to get caught up in the task that is interesting to it and has difficulty shifting its focus away from it. This results in a failure to finish tasks, and it can lead to procrastination and a general feeling of disorganization.
This type of symptom can be observed in the workplace, when an adult struggles with completing tasks or maintaining productivity. For instance, an adult could be prone to hopping from one project to the next, even though they have many deadlines and other work-related commitments. They might have a difficult time organizing their schedule or keeping track of important events like appointments with doctors.
Children are more active than adults. However, a person with ADHD might show signs of hyperactivity. They may be distracted in meetings or play with their fingers or hair and may struggle to stay focused because of these behaviors.
If you are struggling to keep up with your responsibilities, or you are noticing signs of hyperactivity, talk to your health care professional about an ADHD evaluation. Your doctor or mental health specialist could be able recommend an experienced healthcare professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations on adults. You may also consult a family member or friend, a support group or your employer's benefits department for suggestions.
It is important to remember that ADHD doesn't define your capabilities and may be a strength in some areas, such as the ability to think creatively or be flexible. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD or other disorders, a professional will help you develop strategies and structures to assist you in managing your symptoms and perform well at home and at work.