Adult Signs of ADHD
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually not diagnosed and therefore, not treated. They may have difficulty managing their school and at work. click through the next article can cause difficulties in their personal lives.
A thorough evaluation typically includes having a partner, spouse or a family member speak with the person regarding his or her history of ADHD symptoms and behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
People who have trouble focusing may have an ADHD diagnosis. They may struggle in school or with work responsibilities, like reporting on deadlines or writing reports. Their brains are easily distracted and they are unable to regulate emotions such as anger, depression, or anxiety. They also have difficulty following instructions with multiple steps or remembering specific details.
ADHD symptoms are more common in childhood, however they can also be found in adults too. Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD as adults are surprised to find out they suffer from it because the symptoms weren't a concern 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 great relief. You now understand why you've always struggled with staying focused, and realize that it's not your fault. You can now take action 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 an exhaustive evaluation and provide an accurate diagnosis. You can request a referral or call a local university-based hospital or medical school, or graduate school in psychology to determine if they have someone qualified. Some insurance plans offer specialists by specialization and can help you locate the right one for you. You can join an adult ADHD support group and receive recommendations from others who have this condition.
2. You're always fumbling
Fidgeting could be a sign of adhd in adults. Fidgeting isn't uncommon however it could be an indication of problems that are underlying, like ADHD. Fidgeting can occur in any part of the body, but it is most prevalent in the feet and hands. It could look like drawing in a meeting, gnashing your nails or tapping your feet. Fidgeting is not recommended when driving or operating machinery.
Adults who are hyperactive are harder to spot than it is in children. Certain people suffering from ADHD do not display obvious signs of being restless but they are in a state of anxiety or overwhelmed by too much to do. They may be seen knocking on doors or interrupt conversations even if they're not invited. Talk to your doctor about an ADHD assessment if you notice that your hyperactivity is affecting your ability to sleep or perform tasks.
You should be able to get a referral from your doctor or via the website of the CHADD professional directory. If you are insured, you can ask your plan to assist you in finding a doctor that performs ADHD assessments. It is best to discuss your ADHD symptoms in a candid and honest manner with your doctor. They must be aware of all your symptoms and how they impact your life. Withholding information could lead to a faulty diagnosis or a plan of treatment that doesn't suit your needs. A qualified doctor will assess you and develop an appropriate treatment plan that will include counseling, medication, and lifestyle modifications. They will also suggest that you join a support group.
3. You are always late
We all know someone who is always late. While it may be a source of laughter in certain social settings however the stress it creates for the people around them can be quite severe. It can be a sign an adult is struggling with ADHD.
Being consistently late may stem from an overbooking of the day, a need to complete a task before tackling another or simply the inability to plan ahead (this is a common error called the planning fallacy). It could also be because the person is extremely impatient and doesn't take the time to think about the consequences before taking action such as stepping into rooms without knocking, or interrupting conversations without asking. This type of behavior can lead to strained relationships and missed opportunities for both the person and their loved ones.
Many people with ADHD don't recognize the fact that they are a problem or how it affects other people. Some people may be able hide their symptoms at workplace or in social settings. However, if symptoms are causing problems it is important to speak to an expert in mental health or doctor.
As part of the evaluation, it can be helpful to interview the non-ADHD partner or spouse of those diagnosed with ADHD to gain an understanding of the way that the condition impacts their lives. This can also help the non-ADHD person to develop a more compassionate attitude towards the person, and can help improve their relationship after the diagnosis has been given. A healthy perspective on ADHD can help avoid feelings of embarrassment and shame.
4. You're Always Disorganized
If you're constantly disorganized you might be struggling to locate your keys or remembering important dates. You might also struggle to manage household chores or to finish work projects. These problems could lead to the loss of self-esteem as well as confidence in your abilities. If not addressed, the disorder could cause problems for your work, personal relationships, and overall health. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can provide relief and hope, as it demonstrates that your problems aren't due to lack of intelligence or laziness.
In our culture being unorganized or forgetful is often seen as a character flaw. It is more common in females than men, and can be associated with other disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Hyperactivity can be more difficult to spot in adults than children, who show it with obvious signs such as running and jumping. Instead the signs of hyperactivity in adults could come in the form of anxiety or inability to sit still. It may also manifest as biting your nails or tapping your feet.
Symptoms of impulsivity, another symptom of ADHD may include interrupting others when they're speaking or acting out without thinking and disobeying social norms. It could also manifest as a tendency to jump into activities before weighing the pros and cons, or to make decisions on the spot.
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. You can also ask your insurance company for a list of specialists in your area who are able to treat ADHD. You can also check with local support groups, hospitals that are university-based or graduate schools to determine if they have any professionals who are experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
5. You're having 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 a person with ADHD tends to get focused on a task that interests it, and it has trouble shifting attention away from this task. This leads to an inability to finish tasks, and it could lead to procrastination or 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 example, an adult may be prone to hopping from one project to another despite having many deadlines and other obligations related to work. They may have trouble organizing their calendars and keeping track of important events, such as meetings or doctor's appointments.
Children are more active than adults. However those with ADHD might still exhibit signs of hyperactivity. They may be distracted during meetings or play with their hair or fingers, and they might have a hard time staying focused due to these actions.
If you're struggling to keep up with your responsibilities, or you 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 expert in healthcare who is qualified to conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You may also contact your friends or family members, a support group, or the benefits department at your workplace for recommendations.
It is crucial to remember that ADHD is not a defining factor for your capabilities and may be a strength in certain areas, such as creativity or adaptability. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and you are able to work with a professional to create strategies and structures to help you overcome your issues and be successful in the workplace and at home.