Adult Signs of ADHD
Adults with ADHD are usually not diagnosed and therefore, not treated. They might have a hard managing their responsibilities at school and work, resulting in difficulties in their personal lives as well.
A thorough evaluation usually includes having a spouse, partner or a family member speak with the person regarding his or her past experiences with ADHD symptoms and behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
ADHD is a condition that can be identified in those who are having difficulty focus. They may have trouble with their work or school tasks, like reporting on deadlines or writing reports, because they are unable to remain focused. Their brains are easily distractible and have difficulty regulating emotions such as anger, depression, or anxiety. They also have trouble following instructions with many steps or recalling specific details.
ADHD symptoms are more common in childhood, however they can also be found in adults as well. In fact, many who are diagnosed with ADHD as adults are surprised to learn they have it because the symptoms weren't a concern prior to. 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. It is now clear why you've always had difficulties focusing and realize that it's not your fault. You can take action to improve your life.
You can diagnose ADHD by speaking with an experienced health professional who will conduct an exhaustive assessment and provide an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for recommendations or contact the local hospital that is a university or medical school, or graduate school in psychology to determine whether they have a qualified person. Some insurance plans list specialists according to their specialties and can assist you in finding the best one for you. You could also consider joining an adult ADHD support group to get suggestions from others who have this condition.
2. You're Always Fidgeting
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 continuous fidgeting may be a sign of underlying problems like ADHD. Fidgeting is a common thing on the feet and hands but it can also occur everywhere on the body. It could be seen as doodles at a conference or tapping your feet. It is not an ideal idea to be fidgeting while you are driving or operating machinery.
Adults who are hyperactive are harder to detect than it is in children. Certain people suffering from ADHD do not display obvious indications of being anxious however they are constantly stressed or overwhelmed by the sheer amount of to do. They may enter rooms without knocking or interrupting conversations, even if they're not asked to participate. Discuss with your doctor an ADHD assessment if your hyperactivity is affecting your ability to sleep or be productive.
You will likely receive a referral from your physician or through the website of a CHADD professional directory. If you are insured, you can ask your insurance provider to refer you to a doctor that performs ADHD tests. It's best to discuss your ADHD symptoms openly and honestly with the doctor. They need to know all your symptoms and how they impact your life. If you hold back information this could lead to a mistaken diagnosis or a treatment plan that isn't working for you. A good doctor will assess your medical condition and create a treatment program that includes counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes. They will also recommend a support group to join.
3. You're Always Late
Most of us have a friend who is always late and while it could be the source of laughter in certain social settings, it can be very stressful for the people who are around them. It could be a sign an adult is struggling with ADHD.
Being consistently late can result from an overbooking of the day, a desire to complete a task before tackling another or simply the inability to plan ahead (this is a common mistake called the planning fallacy). It could also be that the person is extremely impatient and doesn't take the time to think about actions before acting, for example, barging into rooms without knocking, or interjecting in conversations without being asked. This kind of behavior could cause strained relationships and missed opportunities for both the person and their loved ones.
Many adults with ADHD do not realize that their tardiness is a problem or how it affects other people. Some people might be able to hide their symptoms at workplace or in social settings. However, if what are symptoms of adhd in adults are causing problems it is important to speak to a mental health professional or doctor.
As part of the evaluation during the evaluation, it is beneficial 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 also assist the spouse with no ADHD in developing an understanding of the person who is diagnosed, and also improve their relationship after the diagnosis. A positive view of ADHD can help to keep from feeling embarrassed and shame.
4. You Are Always Disorganized
If you're constantly disorganized, you may be struggling to locate your keys or remembering important appointments. You might also find it difficult to complete household or work tasks. These problems can lead to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem. Undiagnosed disorganization can affect your career and relationships with other people and health. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can bring some relief and optimism, since it indicates that your difficulties aren't due to lack of intelligence or apathy.
In our society being unorganized or forgetful is often misunderstood as a flaw in character. It is also more prevalent in women than men, and may also be associated with other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Hyperactivity is also more difficult to recognize for adults than children, who show it with obvious indicators like running and jumping. Instead, hyperactivity in adults may come in the form of restlessness or an inability to stay still. Hyperactivity may also manifest as an urge to tap your feet or bite your nails.
Symptoms of impulsivity, another sign of ADHD can include interrupting other people when they're talking, acting without thinking and disobeying social norms. It could also manifest as a desire to jump into activities before you've weighed the pros and cons or to make decisions on the fly.
If you're unsure whether your symptoms are related to ADHD, consult your doctor to refer you to a specialist who can conduct an assessment. Request from your insurance provider the names of local experts who are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. You can also inquire with local support groups, university-based hospitals or graduate schools to find out whether they have specialists who are experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
5. You're having a hard time multitasking
Someone with ADHD may have trouble completing multiple tasks simultaneously. This is because the brain of a person with ADHD has a tendency to get caught up in a task it finds interesting and has difficulty shifting its focus away from it. This can lead to being unable to finish tasks and can also cause procrastination.
This symptom can be seen in the workplace, when an adult struggles with completing projects or maintaining productivity. An adult may be prone of jumping from project to despite having a lot of deadlines and work-related obligations. They might have a difficult time organizing their schedule or keeping the track of important events such as meetings and doctor's appointments.
Hyperactivity in children is more obvious than it is in adults, but an adult with ADHD can still exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity. They may be distracted during meetings or play with their fingers or hair, and they might struggle to stay focused due to these activities.
If you're struggling to meet your obligations or notice signs of hyperactivity, speak to your doctor about an ADHD assessment. Your doctor or mental health specialist can recommend an experienced healthcare professional who performs ADHD assessments for adults. You could also ask a friend or family member or a support group, or your employer's benefits department for suggestions.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a defining factor for your abilities and could be a positive thing in certain areas, such as creativity or adaptability. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, you can collaborate with a specialist to create strategies and structures to help you manage your symptoms and thrive in the workplace and at home.