Adult Signs of ADHD
As adults, people with ADHD often go undiagnosed and untreated. They may have difficulty managing their school obligations as well as at work. This can lead to issues in their personal lives.
A thorough evaluation typically includes having a spouse, partner or a family member speak with the individual about his or her history of ADHD symptoms and behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
People who are unable to focus might have an ADHD diagnosis. They may have trouble with their work or school responsibilities, such as reporting on deadlines or writing reports, because they are unable to remain focused. The reason is that their brains are easily distracted and have a tough to regulate emotions like anger, depression, or anxiety. Additionally, they have trouble following multi-step instructions or remembering details.
ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in children, but can also be observed in adults. Many adults who are diagnosed having ADHD are surprised because they did not have symptoms 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 great relief. You can now see 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.
You can diagnose ADHD by speaking with a health professional who will perform an extensive assessment and give an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for an appointment or contact the local hospital that is a university, medical school, or graduate school in psychology to determine whether they have a specialist who is qualified. Certain insurance plans provide professionals according to their specialties. They can assist you in finding the best one for your needs. You can join an adult ADHD support group and get suggestions from other people who suffer from this condition.
2. You're Always Fidgeting
Fidgeting can be a sign of adhd in adults. Many people believe it's normal to be fidgeting, but persistent fidgeting can be a sign of underlying issues such as ADHD. Fidgeting can be experienced by any part of the body, however it is more common in the feet and hands. It may appear as doodles at a conference or tapping your feet. Fidgeting is not a good idea when driving or operating machinery.
Hyperactivity in adults is harder to recognize than in children. Some people with ADHD may not show any obvious signs, however they are still agitated or overwhelmed. They may barge in without knocking on doors or interrupt conversations even when they're not invited. If you are experiencing excessive hyperactivity that affects your ability to work or rest well consult a physician about an ADHD evaluation.
You should be able to get an appointment from your doctor or via the website of a CHADD professional directory. If you are covered by health insurance, you may request your health plan to help you find a doctor who performs ADHD evaluations. It is recommended to discuss your ADHD symptoms openly and honestly with your doctor. They should be aware of all your symptoms and how they impact your life. If adult add symptoms keep information from them this could lead to a mistaken diagnosis or an treatment plan that isn't suited to your needs. A good doctor will evaluate your condition and create a treatment plan that will include counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes. They may also recommend a support group to join.
3. You Are Always Late
We all have someone we know who is always late. While it may be a source of humor in certain social situations, the stress it causes for the people around them can be extreme. It can also be a sign that an adult is suffering from ADHD.
It could be that you're always late because of an overbooked schedule, the need to finish one project before beginning another, or lack of planning (this is called the "planning fallacy"). It could also be that the person is overly impatient and doesn't take the time to think about the consequences before taking action, for example, barging into rooms without knocking, or interrupting conversations without being asked. This type of behavior can cause tension in relationships and missed opportunities for both the person as well as their loved ones.
The problem is that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD aren't aware of their inability to cope as a problem or don't know how much their disorder impacts other people. In some instances, a person might be able to conceal their symptoms in work and social situations, but if they are always causing issues it is crucial to talk about them with a qualified medical professional or mental health professional.
For those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is often helpful to have their spouses or partners who are not ADHD interviewed during the assessment process in order to gain a more comprehensive knowledge of the effects on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD spouse develop a more empathetic attitude towards the person, and will help improve their relationship after the diagnosis has been made. Having a healthy perspective on the effects of ADHD can also help you avoid feelings of shame and embarrassment.
4. You're Always Unorganized
If you're constantly disorganized You may be struggling to locate your keys or remembering important appointments. You might also struggle to complete household chores or to finish work projects. These issues could cause a loss of self-esteem and confidence in your capabilities. If undiagnosed, disorder can have a negative impact on your career, personal relationships and health in general. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can provide relief and hope, as it indicates that your difficulties are not due to a lack of intelligence or apathy.
In our culture, being disorganized or forgetful is often misunderstood as a character flaw. It is also more prevalent for women than men, and may also be associated with other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Hyperactivity is also more difficult to spot for adults than children, who show it with obvious signs such as running and jumping. Instead the signs of hyperactivity in adults could be a sign of restlessness or an inability to stay still. Hyperactivity can also manifest as the tendency to tap your feet or gnaw your nails.
Other signs of ADHD include interrupting people while they are talking, not thinking about their actions, and disobeying the social rules. It could be a sign of a tendency to jump into activities without considering the pros and cons, or to make decisions on the spot.
If you're unsure if your symptoms are due to ADHD you should ask your doctor to refer you to an expert who will conduct an evaluation. Ask your insurance provider for the names of local specialists who are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD. You can also contact local support groups, hospitals that are based at universities, or graduate schools to find out if any professionals are familiar with treating adult ADHD.
5. You're not able to multitasking
A person with ADHD might have difficulty 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 struggles to shift attention away from the task. This leads to an inability to finish tasks, and can lead to procrastination and an overall feeling of disorganization.
This is a symptom that can be observed in the workplace, when an adult struggles with completing projects or maintaining their productivity. Adults can of jumping from project to despite having a lot of deadlines and work-related obligations. They might have difficulty organizing their schedule and keeping the track of important events, such as meetings or doctor's appointments.
Hyperactivity in children is more evident than in adults, but a person with ADHD may still show signs of hyperactivity. They might doodle during meetings or play with their hair or fingers and may have a hard time staying focused because of these behaviors.
Discuss with your doctor an ADHD evaluation if you're experiencing difficulty keeping up with your responsibilities, or seeing signs of hyperactivity. Your doctor or mental health specialist could be able recommend an experienced healthcare professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You may also contact your friends or family members or a support group or the benefits department of your company for suggestions.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD doesn't define your capabilities. It can be a positive thing like creativity or ability to adapt. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, a professional can assist you in developing strategies and frameworks to help you manage symptoms and excel at home and at work.