Adult Signs of ADHD
Adults with ADHD are often not diagnosed and therefore, not treated. They may struggle with their school and work. This can cause difficulties in their personal lives.
A thorough assessment will typically include the involvement of a spouse or partner to talk to the person about their history of ADHD symptoms or behavior.
1. You Can't Focus
People who struggle to concentrate may be suffering from an ADHD diagnosis. They might have difficulties working or school responsibilities, like making reports or meeting deadlines. The reason for this is that their brains are easily distracted and have a difficult managing emotions such as anxiety, depression or anger. They also have difficulty following instructions with multiple steps or remembering specific details.
ADHD symptoms are more common in children, but can also occur in adults. Many adults who are diagnosed having ADHD are surprised since 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 huge relief. You can now see why you've always struggled with focusing, and realize that it's not your fault. You can take steps to address it and improve your life.
You can identify ADHD by consulting an experienced health professional who will conduct a thorough assessment and provide an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for recommendations or contact a local university-based hospital or medical school, or graduate school of psychology to find out if they have someone qualified. Certain insurance plans will also list professionals by specialty and can help you find the one that is suitable for you. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get suggestions from others who have this condition.
2. You're always fidgeting
Fidgeting is an indicator of adhd in adults. Fidgeting is not uncommon, but it can be an indication that you may have problems that are underlying, like ADHD. Fidgeting is commonplace in the feet and hands, but can occur anywhere on the body. It could look like drawing in a meeting, gnashing your nails or tapping your foot. Fidgeting should not be done while operating machinery or driving.
Adult hyperactivity is harder to spot than that of children. Some people with ADHD may not show any obvious signs, however they are still agitated or overwhelmed. They might enter rooms without knocking, or interrupt conversations even when they're not invited to contribute. Consult your doctor about an ADHD evaluation if hyperactivity is interfering with your ability to sleep or be productive.
You should be able to get a referral from your physician or via the website of a CHADD professional directory. If you have insurance, you can request your insurance company to help you find a doctor who performs ADHD assessments. It is recommended to discuss your ADHD symptoms in a candid and honest manner with the doctor. They must be aware of your entire symptoms and how they affect your life. Refraining from information could lead to a false diagnosis or treatment that isn't right for you. A good doctor will analyze your medical condition and create an appropriate treatment plan that includes medication, counseling and lifestyle changes. They may also suggest a support group to join.
3. You're always late
We all know someone who is always late. While it may be a source for laughter in certain social situations but the stress it causes for those around them can be extreme. symptoms of add in adults could be a sign that an adult suffers from ADHD.
Being consistently late may stem from an overbooking of the day, a desire to finish a particular project before beginning another or simply an inability to plan ahead (this is a common error called the planning fallacy). It could also be that the person is impulsive and doesn't think through the consequences before taking action such as stepping into rooms without knocking, or interrupting conversations without being asked. This type of behavior can lead to strained relations and missed opportunities for the person and those around them.
Many adults with ADHD don't recognize the fact that they are a problem or how it affects other people. Some people might be able to conceal their symptoms at workplace or in social settings. However, if symptoms are causing issues, it is essential to talk to a mental health professional or doctor.
In the course 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 how the condition affects their lives. This also helps the non-ADHD spouse develop a more empathetic attitude towards the person they are with and can help improve their relationship once the diagnosis is made. A healthy perspective on ADHD can help to avoid feelings of embarrassment and shame.
4. You Are Always Disorganized
You might have difficulty finding your keys or remembering important dates if are a chronically chaotic. You may also find it difficult to complete household or work tasks. These issues can cause an insecurity and a low self-esteem. Undiagnosed disorder can impact your career, relationships with others, and your overall health. The diagnosis of adult ADHD can bring hope and relief, as it proves that your problems aren't due to a lack in intelligence or apathy.
In our culture being unorganized or forgetful is often seen as a character flaw. It is more prevalent among females than males, and may occur with other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Adult hyperactivity is more difficult to detect than that of children who display it in obvious signs such as jumping and running. Instead adult hyperactivity could come in the form of unrest or inability to stay still. Hyperactivity may also manifest as the tendency to tap your feet or gnaw your nails.
Other signs of ADHD include interrupting people when they're talking, not thinking about their actions, and disobeying social norms. It could also manifest as a tendency to engage in activities before weighing the pros and cons, or to make decisions on the spot.
If you're unsure whether your symptoms are related to ADHD you should consult your physician for a referral to an expert who can conduct an assessment. You can also ask your insurance provider for a list of specialists in your area who are certified to treat ADHD. You can also reach out to local support groups, hospitals affiliated with universities, or graduate schools to determine whether there are any professionals who are familiar with treating adults ADHD.
5. You have a hard time multitasking
A person with ADHD might have difficulty completing multiple tasks simultaneously. This is because the brain of someone with ADHD is prone to become absorbed in completing an activity that it finds fascinating and has difficulty shifting its focus away from it. This results in a failure to finish tasks, which can lead to procrastination and an overall feeling of disorganization.
This condition can also show up in the workplace if adults struggle to finish projects or keep up with productivity. For instance, an adult could be prone to jumping between projects, even though they have many deadlines and other commitments to work. They may have trouble organizing their calendar and keeping on top of important events like doctor's appointments.
Children are more hyperactive than adults. However those with ADHD might show signs of hyperactivity. They may play with their hair or fingers during an event, or even doodle during a meeting. They might also experience difficulty staying focused.
If you're struggling to meet your responsibilities or are seeing signs of hyperactivity, speak with your health professional about an ADHD assessment. Your doctor or mental health specialist might be able to suggest an expert in healthcare who is qualified to perform ADHD evaluations on adults. You may also contact your family members or friends, a support group, or the benefits department of your company for suggestions.
It is crucial to remember that ADHD is not a defining factor for your capabilities and may be a strength in some areas, such as creativity or adaptability. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD and you are able to collaborate with a specialist to create strategies and structures to help you manage your symptoms and excel in the workplace and at home.